The ability of young adult literature to address issues of identity in an open-handed and egalitarian way can't really be underestimated. Part of the appeal of young adult books is the opportunity they provide authors in allowing them to create characters to be earnest which sparks true, often pure, feeling in the reader. When characters are included who experience mental illness, a vehicle is provided for people to accompany someone on a journey to a conclusion - open-ended or not, happy or sad.
