Here are some ways to think about it:
Historically:
* Early 20th century: "Juvenile" was used for books specifically aimed at children and young teenagers (usually ages 8-14).
* Mid to late 20th century: The term became less common, and terms like "young adult" and "middle grade" emerged to better define target audiences.
Today:
* "Juvenile" is rarely used commercially. It's considered outdated and often associated with a more simplistic style of writing.
* Instead, publishers use terms like:
* Middle Grade (MG): Typically aimed at ages 8-12.
* Young Adult (YA): Typically aimed at ages 12-18.
Important Notes:
* Age ranges are not strict guidelines. A book intended for one age group might appeal to readers in other age groups.
* Genre matters: A fantasy novel intended for young adults might have more complex themes and characters than a realistic fiction novel intended for middle grade readers.
* "Juvenile" can sometimes be used as a derogatory term, implying that a book is of low quality or unsuitable for adults.
In summary, "juvenile" is a term that's best avoided in modern literary discussions. Instead, use more specific and descriptive terms like "middle grade" or "young adult" to understand the target audience of a book.