Science Fiction, Young Adult, Philosophical
Flowers for Algernon has plenty of newfangled scientific machinery, but that's not necessarily what makes it science fiction. Nope, it's science fiction with a side of philosophy, and grapples heavily with questions about what happens when we mess with someone's intelligence. You'll have to read it to find out what happens when scientists play God, but we'll say that Plato probably would have appreciated this type of science fiction. Figuring out how technology works as an extension of ourselves is a pretty thought-provoking subject, especially when it involves the human mind.
Sure technology and brain science is some pretty scary stuff in this book, but we don't think Charlie would want us to stop science in its tracks. There are lots of good things that come from Charlie's operation, even though the story wants us to think more about what the consequences are. Any time you tinker with a human life, it's a good idea to bust out the heavy philosophy.
Although it's got some pretty mature themes, Flowers for Algernon has a vocabulary fit for young adult audiences. And hey—it's pretty relevant to young adult lives, since Charlie gets stuck at that crucial phase in his development.