Six essential LGBTQIA+ novels for YA readers
LGBTQIA+ relationships in YA fiction are very important to give teens a safe place to find relatable characters and stories that might answer their questions about orientation and identity.
Although there is now a greater variety of LGBTQIA+ books, YA still has a lot of work to do to be considered inclusive. I am always overjoyed when I stumble into the pages of a story that is more than just another fairytale where the prince falls for the princess.
You’ve come to the right spot if you’re looking for a new book to read that also happens to have some fantastic LGBTQIA+ representation.
Continue reading to learn about a few great books to add to your TBR list.
1. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston.
If you’re after a book that is heart warming from beginning to end, then go ahead and pick up Red, White, and Royal Blue and sit back and enjoy. The first son of the United States, Alex, falls for Henry a prince of England in a tale of enemies to lovers that will have you on the edge of your seat. What starts as a fake, shallow friendship continues growing more intense and more dangerous than either of them could have imagined.
If you don’t usually like politics, the political themes in this book are fascinating and don’t confuse you; they do a decent job of taking up the challenges Alex and Henry face in the eyes of the public.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s an adorable, feel-good romance that will make you feel everything the characters are feeling.
View this post on Instagram
2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Reid’s book about the classic Hollywood bombshell Evelyn is so important for the bisexual/pansexual community. She may have had seven husbands, but was any one of them the true love of her life? Or could it be the new woman in her life?
A heart breaking, yet beautiful, tale of the mesmerising journey in which a legendary starlet Evelyn Hugo tells the truth about her scandalous and glamorous life. Something even more important than her story albeit intriguing and dramatic, is the significance of her love for more than one gender and that falling in love with a woman does not make her relationships with men lesser.
This book was wonderfully written and filled with unexpected twists and the most satisfying drama.
View this post on Instagram
3. Like Water by Rebecca Podos
A story about Vanni, a young woman struggling with how to stay afloat in life while working as a mermaid in a local theme park. She is trying to decide whether to stay home or leave after graduation because if she does not flee her stuffy little town then she will be stuck there forever.
When Vanni meets Leigh, their worlds are turned upside down. During an absolutely crazy summer filled with adventure and reckless activities, they will learn more about themselves than they ever could have discovered alone.
This was an excellent YA that I couldn’t put down, the bisexual and genderqueer representation was awesome and so different from things I have read previously.
View this post on Instagram
4. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Reading this book when I was sixteen, this was the first LGBTQIA+ book I had ever read. The book is told in a way that feels so authentic, and I really associate this book with a true feeling of connection.
Simon, a sixteen year old boy, is in the closet and being blackmailed. The idea of forgetting to log out of your school email account is embarrassing enough in itself, but when you are engaged in a top secret correspondence about your unspoken sexuality, it is just a disaster waiting to happen.
Throughout this book Simon struggles with his own prejudices, the harsh world in which he lives, and the conversations or arguments about the lack of diversity in our present day culture.
Nevertheless, this is a beautiful coming of age story that illustrates being unafraid of becoming who you truly want to be.
View this post on Instagram
5. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Seeing as this book spoils the ending before you even open the first page, I found this book surprisingly enthralling.
But do not let the title fool you as this is not a story about death. Rather, it is a book about life that will leave you pondering on the thought that if today was your last day, would you be content with how you have lived your life?
This is what Mateo and Rufus have to come to terms with in a world where everyone gets a phone call the day they will die, giving them time to say goodbyes, plan their own funerals, and cram in as much life as they can. Two strangers, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—an unforgettable day that will change how they have perceived what life is about.
Heartbreaking, but also hopeful is the only way I can describe my emotions when reading this book
View this post on Instagram
6. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
I thought this was an incredible book with such important topics, all executed really well. The discussions on racism, cultural appropriation and the queer representation with different coming-out stories were fantastic. The relationship between Nishat and her sister was absolutely beautiful and all the characters were so flawed and realistic.
It is set in Ireland and follows Nishat, a Bengali lesbian, who decides to start a henna business for her class competition. Except it turns out that the girl she has a crush on is starting a rival henna business for the same competition.
A stunning read that often hit me right in the feels. The writing was graceful but also strong, it was the perfect combination of cute and serious.
View this post on Instagram
Be the first to comment!