What makes a book YA?

What is YA literature?
Warning: before going any further be aware: this question bugs me!
It might be because the truth is, I don’t really know anymore.
Originally, I think it was intended as a marker for a step up from middle grade, but that simply isn’t true. Why do so many adults who enjoy reading big literary novels also love to sit down and munch though a YA book?

Because they are entertaining. And complex. And fun. And sad. And imaginative. And we like them! We like getting behind the vulnerable yet strong characters and watching them become whatever they can. We like being with them at those pivotal moments in their life that shape their futures – this is the beauty of what YA books offer.

So, why are they called YA books?

Is it that they are intended for YA readers?
Some might say that the content in YA books is rarely aimed at the 13-year-old reader. If that were the case, a lot of the assumed knowledge, references to historical events and adult themes that are ever more present would not be.

Is it that they are not meant for adults? Because why? Because, as adults we aren’t meant to have the fun reads? Bollocks!

So, why then, do so many adults feel as if they should somehow hide their addiction to YA books? Why, when if it weren’t for YA a lot of people wouldn’t bother reading nearly as much, are adults feeling they are not meant for them because the title of YA suggests so?

I don’t know.

It’s annoying!

Really.

I am 32 years old, I am well educated, have owned and run businesses. I’ve been married for over a decade and have 2 beautiful daughters and would classify myself as a mature and responsible parent. And, whilst giving myself a pat on the back (and purposely not pointing out any flaws!) I acknowledge that as a ferocious reader, of all genres, YA is my favourite by a mile! So what’s wrong with me?

Maybe it is the same thing that is wrong with the Dad who likes to throw a ball around in the park with his son? That Childish behaviour! Or perhaps, the same thing that is wrong with the 40 year old who went to the movies to see Shrek. Or, even better, maybe it is the same thing that has so many people tuning into shows like Gossip Girl or what obviously infected the majority of the adult population – The SIMPSON’s symptoms.

Maybe, there is nothing wrong with it at all!

When I write, I’m writing a story about my characters and I’m trying to make it the best story it can be. I am not sitting around constantly thinking; is this YA appropriate? Is this too childish? Not childish enough? Maybe if she had chewing gum that would make it more YA… blah blah blah…

To me, what defines a book as being YA in most part is the age or the hero-heroine. And just like in all popular-culture in movies and television series, younger characters are having to deal with more and more. The same goes for books.

Some people say it is the language. That YA books are easier to read and therefore less challenging. Well, that doesn’t mean it is only intended for YA, just that a YA audience won’t struggle with it. And some of the world's most amazing writers – Ernest Hemingway, for one – relied on the simplicity of words. It’s like saying adults should eat a complex three-course meal every night. Ha! Ridiculous – we all need to mix it up – otherwise we would miss out some of life’s best offerings like Yum Cha and Pizza and other … less unhealthy options (they will come to me soon)!

Okay, sure. There are some occasions where my editor will say to me – are you sure you want to say that? Or go there? And sex scenes are more limited in their detail (One of the reasons I love YA – you don’t always need to be graphic to paint it). But, to me, those questions are more about the integrity of the book, respect for the readers, and being accessible.

Lately, it has become popular to refer to books as cross genre as a way to bridge the gap to the adult market. Often I think a book has been incorrectly categorised and see it in the adult section when it should be in the YA section or vice versa. And sometimes it’s equally frustrating to see YA books shoved next to the picture books – Hello!

I don’t know. Maybe books should have PG, M, or R ratings like movies do. That way it isn’t about the age group you are targeting as much as it is about how confronting the content is. Maybe that would be a good way for parents to control what their younger kids are reading too.


Anyway, that’s my rant. And I will finish with – even if I didn’t write YA, it would still be my favourite genre by far and I hope I am still reading and loving it when I am old and wrinkly.