SJ Longthorne

Been having a think about YA fiction. Lots of people shit on it as a 'lesser' form of literature, but that's not the case at all. If anything, YA actually has more use in our society; it helps to develop and expand malleable young minds by exposing them to philosophical dilemmas.

It can make moral, ethical, and philosophical conundrums both accessible and attractive while also providing positive role models and exposing young people to things they might have little experience of, like mental health and LGBT+ issues.

I think this is the reason it's often disregarded. People still see the issues young adults (and children) face as a "phase". Sexual and gender orientation, trying to find their place in the world, etc, all of this will "sort itself out" when they grow up.