[Lordwatermelon]

I read a comment that said romance is a main component of YA and I am curious, has anyone ever read a YA book with no romance? Would you? I would still read for a good plot or other relationships like friendship, but I do admit that romance usually makes things more exciting I think, just not sure how much it would affect. Any opinions?

[lilybook]

Personally I prefer it without, I don't mind if it is subtle or part of the sub-plot, but not if the book is more focused on the romance.. if that makes sense.

IMO romance if often NOT the main component of YA stories - adventure is.

I've read quite a few where there is almost no romance, some sexual tension between the main characters, adventure, and the growing maturity of the protagonists

[ddaflunky]

If not romance, you need a strong family. Something to build excitement, something that is in jeopardy. The best suspense is from something they have to lose.

[ddaflunky]

Trying hard to think of a series or book that had NO romance in it. Even the Giver had some romance, I think any story that sticks with you has some small amount of romance or at the least as mentioned above a strong family love. Can anyone think of a YA story/series with no romance at all?

for no romance book, we need something else. a strong message, a strong topic of discussion or a journey of character growth.