Let’s talk about the young and passionate readers. When I was young, and I started reading books, I never knew that they were specific categories of books that matched each age group. Yup, I was about thirteen years old, and I read so many adult books that they were hard to understand. I would go back in time and pick up the books that were intended for my age specifically.
Middle Grade
We all know what children’s books are, yet middle grade is not children’s books. They are intended for readers ages 8-12 years old.
These types of books usually dive into themes such as loyalty and courage. They aim to teach kids to be kind and honest. It develops in them accepting one’s self and the people around us for who they are.
Middle grade books have a hint of romance, yet they don’t have graphic violence.
Young Adult
YA books target readers between the ages of 13-18 years. They have more word count than middle grade books and are usually written in the first person.
YA books explore romantic relationships, family issues, and siblings. They shine a light on issues that teenagers face and how to overcome them. YA book categories include profanity and limited violence.
New Adult
This book category is classified for readers between the ages of 18-25 years. It is a new label defined for readers that outgrew YA reads. New adult focuses on the twenty-something protagonist who is figuring herself out and the world. I meant to say her because New Adult books attract mostly the female audience. They usually lean in towards romance, with a couple who found love yet had tragic pasts.
Colleen Hoover books are New Adult, at least that’s what they were when she first started writing. Hopeless is an example.