One of the genres that adolescents most often read is romantic youth books. In fact, although these may be framed in other themes, almost all of them have a romance (or a love triangle). See for example Twilight, The Hunger Games, Divergent...
But What young adult romance books are there? What characteristics do they have? Can we give you examples? Keep reading and you will fully understand these books.
What are youth romance books
The first thing you need to know about YA romance books is that they are a subgenre within YA literature. They focus mostly on romantic relationships What is between the characters in the story? And although they are for young people, they can actually be read without problem by adults.
Yes, They are usually aimed at a female audience, although boys can also read them.
Now, it must be taken into account that, Although these types of books are very popular, we cannot say that they are exempt from criticism.. Many experts (psychologists, educators, etc.) have raised the alarm because they promote a series of gender stereotypes and toxic relationships. Something that young people internalize and think is normal (when in reality it is not). Advocates, by contrast, see these stories as a way to escape or to explore and understand emotions.
Book Features
Now that you know what youth romance books are, it's time to learn what the main characteristics of this type of literature are. Specifically, they are the following:
- The plot is centered on romance and love. Although they can deal with other topics, the love relationship is the one that has the central axis of everything.
- They include other elements. That is, it can be a drama, an adventure, a comedy... It is a context to give it more solidity (and because focusing only on that relationship could be too boring).
- They tackle deep topics. Friendship, self-acceptance, the change from adolescent to adult... There is always a topic that is dealt with directly or indirectly, making the reader empathize and even see themselves reflected.
- They are written for a young audience. But actually adults can read them too.
Types of young adult romance books
Before giving you examples of youth romance books, it is good that you know what types of them exist. And it is that, although they have a central plot that is love, they can be classified into different types such as:
- historical romances: That is, those that are set in a bygone era.
- contemporary romances: They are those books that focus on the present, or on the present times, to tell a story with which young people can be more identified.
- paranormal romances: In this case the story introduces supernatural elements, such as vampires, fairies, werewolves or other magical creatures. This makes the author create an alternative world, or one whose reality and fantasy are intermingled.
- high school romance: Set directly in high school, the love story takes place between characters who go to the same school and live the day-to-day life of a high school, with deeper themes such as bullying, social relationships, the transition to adulthood, etc.
- summer romances: They are books focused on summer times using the cliché of "summer love" where two characters meet at that time and fall in love.
best teen romance books
Now yes, we are going to talk to you about some youthful romance books, both well-known and somewhat more unknown.
Boulevard, by Flor M. Salvador
"Luke and Hasley weren't the epitome of a perfect couple. However, both put a definition to what they created… ». Thus begins this novel in which delves into how each character (and each person) You can define the love story in a different way.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
It is one of the best-selling novels in the world. In addition, it has been the first that has made the author be recognized. As seen on the cover, Markus Zusak says of it that it is "a novel about life and death, and about those who are trapped between the two... You will laugh, you will cry and you will want more."
The history it deals with a subject as thorny as cancer in adolescents.
Through my window, by Ariana Godoy
In this case, the contemporary story that the author presents to us focuses on two characters, Raquel, who is crazy about her neighbor and usually watches him through the window of her house; and Ares, who at first doesn't notice her, but gradually discovers that he is not as innocent as he thought.
The Selection, by Kiera Cass
Another bestseller in books are these 5 from the author. In it, 35 girls will be the protagonists to get a chance to escape from their lives and be able to be born in a certain family. The objective? Getting to live in a world full of jewels, palaces and love with Prince Maxon. But the selection is not going to be easy, much less when one of those candidates does not want to be selected for that plan to which she sees more disadvantages than advantages.
Something So Simple Trilogy by Blue Jeans
Blue Jeans is well known in youth literature. With this trilogy, he won over many teenagers. The story is set in Madrid where a group of boys and girls meet to start a new life, each one with their problems, but living day to day with loneliness, hazing, new relationships... Although the central axis of the books is love, the truth is that friendship and loyalty are also dealt with very thoroughly.
Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas
In this case we are talking about a love with an age difference. And it is that the female character is 19 years old, while the male character is 38. In addition, there is a love triangle, since the son of the male character comes into play.
So the story is about "forbidden" love, about relationships that are out of the ordinary and above all to make you think about what would happen if you find yourself in that situation in real life.
Of course, there are many more romantic books for young people, so if you want to recommend one, leave it in the comments so that others can give it a chance.