Young adult (YA) novels are stories primarily written for readers aged 12–18, but they’re loved by all ages for their raw emotions, relatable characters, and universal themes. These books often explore firsts—first love, first heartbreak, first steps into independence—making them deeply impactful.
Unique Facts About YA Novels
- They Tackle Big Issues: YA novels dive into tough topics like identity, mental health, social justice, and family dynamics, making them both entertaining and meaningful.
- Cross-Generational Appeal: Adults make up a significant portion of YA readers, drawn to the nostalgia and emotional depth.
- Diverse Voices Shine: The genre has become a platform for underrepresented voices, offering stories from a wide range of cultures, identities, and experiences.
- Genre-Blending Masters: YA isn’t limited to one style—it seamlessly mixes fantasy, romance, mystery, and even dystopian elements into its stories.
- Breakout Successes: Many YA novels, like The Hunger Games or The Fault in Our Stars, have achieved global fame and sparked major film adaptations.
Here are Five Elements of Young Adult Stories
Young adult fiction is my favorite.
Am I clinging to my youth? Nope.
I’m just captivated by the universal struggles and emotions of coming-of-age stories. Maybe it’s because I’m still figuring things out myself, or because YA plots are often more creative and nuanced than adult fiction. Whatever the reason, YA books are my go-to for leisure reading, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s safe to say that I’m somewhat an aficionado of all things YA. Below, I’ve outlined the five elements that I’m convinced are crucial for a successful teen-centered plot:
1. Romance in Young Adult Stories
Growing up means hormones—and all those confusing, frustrating, and amazing feelings that come with them. YA romance doesn’t need to be graphic; leaving things to the imagination often makes scenes more impactful. Since these books are for teens, the steamy stuff is better left to adult novels.
The key? Keep it real. While fluffy, fairytale romances have their place, the best YA love stories embrace the awkwardness, anxiety, and immaturity of being a teen. Bonus points for braces and a hilariously clumsy first kiss!
2. Self-Discovery
It might sound cliché, but the “finding yourself” trope is a key element in young adult books. Teenagers’ brains are so busy processing overwhelming emotions and adapting to new ways of thinking that it’s easy for characters to lose themselves in the chaos.
Personally, I lean more toward the idea of “becoming” rather than “finding” yourself. Either way, in young adult books, this journey of self-discovery is one the character has to face alone. Maybe they explore new hobbies, social groups, or ideas that reshape their worldview. Push them to the limit—challenge what they believe, feel, and desire by turning their world upside-down.
3. Friendships in Books
Most teenagers have at least one bestie. It’s a common YA trope, but it also signals a lot about your character.
Are they a loner with one frenemy who sticks around despite the insecure protagonist who keeps pushing them away?
Or are they a social butterfly with the whole school watching their every move? There are endless opportunities to signal personalities and social dynamics through a structured friendship context.
4. Dilemmas in Young Adult Novels
In young adult books, it’s essential to make your character feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. Maybe their dream is just within reach, but achieving it would mean upsetting their family.
Or perhaps they’re offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that clashes with their personal beliefs. Young adult books thrive on this kind of tension—make your character squirm, because a little pressure is what produces diamonds!
5. Lessons Learned
Don’t preach to your characters or your readers—challenge them instead! Push your protagonist through struggles like dashed dreams, loss, or failure, and let them emerge on the other side with a fresh perspective. That growth is where the best life lessons come from. Of course, not every character will rise to the occasion.
If your protagonist ends up taking a darker path, they might just make the perfect antagonist. In that case, lean into their despicable traits and let them be a truly memorable baddie. This shift can allow another character to step up as the hero, giving your story an unexpected twist and letting your new protagonist truly shine.
Final Thoughts
Writing young adult novels is fun: you get to explore big emotions, life-changing moments, and the excitement of self-discovery—all with creative freedom!
And Inkitt is your go-to expert for crafting your YA stories, offering a library of inspiring examples, a supportive community, and tools to refine your writing and connect with a passionate audience.
