Celebrating World Book Day With 10 Great LGBTQ+ Novels
Entertainment
To celebrate World Book Day today, we share 10 novels aimed at teenagers/young adults that capture the LGBTQ+ experience perfectly, providing heartfelt stories of companionship and family, and reminding readers that they are not alone.
Reading can transport people to far away worlds and extraordinary scenarios. The escapism it conjures is a crutch for many, especially those who are struggling to cope in their current life circumstances. The LGBTQ+ community have often relied on representation to feel less isolated, and it cannot be overstated how important it is for developing minds to have experiences to relate to – even fictional. Here are our top 10 reads:
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
The basis of the hugely successful coming-of-age romcom Love, Simon, this groundbreaking novel is full of the same heart, warmth and sincerity that made its adaptation so appealing. Everyone who has ever been in the closet will be able to empathize with lead character Simon Spier’s thoughts and anxieties, as he navigates coming to terms with his identity in the middle of school, partying, and dating.
When a fellow student uploads an anonymous social media post stating that he is gay, Simon takes on an online pseudonym and responds. Every few chapters, the book features a delightful chain of emails between the two boys, as they slowly fall for each other. The mystery of the love interest’s identity is just as compelling as the profoundly relatable character writing for the story’s protagonist. Simon vs. remains the quintessential ‘coming out’ story, changing the game for dozens of LGBTQ+ YA novels to follow.
You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour and David Levithan
This wholesome novel offers a rare glance at a deep bond between LGBTQ+ teens that isn’t romantic. Friendship is at the heart of this story, as classmates Kate and Mark slowly get to know each other and realize they have more in common than they initially thought.
Kate finds herself alone during a night out, hiding from a girl she’s been in love with for a long while. Mark realizes that the connection he has with his best friend Ryan may feel like more than friendship – and wonders if it is being reciprocated. These two alternating storylines intertwine beautifully, as Mark and Kate open up to each other and come to understand the importance of trust, companionship and, most notably, maintaining friendships in the LGBTQ+ community.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
The title alone is enough to draw you in, right? Or put you off entirely. As humans we’re naturally attracted to drama and inclined to either explore or avoid tragedy – but that’s not what this novel is about at all. Despite its worrying name, this story is inherently about love, friendship and making up for lost time.
Set in an alternate world where people are notified when they are going to die within 24 hours, this dark but romantic novel follows the powerful story of Mateo and Rufus. Two boys who form an unlikely bond in the face of an incomprehensible situation. The world-building is incredible, providing characters you will hold in your heart and remember forever, and giving you a fresh new perspective on how to experience life to its fullest.
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
Nonbinary protagonist Ben De Backer leads this powerful story, dealing with themes of anxiety, rejection and hope in the face of hardships. After being kicked out of the house by their parents, they move in with their sister and try to keep a low profile. But when Nathan Allan arrives on the scene at school, everything changes.
Starting off as friends, Ben learns to confide in Nathan and divulge his identity. What follows is a touching story, where a deep connection between two young students is strengthened by their desire to protect one another. The relationship eventually grows into something more, with heartwarming character development and a rare example of well-written non-binary representation for questioning teens and young adults. I Wish You All the Best remains an underrated gem in LGBTQ+ literature.
It’s Not Like It’s a Secret by Misa Sugiura
Sana Kiyohara’s life seems to be all about keeping secrets. Whether it’s her father’s possible affair, or the frustration she feels towards her friend group, she’s already dealing with enough pressure as it is. And that’s before she meets Jamie Ramirez, her new best friend that she might just have a slight crush on.
This heartwarming coming of age novel offers up an all-too-relatable tale for anyone, LGBTQ+ or otherwise, who has ever experienced the dull ache of unrequited love. Sana and Jamie’s story is about daring to take a leap, setting aside anxieties to be true to yourself. With the value of family and friendship at the heart of it, this book focuses on a number of issues faced by many young people today. Divulging secrets is simple – it is the repercussions that are hard to cope with.
Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
In this young adult romance, Alice finds herself turning away from the dating scene once and for all. After her girlfriend broke up with her when Alice revealed she was asexual, the young woman focuses on her plan to enjoy a summer full of TV shows, buffets, and best friends only. That is, until Takumi becomes a part of the picture.
With an uncommonly authentic representation of biromantic asexuality, Kann writes Alice with fierce individuality and a strong, glorious will. But the romantic comedy esque butterflies she gets when she talks to Takumi are perhaps telling of a love she wasn’t expecting. A love she deserves. Alice must make the decision whether to risk ruining the connection she has with a close friend, or find out if there’s something deeper to the relationship...
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
Anyone in need of an uplifting story about discovering yourself and finding your feet will love Dean Atta’s The Black Flamingo. Set in a university, this empowering novel tells the story of Michael, a student who is coming to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay guy at a crucial stage in his life.
Upon joining uni, he fights back against those who seek to silence him, reclaiming his identity and finding solace in drag artistry. The story is entirely about being free, being authentic and being true to yourself. Suitable for both readers who have found their wings and readers who need a bit of inspiration, Michael’s story and character development is an uplifting experience for everyone.
If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich
Focused on two boyband members who are forced inside the closet by their management, this topical novel seeks to portray the damaging effects of homophobia (internalized and externalized) no matter how popular and successful someone is. Ruben Montez and Zach Knight must rely on each other’s support to maintain one of the biggest kept secrets in pop music.
Perfectly detailing the difficulties of being closeted, this revolutionary tale sparks feelings of rebellion and a need to reject the norm. Readers will root for Ruben and Zach’s right to love each other freely, following their story in a world that seems to be against them. If This Gets Out is about bravery, resilience and finding comfort in your community.
Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
Quite different from all the other entries on this list, Her Majesty’s Royal Coven is a fantasy novel focusing on the lives of a group of young witches. As much about identity as it is about magic, this trilogy written by prolific trans author Juno Dawson manages to perfectly merge the excitement that the fantasy/paranormal genre conjures, with an empowering character piece centered on self-acceptance and loyalty.
Dawson explores themes of feminism, self-identification, LGBTQ+ acceptance and the power of sisterhood in this thrilling opening to the series. Helena, Leonie, Niamh and Elle must make a choice to stand together and preserve the tradition of their coven, or to set their differences aside and fight together for a better future.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This subtle, slow burn romance takes the ‘opposites attract’ trope and turns it into something new and refreshing. This novel, set in 1980s Texas and currently being adapted into a feature film, is purely focused on character and humanity. Detailing the internal struggles that two young boys face, not just in their sexual identity, but in their race, class, and position in their families.
Aristotle is completely taken by Dante’s swimming abilities and physical strength, whereas Dante finds Aristotle’s flair for poetry utterly captivating. When Aristotle saves Dante’s life very early on in the novel, what starts off as a mutual respect for one another develops into an inseparable bond between the two. Sáenz captures the innocence of youth perfectly, providing readers with a wholesome story about the trials and tribulations, and the rewards, of first love.
Read related myGwork articles here:
The LGBTQ+ Books You Need to Read This Summer
10 Best LGBT+ Novels Of The Decade
Top 10 Books to Read When Considering a Career Change
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