Young adult literature

Young adult literature (YA) is typically written for readers aged 12 to 18^[1][2] and includes most of the themes found in adult fiction, such as friendship, substance abuse, alcoholism, and sexuality.^[3] It is characterized by simpler world building than adult literature as it seeks to highlight the experiences of adolescents in a variety of ways. There are various genres within young adult literature.

The earliest known use of term young adult occurred in 1942.^[4] Prior to the 1930s teenagers, adolescents and young adults were still considered children in society. Following the recognition of teenagers as a distinct group of people, the designation of young adult literature was developed by librarians to help teenagers make the transition between children's literature and adult literature.^[5] According to a study conducted in 2023, 55% of young adult literature consumers were over 18 years of age. 78% of adult consumers purchased with the intent to read themselves. Of these adult buyers, 51% were between ages 30 and 44.^[6] This highlights the fact that the consumption of young adult literature is heavily focused outside of the target audience range.