Young adult fiction is aimed at (roughly) ages 12-18, although many older adults also enjoy it. Plenty of readers in that target age range also read other books, from the classics to more adult fiction or even nonfiction. But if you’re looking for a gift for a preteen or teenager, looking at young adult novels is often a good place to start. These books are designed to tap into themes that matter to teenagers, while also offering a reading level that works for them. Choosing a book for someone else can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with what they like, but there are a few ways to find the right YA book.
Look at Their Past and Current Reads
The best place to start when looking for any book is with the books the reader has enjoyed before. What’s currently on their bookshelf (or on their phone/tablet/e-reader)? Once you have a couple of titles you know they like, you can use them to identify what could be their next favorite read. Online, you can often do this by looking at a product page and seeing what’s recommended as what shoppers have bought or what shares similar themes. If you’re shopping in a bookstore, ask the staff to recommend something.
Don’t Think of YA as One Genre
One thing to keep in mind is that young adult fiction isn’t really one genre. It does have a set of attributes due to being aimed at a certain age range, but it can also be a number of different genres. Some people make the mistake of thinking that all YA is fantasy and vice versa. But while there are some fantastic YA fantasy series, like the work from fantasy author Aaron D. Schneider, not all YA is fantasy. It might be romance, sci-fi, history, humor, or horror. It can also include classics and literary fiction if they’re aimed at a young adult audience.
Understand What Teens Want
Getting into the mind of a teenager isn’t easy, especially if your own teen years are long gone. But understanding what teens are looking for in a YA book is key to selecting someone’s next read. The American Library Association has outlined ten top criteria that teens want from a book. These include realistic handling of social issues, characters that are a similar age to the reader, and literary quality with plenty of substance. Of course, all teens are different so they’re not all necessarily looking for the same things.
Look at Reviews
Book reviews will give you honest opinions from YA readers to help you find your next read. You can use sites like Goodreads or look at review blogs to find valuable reviews that help you assess whether a book is worth the read. You might want to take note of the age of the reviewer if you’re looking for a book for a teenager, though. What appeals to a teenager might not be approved by a slightly older reader.
Get to know your YA reader and what they like for help with choosing a book for them. Some professional advice can be useful too.
