What is Young Adul Literature?

Dear journal,
I was introduced to young adult literature by my lecturer, Dr Edwin. It was a very interesting class because I learnt literature when I did my degree but none were on young adult literature. So the term was quite new to me. I studied James Joyce's "Potrait of A Young Artist" but in Brown's book that novel comes under apprenticeship novels category. Unfortunately I have forgotten what that novel was about. If I were to read it again the things I've learnt in class might resurface. So I don't think I have truly read literature books related with young adults. I may have encountered some titles but I can't remember them.
Anyway in my opinion young adult literature would involve young adults as the main characters. The problems that they encounter in life while growing up might be a crucial thing in the plot of young adult literature. It is a journey into adulthood. It is where young adults learn about life. There are so many negative things talked about as young adults are equal to rebellious beings. It is good that young adult literature has been recognised as a genre and I guess teenagers would relate better to life for there are written materials that express their positivity and negativity in life.
I think I am eager to try to read young adult literature books after this so that I can share the experience with my students about the things that are discussed in the books.