Young Adult Book Genre
Young Adult (YA) literature is a genre of fiction designed for readers aged 12 to 19. These stories often explore themes deeply relevant to teenagers, including coming-of-age experiences, identity, relationships, and pressing social issues. While it may share certain themes with adult fiction, YA literature is distinguished by its teenage protagonists and a writing style tailored to be engaging and accessible for younger audiences.Young adult books and their many subgenres hold a unique and lasting significance. They go beyond the teen years, tackling universal themes like love, identity, and overcoming adversity. These stories resonate deeply with young readers, offering a mirror for self-reflection, fostering personal growth, and helping them navigate the complexities of the world. YA fiction has also emerged as the fastest-growing book category over the past five years, cementing its role as a vital and impactful part of literature.
The PenCraft Book Awards has proudly celebrated numerous exceptional young adult books over the years, and one standout among them is Thaddeus of Beewicke: Book 1 of 3 from The College of Sorcerers Collection by Louis Sauvain. This captivating novel earned our 1st place award in the Young Adult - Coming of Age category in 2023. With over 250 glowing reviews on Amazon, Thaddeus of Beewicke continues to enchant readers, solidifying its place as a must-read in the genre.
In 2017, during the inaugural year of the PenCraft Book Awards, Aaron Safronoff submitted his book to AuthorsReading for a review. This led to his entry in the very first PenCraft Book Award competition. His novel, Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall, won that year and has since captivated readers, amassing over 325 reviews on Amazon—a remarkable achievement for Aaron Safronoff. We are proud to have recognized the brilliance of his work in our 2017 competition and we celebrate its continued success.
Another standout honoree is A Daughter of the Trolls by McKenzie Catron, the winner of the 2024 PenCraft Book Award in the Young Adult - Fantasy/Sci-Fi category. This mesmerizing novel marks the beginning of the Numina Parables series, inviting readers on an enchanting journey through a vividly imagined world.
This captivating book has garnered over 201 glowing Amazon reviews, enchanting readers with its heartfelt and moving story. A true gem of young adult literature, it masterfully weaves meaningful messages into a narrative that continues to resonate and inspire.
We hope your young adult entry will be another PenCraft Book Award winner that will excel as other winning books have in the past.