Reading Rants: YA Books That Go Beyond High School

We all know that YA books aren't limited to an audience of teens still in high school--I'm proof of that. But just because a book is YA doesn't mean that the protagonist necessarily has to be in high school. There is a surprisingly large (and varied) amount of YA books out there about teens finding their way after high school, whether they're in college or not. These books have really appealed to me lately, especially as I'm realizing myself that where you go to college doesn't really matter as much as I once thought.

Here's a list of some of my favorite post-high school YA reads!

The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter

This was one of my favorite books of 2010, and I think everyone should give it a try despite the bad cover. Lainey's graduation should be a happy event, but when her mother commits suicide just days after, all of Lainey's plans change...now she's unsure about everything. Read my review here.

Twelve Long Months by Brian Malloy

Molly hates living in her tiny Midwestern town, and dreams of two things: dating her hot lab partner Mark Dahl and going to college in New York City. So everything seems to be coming together perfectly when she discovers that Mark is moving to New Jersey after graduation. But after the two move out east and reconnect, Molly discovers Mark's secret that will dramatically change their relationship. Read my review here.

Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson

Leigh's first semester in college as a psych major should be awesome, but instead she finds herself worrying and over-analyzing everything--her boyfriend, her mentor program, and her boyfriend's distractingly cute roommate. Read my review here.

The Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

Fashioned after Judy Blume's classic, Forever..., this one follows Dominique as she goes through her senior year of high school and her first year of college, experiencing the ups and downs of first love, relationships, and sex for the first time. Read my review here.

Bass Akwards and Belly Up by Elizabeth Craft and Sarah Fain

What happens when four friends do the exact opposite of what is expected of them and postpone college for a chance to pursue dreams that everyone else considers far-fetched?

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen and Stay by Deb Caletti

These two books both take place the summer after each protagonists' graduations. In the Dessen, Auden learns a lot about her parents, their divorce, and attempts to reclaim her childhood. In Deb Caletti's book, which will be out this spring, Clara is hiding from an ex-boyfriend and attempting to recover from an abusive relationship in a tiny seaside town, where she discovers much more than a safe haven and redemption.

Now, I know there are more out there, so what are some that you've enjoyed? And what's your opinion about college-aged protagonists in YA? Should those books be considered adult? Where's the "line"?