This genre is primarily written for readers aged twelve to eighteen, but it’s also a crossover genre with a strong appeal to adults. The "young adult" label is based on the intended audience, not necessarily the readers themselves.
Young adult books typically feature main characters between the ages of fifteen and nineteen, while stories with younger protagonists might fall into middle grade fiction. The key distinction between young adult and adult fiction lies in tone, themes, and perspective—YA fiction often explores themes of identity, growth, relationships, and self-discovery with an immediate, immersive voice, while adult fiction tends to offer more reflection and analysis.
Ultimately, the best book is the one you enjoy! We use industry classifications to help guide your search, but there are no limits to what you can read.
