YOUNG ADULT (YA)

 A target age group that typically refers to young readers, ages 12 or 14, up to 18—but readers older than that also read and enjoy books targeted to young readers. The specific age group varies, depending on who you ask. The books, mostly novels, can be described as works of realistic fiction that involve ideas and life transitions that young adults are concerned about, are involved in, or can relate to in some way. The main character is always a teenager or young adult. Any adults remain in the background of the story. The book itself is a book teens would choose to read on their own—not simply because it was assigned in class. Typically it is written in first person, and there are a limited number of characters in the book. Length is 125-250 pages. For more on what is often an illusive definition of YA literature, go to: http://chavelaque.blogspot.com/2009/06/theory-definition-of-ya-literature.html.