Theoretical Foundations Gap in Defining Children’s and Young Adult Novels

Abstract

“Children’s novel” and “young adult novel” constitute two literary genres within the field of children’s and young adult narrative literature that have attracted increasing scholarly and creative attention in recent years, and a growing number of authors have turned toward producing novels for child and adolescent audiences; however, literary research has not yet provided independent and precise definitions for these genres, and there is a noticeable lack of academic resources for analyzing their structural and thematic characteristics. Consequently, researchers encounter significant challenges in the examination, interpretation, and critical analysis of such works. Employing a descriptive–analytical method, the present article addresses the theoretical foundations gap and critiques existing perspectives concerning the two genres of the children’s novel and the young adult novel, and seeks to propose an appropriate definition for each while systematically identifying their structural and content-related features. The findings indicate that children’s novels and young adult novels differ substantially in narrative elements, linguistic complexity, thematic scope, characterization, degree of realism, visual dimension, and intended audience. The primary characteristics of the children’s novel include simple language, extensive illustration, tangible and imaginary characters, and a straightforward structure with a linear plot; in contrast, the prominent features of the young adult novel consist of an intimate narrative voice, realistic and multidimensional characters, and a multilayered structure with deeper narratives that perform an identity-forming function. The young adult novel occupies an intermediate position between children’s narrative literature and adult fiction and, beyond providing entertainment and pleasure for adolescent readers, plays a crucial role in enhancing awareness, strengthening social values, and preparing adolescents cognitively and psychologically for entry into more complex stages of life.