The Most Popular Book Genres: What Do Teens Really Want to Read 

What catches your attention in books? Is it the mystery, the alluring plot, or the history? For many teens ages 14-18, it is the problems that characters face that they can relate to. Young adult books are found to be beneficial because of their wide variety, present-day problems, and data. 

Young Adult books are one of the most read books by teenagers because it has multiple genres such as fantasy, thriller, sci-fi, mystery, romance, drama, and so much more. Young adult books can be found in every genre you can imagine. According to keepingupwiththepenguins.com, “We’re all quite familiar by now, I’d think, with young adult fantasy (Twilight being the first that springs to mind for most people), and dystopian young adult (you’re lying if you say you haven’t heard of The Hunger Games), and realistic young adult fiction (along the lines of The Fault in Our Stars. This text supports that different genres of young adult books are what pulls several teens to read. The Huffington Post states, “They will get exposed to different types of characters and lifestyles when they read a wider range of writing. For example, their favorite fantasy novels may spark their imagination, but true tales of life halfway around the world can trigger interest in traveling and foster understanding of other cultures.” This article explains that reading a variety of books can broaden your horizon about diverse cultures and topics. Buffer.com states, “Fiction is a uniquely powerful way to understand others, tap into creativity and exercise your brain.” This is a positive outcome of reading multiple genres because you never know what you will like until you try it.  

Currently, teens have multiple struggles that they’re facing, whether it is bullying, identity-crisis, peer pressure, or depression. Young-adult books help teens relate to a character their age who is going through the same thing. “And while they may be seeking answers, teens usually don’t want to hear from their parents or anyone over the age of eighteen for that matter. This is where books continue to play a vital role.” (“Navigating the Long and Winding Road: 9 Coming … – Brightly”) This shows that another benefit to reading Young Adult books is that teens can connect to characters that are in the same situation. “I suggest having your family read Black Boy White School. When 14-year-old Anthony “Ant” Jones from the ghetto of East Cleveland, Ohio, leaves home to go to prep school in Maine, he learns that it is not only hard to fit in at school, going back home also presents its own challenges.” (“Navigating the Long and Winding Road: 9 Coming … – Brightly”) A Young Adult book like this can help readers by either relating to these racial issues or learning about what others go through. “Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande … everywhere teens turn, they see “perfect” young women. And no matter how strong the girl, this constant barrage can take its toll. Enter Hayley, the heroine of Pretty Face, a smart, funny, definitely not-skinny teen who feels doomed to be everyone’s funny friend amid the sea of blondes at her Southern California high school.” (“Navigating the Long and Winding Road: 9 Coming … – Brightly”) This Young Adult book would be beneficial for young teens who are harshly affected by social media platforms. 

“In the first six months of 2018, unit sales of juvenile and young adult fiction books reached 80. (“U.S. juvenile and YA fiction book sales 2018 | Statista”) 9 million.” These statistics highlight how much young adult fiction books are beneficial to the community. One student from Northport High states, “Young adult books are probably the most common answer because a really good book that can take you away from the real world is what I think would be beneficial honestly.” (Sarah Quackenbush) A survey of student’s favorite genres favored Sarah’s answer.  

5/12 teens said that Young adult was their favorite. 2/12 teens said horror was their favorite. 1/12 teens said Sci-Fi. 1/12 said fantasy was their favorite. 

In conclusion, young adult books are highly interesting and informative for teens and adults too! Young adult books stand against any genre benefiting from a wide variety and present-day problems and data proof

. Young adult books could especially be helpful for NPHS students who are struggling and need someone to relate to.