Defining young adult literature to include any book freely chosen for reading by a person between the ages of 12 and 20, this book is intended to help educate professionals in related fields about the growing body of such literature. The first section of the book provides an introduction to young adult literature, including a discussion of the literary aspects of the genre. The second section traces the history of young adult reading materials from 1800 through 1966, while the third section discusses contemporary books. The fourth section offers a view of the professional's role in relation to books and young readers, including discussions of ways to use and promote books with adolescents and issues and concerns for adults. It also presents brief biographies of major authors of young adult books. Appendixes contain (1) a list of book selection guides, (2) excerpts from the statement on students' right to read prepared by the National Council of Teachers of English, (3) a sample book selection policy for schools, and (4) a list of some outstanding books and journal articles about young adult literature. (FL)