Q. Some have argued that Uses for Boys should not be considered YA because of it’s mature themes. While I disagree with this statement, I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on this.
A. I have no problem with YA that makes adults uncomfortable. We’re uncomfortable talking about sexuality in whatever form. But half of high school age students are having sex and it’s not all fade to black. It’s good or bad or sublime or mediocre or it can be terrible and violent, but it’s happening and I think that stories give us a way to talk about the stuff that’s hard to talk about. From an interview with Rachel Reads. Also: there's an international drawing for Uses for Boys. 
Photo by William Lakin via Mark Peter Drolet