Don't be embarrassed!

YA Lit really is literature! I swear!

Now, I know it's automatic instinct to be incredibly embarrassed when you're perusing the bookstore and you happen to venture into the YA section. In my experience, bookstores generally set up the YA section so it's right next to the Kids' section. And yeah, I know it's not the biggest boost of confidence when you peek over your shoulder and BAM you're staring right at the cover of The Hungry Caterpillar. But if you just stay there for just a little longer, and if you don't get too embarrassed, I promise it will be worth it. You'll find something you LOVE.

Now, I feel it's time for a little story. Sit around, listen closely.

When I was younger, I was the EXACT same way. Once I was able to move to adult clothes, shoes, books, etc., I did. Back when you're young, growing up fast is the coolest thing on the planet. You don't want to be caught dead reading the same stuff that the kids younger than you are. It's embarrassing! You want to be sophisticated, cool. I know, I've been there too.

But once I got to my sophomore (maybe junior?) year of high school, I just stopped caring about getting embarrassed. So I went to the YA lit section and discovered that it's what I really loved. And I STILL love it.

Thankfully, bookstores and publishing companies are starting to realize how awesome YA lit is, and it's really showing. The covers of books are so fun and colorful, something that's a big deal to me. Titles and covers are what attract me, and sometimes win me over. (A lot of adult books I've read have such boring covers!! How frustrating is that!) And another thing is that since YA lit has gotten more popular, there are more and more awards available. Which means there are more shiny, shiny stickers slapped onto the covers! Yay! (I'm a big sucker for shiny stickers, it seems.)

Bookstores have begun giving YA lit bigger sections in better-placed areas. The last bookstore I went to, the YA lit was smack dab in the middle in the adult section, not with the kids section.

Which deserves a big hurray.

...HURRAY!!!

Anyway, hopefully this means that both teens and adults won't be embarrassed when they wander into the YA lit section. And in all honesty, they shouldn't. Everybody can get something out of a YA lit book because everybody is on a continual journey of self-discovery, a huge theme in YA lit. Even adults are!

Which is why YA lit is good for everybody. Yes, it's the median between the child and adult, but it's more than that. It's the place where everybody can go and meet and get along and talk about books, regardless of age.

So I hope next time you're at the bookstore, you can gather your courage and cross the line into YA lit. It's a decision you won't regret.