Why are most YA books science fiction or fantasy?

I'm not sure which are the absolute most popular this year specifically, but 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' by Suzanne Collins has been getting a lot of attention. It's a prequel to 'The Hunger Games' series. Also, new releases in ongoing series like Leigh Bardugo's 'King of Scars' duology might be popular among fans.

One great example is 'Illuminae' by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. It combines elements of science fiction like space battles and advanced technology with a touch of the fantastical in its unique storytelling style. The story unfolds through a series of documents, which is really innovative.

Among the most popular are 'Uglies' as it makes you think about beauty standards and society's control over appearance. 'Legend' is popular for its dual - perspective storytelling and the exciting action between the two main characters from different social classes. 'Red Rising' has gained a large following for its gritty and complex world - building on Mars.

'The Girl Who Drank the Moon' by Kelly Barnhill is another great option. It has a magical setting with a witch and a dragon, which are typical fantasy elements. But it also has a scientific undertone in how the magic works and the way the world is structured. It's a beautifully written book that can introduce young readers to the blend of these two genres.

Well, 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry is a really good YA science fiction. It presents a seemingly perfect but actually very controlled society. Then there's 'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline. It's full of 80s pop - culture references and takes place in a virtual world. Also, 'Uglies' by Scott Westerfeld is interesting. It explores ideas of beauty and conformity in a future world.

The 'Shadow and Bone' trilogy by Leigh Bardugo has been extremely popular lately. It has a great blend of magic and a somewhat science - fiction - inspired world - building. 'The Poppy War' by R. F. Kuang is also very well - liked. It has a complex and engaging plot set in a fictional world with some science - fiction - adjacent elements. 'Six of Crows' which is also by Leigh Bardugo and is part of the same universe as 'Shadow and Bone' has been very popular among YA readers for its characters and heist - like story.

One great book is 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's set in a post - apocalyptic world where teenagers are forced to fight to the death in an arena. Another is 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth. It has a unique society divided into factions based on different virtues. 'The Maze Runner' by James Dashner is also excellent. In it, a group of boys are trapped in a maze and have to figure out how to escape.

You should check out 'The Mortal Instruments' series. It weaves together a modern world with demons, magic, and advanced technology to create a unique blend of fantasy and science fiction.

I think 'The Grace of Kings' by Ken Liu was also quite popular. It has a great blend of Asian - inspired mythology and science fiction elements. It's about kingdoms and power struggles in a world that has some advanced technological aspects.

Maybe it's because some fantasy elements can overlap with certain concepts in science fiction. For example, time travel or alternate realities.