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While queer-lit history stretches back to the days of Sappho mooning over girls, queer YA is significantly younger.
It was less than 50 years ago that the first queer YA novel was published:Ill Get There.
It Better Be Worth the Trip,by John Donovan.
This tragi-queer novel set the stage for the awkward first decades of queer YA.
Twenty years later,Boy Meets Boychanged the game entirely by presenting a gay utopia.
But it wouldnt be until just recently, post-2010, that queer YA began to really take off.
Just in the last few years, we seem to be entering a golden age of queer YA.
We still have a long way to go, however.
Thats no reason to ignore the progress weve made, however!
We may have missed your favorite queer YA, and to that we say, tell us more!
Were always up for discovering something new.
It is a love story at heart, as well as a coming-out story.
Here was a YA novel that imagined a world where being gay wasnt a tragedy.
Where the quarterback could also be gender-nonconforming, and no one takes issue with that.
Where the main character could be out since kindergarten.
Ivan Coyotes stories are filled with resilience and tenderness a decidedly nontoxic masculinity.
The Miseducation of Cameron Postby Emily M. Danforth (2012)This book is a masterpiece.
It follows Camerons coming of gayge in the 90s, in Miles City, Montana.
Danforth paints this scene with subtlety; the details are what really bring it to life.
We look forward tothe movie adaptation, but we highly recommend you read this beautiful book first.
Aristotle and Danteis beautifully written and dripping in atmosphere.
Ari and Dante are also both Mexican-American, and they discuss what that identity means to them.
This is a raw and honest story that envelops you in Aris life.
There is anti-gay and transmisogynistic violence described, as well as an outing, so be prepared for that.
This is a quiet, thoughtful book that ranges from straightforward prose to the poetry.
The unapologetic title and cover alone give this book a place on the list.
While most readers have to search for queer content,Two Boys Kissingdisplays it prominently.
The first book is so action-packed that we had an adrenaline rush reading it.
This book tackles capitalism and consumerism, while also showing Knoxs slow and believable character development.
After all, capitalism hurts queer people, too!
Everything Leads to Youby Nina LaCour (2014)Looking for the queer-girl equivalent ofBoy Meets Boy?
TryEverything Leads to You.
This is full of Hollywood glamour on top of the adorable love story.
Far From Youby Tess Sharpe (2014)Far From Youis not afraid to get dark.
Sophie is a recovering drug addict, and shes trying to find out who killed her best friend.
The secondary characters are strong and well-rounded, and maybe a little idealized.
It would be a great environment to come out in, but Simon is frustrated that he has to.
Its an interesting exploration of the concept of coming out: Why does everyone assume he is straight?
Why dont non-queer people have to come out?
More Happy Than Notby Adam Silvera (2015)More Happy Than Notis not an easy read.
In fact, its probably the bleakest book on this list.
Aaron is Latino, lives in the Bronx, and is struggling to deal with his fathers suicide.
Do be prepared for heartbreak when you pick this one up.
This a skillful narrative that crafts fully realized characters with all their flaws and vulnerability.
But hes not sure he wants to save the world.
The whole situation seems bleak and inescapable.
Luckily, there is a glimmer of hope in the darkness.
Alex is a bruja who resents her own powers.
As a queer protagonist of color, her struggle to recognize and respect her own power is especially poignant.
Shes also pulled in a love triangle between a brooding brujo and her bubbly best friend.
Of Fire and Starsby Audrey Coulthurst (2016)What a delight.
This is a YA fantasy where two princesses fall in love.
Theres court politics, betrayal, warring religious factions, and suppressed magic.
There is forbidden love, but only because Denna is engaged to Mares brother and falls for Mare instead.
Did we mention it has two princesses falling in love?
Last Seen Leavingby Caleb Roehrig (2016)Flynns girlfriend has gone missing, and hes the prime suspect.
This is another addition to queer YA thrillers, a niche that deserves to expand.
The mystery, red herrings, and twists will keep you frantically turning pages.
After all, staying closeted is already stressful enough.
It faces the difficulties and dangers of being a teenage trans girl while still maintaining a lightness and optimism.
If you want a much more in-depth take, definitely check outCasey Pletts Plenitude review.
It starts southern gothic, then descends into downright horrifying.
Elliot can be A Lot upon first encounter, but he grows on you.
Hes bisexual, and there is an adorable queer romance here as well.
Not Your SidekickandNot Your Villainby C.B.
Lee (2017)Another genre that is lacking in queer YA is superheroes!
Not just comics, but any stories featuring superheroes.
This is an unabashedly fun, trope-y take on the superhero genre.
This will be a trilogy, andthe third bookis highly anticipated.
Not Your Sidekickby C.B.
Lee
Not Your Villainby C.B.
Grace is holding back so much anger and fear that she lashes out at the people who love her.
She is falling for the new girl in town, Eva.
This is a messy situation, handled delicately.
Its about fighting bigotry, but with superstrength.
This series deals with transmisogyny and parental emotional abuse.
(The f/f romance isnt until the second book, but its worth waiting for!)
He can be out as bisexual again when he goes to an out-of-state college the following year.
It challenges some of the beliefs and behaviors of the church while not painting its followers as villains.
We Are Okayby Nina LaCour (2017)Marin is spending her holidays alone with her thoughts.
The grandfather she grew up with has died, and she has no other family to lean on.
Until her best friend shows up.
This is a very different vibe from LaCoursEverything Leads to You.
We Are Okayis suffused with grief and loneliness.
There isnt a fast-paced plot here, just an exploration of Marins emotional state.
Keep a box of tissues nearby for this one.
Her dreamy, magical-realist stories have built a solid base of fans, andWild Beautyis no exception.
The Nomeolvides women carry a curse: If they fall in love with someone, they vanish.
This a lyrical story that deals with colonialism, racism, and queerness but indirectly, and through metaphor.
The writing inside is as beautiful as the cover.
She feels like shes bursting at the seams of her life.
Ramona is 100 percent sure of her attraction to women.
Its Freddie that confuses her.
After Theo drowns, Griffin is plunged into grief, anger, and confusion over what happened.
Griffin is a deeply flawed character who is struggling to cope.
Griffin can be a difficult character to spend time with, but his pain is palpable.
This is not an easy read, but it is honest and moving.
Queens of Geekby Jen Wilde (2017)Queens of Geekshares two point-of-view characters: Charlie and Taylor.
This story is so good that you that wont even mind the m/f romance!
Of course, its Charlies flirtation with a fellow YouTube star that ups the cute level.
Its also nice to have an interracial relationship represented where both women are of color.
Its a fun, geeky read that also includes a beautiful diversity of characters.
Not only does this imagine queer histories, it imagines happy ones!
Moss finds a way to stop repressing his anger and start using it to fuel change.
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