Want to dive into a new queer novel for young adults? We’ve got you covered! We asked 20 authors of queer YA literature to recommend a queer YA book they love. Responses ranged from heartfelt family stories to thrilling thrillers and everything in between. However, the one thing they have in common is that they all discover the beauty, challenges and complexities of being queer. That means no matter what kind of reader you are, we have a recommendation for you. So without further ado, here are 20 queer YA books to add to your reading list.
In Madonna terms, this novel of an Iranian boy coming into his own as AIDS sets the world on fire combines the passion of “Live to Tell,” the self-discovery of “Express Yourself,” the romantic swoon of “True Blue’ and the defiance of ‘Like a Prayer’ into something that will stick in your mind long after you first experience it.
—David Levithan, author of “Boy Meets Boy”
I came to this book to explore what it’s like to be cooped up in a Catholic school; I stayed for the humour, the sincerity and the confident, punchy voice.
—Casey McQuiston, author of “I Kissed Shara Wheeler”
Set in a terrifying post-apocalyptic world, this is a tender, slow-burning queer romance that I love not only for its beautiful prose and suspenseful scenes, but also for its unflinching and sometimes hilarious depiction of guilt, trauma and what it means to keep hope.
—FT Lukens, author of “Spell Bound”
Gay Club!, by Simon James Green
What begins as a battle for the presidency of a school’s LGBTQ+ Club soon turns into a battle for all when the principal opens the election to all students. I love this book because it’s not just a love letter to our messy gay family, but a story about taking control of our destiny, as a community, in a world full of straight people who think they know better.
—LC Rosen, author of “Camp”
This book takes an honest look at the harm done to non-binary teens today, but it uses a beautiful romance to show why that bigotry will never be greater than the love these teens deserve.
—Robbie Couch, author of “If I See You Tomorrow”
A #MeToo novel-in-verse that tackles purity culture, slut-shaming and female rage while honoring the survivors with a plot centered on the main character’s healing journey. This book is cruel and ugly in its truth, but gentle and beautiful in its embodiment of hope.
—Ashley Woodfolk, author of “Nothing Burns as Bright as You”
This is a joyous tale of two black queer best friends who are determined to share one last epic day together. It instantly captured my heart with its beautifully complex exploration of identity and the endless depth of platonic love.
-Julian Winters, author of “As You Walk On By”
I was absolutely blown away by this campy, hilarious, and fast-paced mystery about a non-binary teenage bird watcher who finds themselves drawn into an impromptu murder investigation along with their friends. It’s not often that a book can strike a good balance between humour, heart and suspense, but this book absolutely did!
—Kayla Cottingham, author of “This Delicious Death”
I love this book because – even with a sweet romance against the backdrop of high school, football and first loves – it doesn’t shy away from heavy topics and difficult conversations, while still leaving readers feeling loved and hopeful!
—Aiden Thomas, author of “The Sunbearer Trials”
An all-time favorite and a huge inspiration for my own writing, this is an iconic, beautiful contemporary story that explores queerness, family, friendship, mental health and intersectionality.
—Jonny Garza Villa, author of “Ander & Santi Were Here”
This story of two fandom-bound teens whose relationship goes through various stages and hurdles is such a masterclass in modern loss and reconnection, and in ways that are both completely universal and deeply unique to queer and trans communities. I loved every minute of the rollercoaster ride, from joy to devastation and back again.
—Dahlia Adler, author of “Going Bicoastal”
I loved the way this book explored the intersection between trans and mixed identity through a deeply honest portrait of how small-town life can narrow when you don’t fit in. I wish it existed when I was a teenager struggling with my own identity.
—Tehlor Kay Mejia, author of “Lucha of the Night Forest”
This is a lavish modern gothic horror, set in Vietnam, about a strange girl named Jade, her family, and the many ghosts (corporeal and ghostly) that haunt a house that has seen too much and eaten too much. If you’re hesitant about trying out horror, let me put it this way: this is a book for anyone who would like to see if a night terror is a little hot before screaming itself awake.
—Ryan La Sala, author of “The Honeys”
I love this beautifully complex story about a teenager who leaves her toxic ex-girlfriend by reluctantly learning to believe in magic. It’s packed with whimsy, romance and, of course, tarot!
—Jennifer Nissley, author of “The Rules of Us”
I love “The Dead and the Dark” not only for its depiction of a loving LGBTQ+ family, but also for its depiction of the heartbreaking desperation that emerges when you fight tooth and nail to keep that love.
—Vincent Tirado, author of “We Don’t Swim Here”
This is a spectacular tale of queer love, life and friendship between four members of a now-defunct teen pop group who are forced to reunite at a charity concert. I love how Moreland explores the evolution of identity and relationships while still being full of humor and heart.
—Jennifer Dugan, author of “Melt With You”
McLemore breathes new life into “The Great Gatsby” with breathtaking prose and a keenly perceptive exploration of trans, queer and racial identities.
—Becky Albertalli, author of “Imogen, Clearly”
Kanakia perfectly captures the realistic complications and vulnerability of questioning identity, attraction and relationships. Told in a refreshingly perfect teenage voice and through the eyes of one of the most engaging and realistic characters I’ve seen, “We Are Totally Normal” is validating, entertaining and full of love.
—Kacen Callender, author of “Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution”
I loved this vividly written story, spanning three generations of the same Iranian family. Nazemian addresses the complexities of the queer experience in relation to self, family, place and time, with a tender gaze that is ambitious in its scope and striking in its intimacy. This is a special reading.
—Courtney Summers, author of “I’m the Girl”
There are books that pique your interest on the first page; “Cinderella Is Dead” did that and more for me. With beautiful prose, captivating atmosphere and beautifully rendered desire, this book grabbed my quirky fairytale heart.
—Anna-Marie McLemore, co-author of “Venom & Vow”
Composed by MJ Franklin