Definition: What is Adolescent Literature?

Adolescent literature or Young Adult Literature (YAL) matters. It matters so much that it has developed into its own field for students spanning the ages of 10 to 21. YAL includes literature that has been specifically written for and marketed to young adolescents, as well as "anything young adults are reading of their own free will."

The umbrella term "adolescent literature" describes all of the forms of fiction: short stories, poetry, and literary essays. It also may include a variety of nonfiction forms, such as diaries, journals, biographies, and autobiographies.