Nothing’s Wrong with Reading Young Adult and Middle-Grade Fiction

Especially if You’re an Adult

Photo by Jessica Fadel on Unsplash

Our taste for books varies as our individuality does. Yet, to say it frankly, some literary genres are bland and they offer no switcheroos to surprise readers who need a temporary escape from the grueling reality. Made-up stories by imaginative authors are undeniably innovative and more thrilling than narratives that show the usual experiences of real people in life. 

 

This is not to question anyone’s favorite genre, but to clarify to those people who interfere with adults who prefer Middle-Grade and YA Fantasy or Fiction over others. You can’t blame them for their choice. 

 

Why do we read? Is it to gain wisdom, learnings, or realizations from the story we have read? Isn’t it that Middle-Grade and YA Fantasy or Fiction give a better view of life even though they are creatively fictitious? Through literary criticism and analysis, we tend to obtain a deeper understanding of how to deal with our lives with the help of the themes we encounter in these types of genres. Middle-Grade and YA Fiction gives more interesting knowledge one can use in real life (regardless of a reader’s age), unlike other genres that press tiring adulthood life into your mind with stories on relationship break-up, poverty, financial problems, etc. Adults who need to unwind from stress read books that will help them win over, not push them more to overthink saddening or problematic situations. They need entertainment, not serious drama. 

 

I’m not yet a mature adult, but I understand why older people choose to read books that are for youngsters. For those people who laugh at and meddle with adults who go for Middle-Grade and YA Fiction, let me give you personal reasons why these genres best others. 

 

 

It brings readers like me to a whole new world we have never been before

Just like the real world we live in, a fantasy world is also imperfect but it vividly describes how life can be so exciting if we're living in a marvelous place where we co-exist with magical creatures and extraordinary people. I fantasize about this world, but I am aware of the consequences of living in such a place. Living in another world through imagination calms my uneasiness. There are times I am not much problematic, but I read Middle-Grade and YA Fiction just to have an adventure time. 

 

 

YA Fiction introduces villains I cannot hate

When antagonists are supposed to be an enemy or an obstacle to a protagonist’s story, I typically fall in love with him especially if that villain is described as appealing. Take The Darkling, General Kirigan from Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo as an example. I don’t expect you to agree, but try to read her book and you will see what I’m talking about. Antagonists like him intensify the readers’ interest in the book because they partake much in making the story more enticing. Antagonists may be evil but it still does not affect my discernment of good from the bad. 

 

 

Middle-Grade and YA Fiction make more sense even though they are imaginative stories

Readers inevitably encounter characters who make sensible talk with other people in the story. It expands my perspective when I witness what it’s like to be in their predicament. Reading YA or Middle-Grade books is not always about escaping my problems or issues. As the characters’ experiences unfold, I could relate to them by immersing my emotions and feelings rooted in my life. I could see myself in the character with whom I sometimes share the same mindset when dealing with an adventurous dilemma, thus it gives me motivation to thoroughly understand the confronting reality.  

 

 

While it might be all about fun, it also feeds me a newfound confidence 

Most adult books mirror true-to-life problems and I see their characters going through dramatical frustrations but eventually either get through it or give in. Middle-Grade and YA Fiction also have conflicts, but they hardly ever show the characters as weak. I love to read Middle-Grade or YA Fiction because I want to have a role model from its characters. I don’t admire them just because they are charming or handsome – but because they also serve as inspiration for getting through my endeavors.

 

 

They make me laugh

Humor and sarcasm get me. I want to read a story that is capable of not only sweeping me away into the various invented world, meeting charming characters, or finding inspiration. I'd want to be entertained as well with witty remarks from its characters’ conversations with one another. Well-placed funny dialogues are what makes the ever-tensing scenarios lighten up and these are frequently found in Middle-Grade and YA Fiction. 

 

 

The Plot Twists are unforgettable 

I love stories that leave me dumbfounded by their well-justified turn of events. I tend to be curious that I create theories on what’s gonna be the fate of the characters. It drives me to think deeply and not to miss out on hints from the book to watch out if my speculations are correct. It’s like I’m playing guessing games with the author. I enjoy it though. 

 

 

The Character Development is amazing

I love characters that will surprise me in the end. A character does not necessarily need to change overall, but I’d like to see how the situation motivated him/her to make even a slight persona switch. 

 

 

Middle-Grade and YA Fiction makes the best book and there’s no denying that they regularly become bestsellers and successful because of ingenuity. I love to discover things I never had imagined. Thanks to every insightful author of Middle-Grade and YA Fiction books, their novels will always be in my heart.  

 

I am not pushing anyone to shift to Middle-Grade or YA Fiction. Preference still depends on a reader’s taste, and I respect that. This is only to enlighten those people who think it is not fine for adults to read books that are supposed to be for teens or youngsters. 

 

What’s to lose by reading such? I don’t mean I, or they, do not want to face the reality. I want something new which can be found in this genre. Besides, even if I step into the age of full maturity, I would still stick with YA Fiction and Middle-Grade novels. There’s a lot more going on with it despite being written for young people to grasp. They’re way more compelling and fun to read.

To adults who favor Middle-Grade and Young Adult Fiction, continue reading any story you want (Claps to you for having a good taste in books).

By the way, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is also for adults. Don’t pry, please.