..YA, NA, teen, young teen, middle school age, children's chapter books?
The books I write, I had intended to be for adults, and the adults who have bought them have enjoyed them. I'm getting all kinds of positive reviews!
But my 35-year-old son seems to think that my books would be more properly classed as teen or young teen (and up) than as adult science fiction.
So, I'd like to know, what makes the differences?
Can anyone give a current definition of the difference in writing of..
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Lisa
YA, teen and young teen are all under the same classification, which is YA - those are books geared for the age bracket of 12-17 and usually involve a protagonist in that age range dealing with issues usually faced by that age range. The other factor is content - typically you will not see the same level of graphic description or language as you would see in an adult fiction, even if there is a cross over of similar themes.
NA is the new kid on the block that’s not really officially recognized. It’s really adult fiction except its setting is contemporary and the protagonists are typically 18 to early 20s.
There is no middle school age book. I think you mean middle grade, which is typically books for upper elementary (grade 3 to 6). Think Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, etc. These books have young protagonists typically and the writing is going to be content appropriate, and written at an appropriate reading level.
Children’s chapter books are for younger readers and they’re not going over reading levels for younger elementary, and with age appropriate content.
NA is the new kid on the block that’s not really officially recognized. It’s really adult fiction except its setting is contemporary and the protagonists are typically 18 to early 20s.
There is no middle school age book. I think you mean middle grade, which is typically books for upper elementary (grade 3 to 6). Think Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, etc. These books have young protagonists typically and the writing is going to be content appropriate, and written at an appropriate reading level.
Children’s chapter books are for younger readers and they’re not going over reading levels for younger elementary, and with age appropriate content.
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Ashley
Middle School: target age: 8-13 Basically, if it’s appropriate for a kid between 8 and 13, it’s probably middle grade. The concepts frequently deal with making friends, figuring out how to stand out for yourself, understanding who you are, exploring their world and finding their place in it.
Young Adult (teen, young teen all in this genre): Target age: 14-18. Themes are often more complex and mature than in books for earlier readers—there’s accidents, deaths, tragedies, love, and more. Still, a lot of the action takes place “off screen” when sex and violence are involved.
NA: target age: 18-20+ New adult books are largely meant for readers who are moving away from home for the first time, starting to experience life as an independent adult, but struggling with some of the many complications that brings on. Obviously, for all the genres, language, grammar and reading comprehension is appropriate for the ages.
Young Adult (teen, young teen all in this genre): Target age: 14-18. Themes are often more complex and mature than in books for earlier readers—there’s accidents, deaths, tragedies, love, and more. Still, a lot of the action takes place “off screen” when sex and violence are involved.
NA: target age: 18-20+ New adult books are largely meant for readers who are moving away from home for the first time, starting to experience life as an independent adult, but struggling with some of the many complications that brings on. Obviously, for all the genres, language, grammar and reading comprehension is appropriate for the ages.