Divisions of Young People’s Literature

Children’s Literature 0-8 years old

Wordless books, ABC books, picture books, first readers and short novels.

Middle Grade/ Tween 8-12 years old

Chapter books dealing with normal school, home and other situations.  These books are moving into longer texts.  Beware of Middle school students 11-13 years old (6-8 grade).  These books deal with tougher topics/ issues and the older ages. 

Young Adult 13-18 years old

These books are usually not appropriate for middle school libraries because of language, sex, gambling, violence, gang activity.  There is a large age range here and consideration should be made accordingly.

New Adult 18-30 years old

Appeared in 2009 through a contest and wanted protagonists who were older.  They deal with going off to college, moving out of the home, first relationships, first sexual relationships and are dealing with adult issues without parental supervision. 

Kids want to read up, which can make things challenging especially in middle school when some of the topics are too mature for them.