Young adult literature has grown from its beginnings in the 1960s to become not only one of the most popular forms of literature in the United States, but also a major cultural influencer with spin-offs of serial novels such as Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Percy Jackson, and Twilight. Popular young adult literature like these have dominated cinema, and even extended into theme parks, Broadway musicals, and travel tourism. Furthermore, classes in young adult literature are now taught at universities across North America and Europe, and young adult texts have been regularly chosen as common reading at numerous universities. Young adult literature is a juggernaut whose reach extends far past its adolescent readers.

The Oxford Handbook of Young Adult Literature is the most comprehensive examination of young adult literature to date and features 39 essays that range from literary criticism to empirical studies and methodological essays. These essays cover the history of the genre and discussions around major subgenres, but also cover more focused subjects such as trauma, ecocriticism, and young adult literature related to oft-marginalized groups like African Americans, Indigenous groups, Arabic LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. This Handbook reaches beyond the text as well by examining fanfiction, censorship, and young adult literature in the classroom.

With its rich history and promising future, young adult literature is more relevant than ever. The Oxford Handbook of Young Adult Literature offers a valuable and in-depth understanding of this genre.