There are many definitions of Young Adults (YA). The one often used defines adolescents or young adults as follows:
"Adolescence is the period of transition from childhood to early adulthood, entered at approximately 11-13 year of age and ending at 18-21 year of age -- the exact time, period, however, depending on such diverse factors as the surrounding culture and biological development."
J.W. Santrock. (1981). Adolescence: An introduction.
YA is inherently stressful for numerous internal and external reasons. Many of these were studied and reported in the early adolescent literature.
Especially stressful relationship is the one that exists between parents and their teens.
Internally, they are changing biologically, socially, emotionally, behaviorally; teens search an identity and voice, independence, care about appearance and sexuality issues.
Externally, teens are affected by family (and transformation of family patterns), peer pressure, school culture of bullying and teasing (if you have not read The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, you must).
Additionally, teens are also affected by mass media, popular culture, and Internet.
The 2012 QuickPicks for reluctant young readers suggest books that teens, ages 12-18, will pick up on their own and read for pleasure; it is geared to the teenager who, for whatever reason, does not like to read. The 2012 list features 117 titles.
The 2012 QuickPicks cover so many topics that teens would find interesting and helpful! I can see how they would encourage reluctant young readers.
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