Harry Potter was a smash hit about a boy discovering he’s a wizard and going to school in a magical world full of wonder and adventure. Twilight didn’t hit quite that high a note, but the story of a teenage girl who learns her classmate is a vampire and falls in love with him did quite well. The Hunger Games popularized the dystopian genre with a bow wielding teenager stepping up to survive death games, have angsty romances, and fight the power.
As far as I can tell, nothing has quite hit that same kind of high since and it may be awhile until the next truly big wave. But if it were up to you, what would the next big thing be about?
The other thing that allowed for Harry Potter that we also see in other YA lot is factions. People love identifying with groups
It took me longer than expected to find this comment!
Indeed, people have a fascination with being part of groups, especially when those groups are assigned based on their personalities. Many individuals, particularly teens, are in the constant process of self-discovery. The allure of a magical sorting hat that unveils insights about oneself and aligns with like-minded individuals is irresistible! Even after 26 years, online tests still thrive, helping people determine ‘what Harry Potter house they belong to.’ Tell me someone is a Ravenclaw or a Slytherin, and I can instantly tell the type of person they are.
People are truly wild about this stuff!