Young Adult, or YA books have proven that they are much more than just a genre for middle readers. Series like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson are hot subjects on social media, and guess who’s posting about them? Adults! Yes, adults still love reading YA series, but why is that the case? With more and more adults loving young adult literature, YA has expanded into an exponentially large market, reaching all the way to the big screen! From the beloved Harry Potter and Narnia movies to the new Percy Jackson and the Olympians Disney+ series.
Young adult literature offers a blend of nostalgic storytelling and lovable characters that resonate with all age groups. We are drawn to the imaginative worlds of YA books because they help us escape from the realness of life. Many of us grew up reading these stories and see them as nostalgic parts of our childhoods. It is such a beautiful thing to be able to revisit these books and still appreciate the writing of the YA authors. We extend a huge thank you to Rick Riordan, Tracy Wolff, C. S. Lewis, and all YA writers for creating stories that stand the test of time. Let’s take a deep dive into some of the most beloved YA series, some of which happen to be fan favorite book sets here at Juniper Books.
Harry Potter
Harry Potter needs no introduction, and it’s undeniable that this series is majorly popular among adult readers. The timeless theme of the battle between good and evil resonates with readers who grew up alongside Harry, Hermione, and Ron. The Wizarding World created by J.K. Rowling offers an escape where anything is possible. While Harry grows older throughout the story, each book takes on a more serious tone. J.K. Rowling allowed her books to grow up with her readers, and that is a major reason why so many adults still love to read the series to this day.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
The Percy Jackson series has earned a massive following among readers of all ages. Its modern take on Greek mythology and Percy’s coming of age story is perfect for adult readers seeking a nostalgic return to childhood. A member of our Juniper Books team named Emma just started reading the Percy Jackson series for the first time. “I can’t believe I didn’t read this series growing up! I would have absolutely loved it back then, but even as a 24 year old reading the series for the first time, I think it’s amazing. I am totally in love with the friendship between Percy, Annabeth, and Grover and it’s so fun to read their witty conversations.” The new Percy Jackson and the Olympians show on Disney+ has led to renewed excitement around this series, proving once again that YA is here to stay!
The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis's Narnia series has captivated readers of all ages for decades. Adults are drawn to the story’s symbolism and enthralling adventures that unfold in the land of Narnia. Not to mention the age old question: Would you walk through the wardrobe and enter the world of Narnia? We think the answer to that question is a resounding YES. The series' popularity among adults speaks to its themes that transcend age boundaries. Narnia is yet another series which is deeply nostalgic for readers, and revising a part of their childhoods can be both comforting and therapeutic.
Photo: Yaffa Amira
The Crave Series
While many popular YA series came out decades ago, there are also amazing modern young adult series that are receiving well deserved attention. The Crave series by Tracy Wolff is an example of modern YA which has taken the world by storm. This series captured the hearts of both young adults and adults with its blend of romance and supernatural creatures. Not to mention the alluring theme of forbidden love! The Crave Book Set, pictured below, is Juniper Books’ latest release, and we could not be more thrilled by the fans’ reaction to our set. Tracy Wolff herself loves our jackets, and we are honored to have created them in collaboration with her. Thank you so much Tracy!
Another YA series that adults love is the Elfhame Series by Holly Black, it is also known as The Folk of the Air series. Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter as we may have an announcement about this popular book series, which begins with The Cruel Prince, coming soon!
The trend of adults reading YA books speaks to the ability of these authors to connect readers through shared experiences. Whether revisiting childhood favorites or discovering new worlds within the pages of YA literature, adults are loving the stories crafted for younger audiences. So go ahead, pick up that YA book you've been eyeing! You might just find yourself transported to a world where magic still exists and anything is possible!