I used to write off the young adult genre because I was feeling like books geared toward adults had more important messages, but I was so wrong. It wasn't until I took a YA literature class this quarter that I realized how important the genre is.

These YA authors are reaching out to children all across the globe through their books. Whether it's a love story, a mystery, an adventure or a crime-fighting, action-packed work, they all have a message.

It is so important to encourage young readers to read because they are so impressionable. They need these books to gain perspectives from places that they wouldn't have otherwise. Although, these books aren't just meant for them. The messages and ideas in these books are geared toward all kinds of audiences, young or old.

Look at "Harry Potter," for example. Millions of people all over the world have read this series and most of them are adults. It's because, while the story is a fun adventure story, there are so many important themes about friendship, childhood, and family packed into such a well-loved story.

I have listed five books that really impacted me with very influential messages. All of these books are so different from one another but also very importation. Try to check them out if you haven't read them!

1. "The Hate U Give" By Ange Thomas.

"The Hate U Give" has made it on my favorites list because it is such an important book to read, especially with all of the hate that seems to be in the world right now. If you pick any book from this list, read this one.

2. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio.

This book has recently become a movie, and I am glad that it is getting the praise that it deserves because this is such an impactful book. It teaches us about friendship, family and insecurities, which is something that everyone can relate to in some form.

3. "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson.

"Speak" is probably one of those books that most teenagers can relate to in some way or another because it takes place in a high school setting. This book teaches readers a lot about being there for the people around you and making everyone feel important.

4. "57 Bus" by Dashka Slater.

I read "57 Bus" for the first time recently for my young adult literature class and it was life-changing. It is a nonfiction story that takes places in Oakland, California, following the trial and events leading up to the day that Richard lit Sasha's skirt on fire on the 57 Bus. This book shows a real-life moment that changed two lives (and many others) forever.

5. "Between Shades of Grey" by Ruta Sepetys.

"Between Shades of Grey" is a historical fiction story that follows a 15-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. Soviet officers take her away with her mom and brother. This is a heart-wrenching story but is it so important to read about history, and it is done in a way that speaks to all young readers everywhere.