Young Adult Literature
Young Adult Literature (YAL) is written specifically for teenagers and young adults, offering them a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. These stories often centre on an individual’s experience—typically a teenage protagonist—allowing readers to relate, empathise, and reflect on their own journeys. Rather than providing definitive answers, YAL explores the search for meaning, identity, and self-discovery.
YAL is generally fast-paced and engaging, with an overarching sense of hope and optimism. It spans a wide range of genres and frequently tackles global and personal themes, including mental health, social justice, resilience, and adversity. Topics such as loss, identity, discrimination, and overcoming challenges are commonly explored, making YAL a powerful tool for emotional growth and awareness.
Young Adult Titles in Our Library
Our school library offers a diverse collection of YAL, including:
- To Kill a Mockingbird
- The Hate U Give
- Thirteen Reasons Why
- The Heartstopper Series
- The Fault in Our Stars
- Sisters of the War: Two Remarkable True Stories of Survival and Hope in Syria
- Murder She Wrote: By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Gone
- Loveless
- Noughts and Crosses
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The Power of Reading for Pleasure
The benefits of reading widely and for enjoyment are well-documented:
- Reading for pleasure has been shown to increase empathy, strengthen relationships, reduce symptoms of depression, and improve overall wellbeing (The Reading Agency, 2015). Read more.
- Young people who regularly read fiction score, on average, 26 points higher on PISA reading tests than those who do not—a difference equivalent to 10 months of additional schooling (OECD).
Supporting a Love of Reading
At Mossbourne Fobbing Academy, we are committed to fostering a love of reading. We work closely with:
These partnerships help us introduce students to a wide range of literature, encouraging them to engage with diverse perspectives, emotions, and real-world issues. Our approach supports their personal development, academic success, and preparation for GCSEs, further education, and life beyond school.
