What Does YA and NA Mean in Books? Young Adult vs New Adult

If you’ve ever wandered through the book aisles or scrolled through Goodreads, you’ve probably come across the terms YA and NA. But what exactly do they mean? Are they just fancy labels for age groups, or do they hint at the kinds of stories you’ll find inside? Spoiler: It’s more than just age!

In this article, we’ll break down the difference between Young Adult (YA) and New Adult (NA) books, exploring their unique themes, characters, and what makes them so beloved by readers of all ages. Whether you’re into sweet high school romances or emotional college dramas with a little extra spice, knowing the difference between YA and NA can help you find your next perfect read!

So, if you’re ready to dive into coming-of-age stories vs. “figuring-out-adulthood” tales, let’s get started!

What is YA Book: Meaning

YA stands for Young Adult, a book genre written primarily for readers between the ages of 12 to 18. But, let’s be real—YA books are for everyone. Tons of adults (myself included) love diving into them because they explore big emotions, personal growth, friendships, identity, and romance—often with a mix of adventure, fantasy, or coming-of-age stories.

YA novels cover a range of genres, from fantasy (like Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo) to contemporary romance (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han) or dystopian worlds (The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins). They usually feature young protagonists going through pivotal life experiences, such as first love, heartbreak, family issues, or trying to figure out who they are.

So, even though these books are marketed toward younger audiences, the themes are relatable and meaningful across generations. That’s the beauty of YA—it taps into emotions and challenges we all face, no matter our age.

YA novel examples

Here’s a list of popular YA novels across different genres that will give you a taste of just how diverse and exciting YA literature can be:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: A Beauty and the Beast retelling with a dark fantasy twist.
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: In a dystopian future, teens are forced to fight to the death for entertainment.
• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han: What happens when your secret love letters get sent to all your past crushes? Chaos, of course!
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky: A socially awkward teen navigates love, loss, and friendship while dealing with personal trauma.
• Looking for Alaska by John Green: A boy obsessed with the idea of “The Great Perhaps” gets wrapped up in the life of a mysterious girl.
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: A Black teen witnesses the police shooting of her best friend and has to decide how to speak out.
• Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli: Simon, a closeted gay teen, deals with coming out—and being blackmailed about it.
• Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo: Two half-sisters discover each other’s existence after their father’s tragic death.

These books are emotional, exciting, and filled with big themes like love, identity, friendship, and personal growth. YA has a little something for everyone, whether you’re into magic, romance, or contemporary drama.

What is NA Book: Meaning

NA stands for New Adult, a book genre that typically focuses on characters aged 18 to 25, navigating the shift from adolescence to adulthood. Think of it like the big sister to YA (Young Adult)—but with more mature themes, including college life, first jobs, independence, complex relationships, mental health, and self-discovery.

NA books often dive into subjects like:

• Navigating new responsibilities (paying bills, moving out)
• Romantic relationships, with more explicit content compared to YA
• Finding identity, whether through travel, career challenges, or friendships
• Emotional growth, often focusing on difficult topics like grief, trauma, or mental health issues

Examples of popular NA books include The Deal by Elle Kennedy (a hockey romance set in college) or Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us (exploring toxic relationships and self-worth). These books bridge the gap between the coming-of-age themes in YA and fully adult experiences, making them a great choice for readers who feel YA is a bit too “teen” but aren’t quite ready for the more serious or domestic focus found in a lot of adult fiction.

If YA books are about “firsts” (like first love or first betrayal), NA books are about “figuring out life after the firsts”—messy, complicated, and full of growth.

NA book examples

Here’s a list of popular NA (New Adult) novels across different genres. These books dig into the messiness of adulthood—college, relationships, first jobs, and emotional growth—so expect more mature themes and steamier romances compared to YA!

• The Deal by Elle Kennedy: A college hockey star convinces a reluctant classmate to tutor him—and things get complicated when they start to fall for each other.
• It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover: An emotionally powerful story about love, heartbreak, and breaking the cycle of abuse.
• Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover: A steamy, emotional romance with a “no strings attached” arrangement that turns complicated.
• Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire: A bad boy with a dangerous past meets a straight-laced college girl, and their love is anything but easy.
• The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: A quirky fake-dating romance set in academia between a PhD student and a grumpy professor.
• People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: A heartwarming romance about two best friends reconnecting through summer vacations.
• A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole: A heart-wrenching love story about young love, loss, and cherishing every moment.
• A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas: The second book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, mixing romance, fantasy, and epic political intrigue.
• From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout: A fantasy romance about a girl destined to save her people—and the forbidden love she finds along the way.

YA vs NA: Comparison

Here’s a cute and simple comparison between YA (Young Adult) and NA (New Adult), so you can see what sets these two genres apart and which one might fit your vibe better! 👇

Conclusion: YA vs. NA – Which One Is Right for You?

Whether you’re craving the innocence of first love or the messiness of adulthood, both YA and NA books offer captivating stories that hit close to the heart. YA novels capture the magic of self-discovery and big firsts, while NA dives deeper into independence, complex relationships, and adult challenges.

The beauty of these genres is that they aren’t just for teens or twenty-somethings—they’re for anyone looking for relatable, emotional, and exciting reads. Whether you’re nostalgic for high school drama or exploring life’s big decisions, there’s always a YA or NA story waiting for you.

So next time you’re in the mood to get lost in a good book, consider whether you want to revisit the thrill of youth or navigate the wild ride of early adulthood. Either way, both genres promise unforgettable journeys that will leave you feeling seen, understood, and inspired.