Young adult literature (YAL) is an important and valuable tool for helping students learn and for motivating them to read. YAL also helps students gain insights into themselves and others. YAL (1) is written and marketed primarily for teenagers; (2) has main characters similar in age (12-25) to its readership; (3) has relatively uncomplicated plot lines; and (4) has issues matching the interests, needs, and concerns of teens. Historical fiction, coming-of-age, science fiction, fantasy, mystery/suspense, and non-fiction are the principal genres. Another genre called horror or shock fiction has been criticized by some as inappropriate. The coming-of-age genre deals with problems adolescents face; other genres, such as historical fiction/non-fiction in Crowdog's "Lakota Woman," overlap. YAL, as all other forms of literature, has its limitations--that is why YAL should be used as a supplement to the main texts of the class, where it may help with lessons by offering further insights, fact retention, and enjoyment. (Contains 6 references; lists of coming-of-age and cultural YA books are appended.) (CR)