A crossover book, specifically in the context of Young Adult (YA) literature as defined by the provided reference, is a YA book the publisher thinks will appeal to readers of adult novels, too, and thus they will market the book to both YA and adult readers.
Understanding YA Crossover Books
Based on the provided information, the term "crossover book" most commonly refers to a specific type of literature known as YA Crossover. This category emerges when a Young Adult novel possesses qualities that publishers believe will resonate with an audience beyond the traditional teenage demographic, particularly adult readers.
Key Characteristics
According to the reference, the definition of a YA Crossover book hinges on the publisher's assessment and marketing strategy:
- Origin: It begins as a Young Adult (YA) novel.
- Appeal: The publisher identifies that the book's themes, writing style, or subject matter will appeal to adult readers in addition to its primary YA audience. This implies the book might have a more mature voice or perspective compared to typical YA, although the reference states an adult novel has a more adult voice than YA. The crossover appeal lies in bridging this gap.
- Marketing: The book is deliberately marketed by the publisher to both YA and adult readers. This dual marketing effort is a defining feature.
Why Do Books Become Crossovers?
Crossover potential often arises from novels that feature complex plots, well-developed characters, universal themes (like identity, loss, love, or adventure) that resonate across age groups, or high-quality writing that appeals to sophisticated readers regardless of genre. While the reference doesn't detail why a book has this appeal, it highlights the publisher's recognition of this potential.
Example of a YA Crossover
A notable example mentioned in the reference is Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. This duology, set in the Grishaverse, is widely recognized for its intricate plotting, diverse ensemble cast, and darker tone, which have contributed to its popularity among both young adult and adult fantasy readers.
In essence, a YA Crossover book is strategically positioned by its publisher to maximize its readership by targeting two distinct age demographics based on perceived broader appeal.
