by Annie Sullivan

I can’t remember when I started reading Young Adult (YA) books. Even though I am in my thirties, I can still relate to the stories of characters who are constantly trying to discover and define who they are—whether that’s in an abusive relationship or on an alien planet. Young characters take on challenges related to relationships, identity, grief, and yes, even saving the world. They do it all while making profound discoveries about themselves and the worlds in which they live. YA has few boundaries that haven’t been crossed, and adults can learn from these characters just as much as, if not more so than, young adults can.

As a writer, I always was drawn to writing YA. I loved the freedom and imagination that was possible within the world of YA writing—a world that allowed me to write my novel, A Touch of Gold, about the cursed daughter of King Midas who not only has to set out to save her father’s stolen gold, but who has to do it while facing everything from pirates and thieves to anxiety and self-doubt. Being a YA writer allows me to tackle big issues—issues that are not relegated just to those who happen to be between 12-18 years old—behind the veneer of a fantasy world.

Adults may be surprised to find not only a bit more reality than they were expecting in YA books, but also how much they can relate to the characters and their struggles—no matter the age difference. The main thing that makes a book YA is the age of the protagonist (typically 15-18 years old), and there are plenty of 15- to 18- year-olds out there who have experienced deeper, more emotionally raw life experiences than people twice their age. You’ll find their stories in the YA section.

The complex characters, life-like relationships, and gripping plots often found in YA books rival those found in any adult book, and adults shouldn’t let other people’s perceptions about what they should and shouldn’t read scare them away from a new book just because it’s shelved in a different section of the store. Moreover, YA novels can also be a great way to connect with teens who might be reading them. Not only do they give you something to discuss, but they can be a bridge to talking about some of the more serious issues they bring up. Thus, YA books bridge the gap between adults and teenagers in a way that brings readers together like no other category of books does.

So, my hope is that you have the open-mindness to dive head first into YA books. You might just discover something that changes how you see the world forever. Or maybe you’ll just discover a new book you’ll love. Either way, it will have been worth it.

To get those new to the YA world started, here’s a list of several different types of YA novels to get lost in. While books that explore heavy topics are necessary, so are those that allow us to sit back and escape the world for a little while.

1.) The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This novel follows 16-year-old Starr Carter, who has to handle problems arguably harder than most adults have to face, as she witnesses the death of her friend at the hands of the police. It’s a poignant look at race and the world we live in. It will likely challenge readers—even adults—to examine their own lives.

2.) Cinder by Marissa Meyer

A cyborg retelling of Cinderella—need I say more? Cinder, our Cinderella in question, meets Prince Kai in her mechanic shop and is soon swept into a world of deception, danger, and secrets—some of which may be about her—as she faces off against an otherworldly evil queen. This science fiction masterpiece is the first book in a series that is extremely well plotted with the sequels in mind.

3.) The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

Lovers of fantasy will find this book to be full of twists and turns, and the way the book is told will keep readers on the edge of their seat. The book is told from three points of view: Princess Lia who flees on her wedding day after getting fed up with her life, the Prince she was supposed to marry, and the assassin sent to kill her. Only, when the prince and assassin show up in the small town Lia has hidden herself away in, neither she nor the reader knows who is who when we get things from their point of view because of the author’s cleverness.

4.) Frostblood by Elly Blake

This spellbinding fantasy story follows seventeen-year-old Ruby, who is a Fireblood in a Frostblood world. Not only does she have to contend with trying to learn to control her fiery powers, but she also gets sucked into political intrigue as she tries to find her place in the world. Combine that with a whole lot of witty banter and heart-stopping action, and this makes for the start of an epic fantasy series.

5.) Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

John Green is well known for writing deep, philosophical teenage characters. And this book is no exception. Sixteen-year-old Aza comes to life on the page as she struggles with the external conflict of investigating the disappearance of a local billionaire. But it is her internal conflict with anxiety that truly takes center stage here, giving readers a glimpse into a struggle they may not have been privy to before.

Just as the main character in A Touch of Gold doesn’t let her insecurities stop her, you shouldn’t let anything hold you back from diving into YA books and seeing what you discover!

Happy reading!

Annie Sullivan grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. She received her Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Butler University. She loves fairytales, everything Jane Austen and traveling. Her wanderlust has taken her to every continent, where she’s walked on the Great Wall of China, found four-leaf clovers in Ireland, waddled with penguins in Antarctica, and cage dived with great white sharks in South Africa. You can follow her adventures on her blog: anniesullivanauthor.wordpress.com. Connect with Annie on Facebook and Twitter (@annsulliva).

Pre-order A Touch of Gold (to be released August 2018) here.