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This coming of age novel tells the story of Aristotle and Dante, two boys in 1980s El Paso. This novel gives a heartwarming look into family, culture, and what it means to discover who you are. Written in 2012, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe has become an award winning novel for its impactful story. A long awaited sequel, Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World is due soon in October 2021.
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If you're looking for something in the fantasy genre, Carry On is for you. It follows Simon Snow through his last year at magical school, Watford School of Magicks, and centers on Simon's relationship with his roommate, Baz Pitch. Told in four parts, we see their relationship develop from both boys' points of view.
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This book tells the story of Henry "Monty" Montague, who was born and raised to be a gentleman in the 1800s. The problem? Monty is bisexual and can't seem to escape gambling, drinking, or the beds of the women and men around him, despite his father's disapproval. He's sent on a tour of Europe with his best friend and crush, Percy. His plans to flirt and drink his way through Europe are overturned when one bad decision puts everything Monty has, including his relationship with Percy, at risk.
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Kristen Lattimer is homecoming queen, a champion hurdler, has a full ride scholarship to college, and a steady boyfriend. When she decides to go to the next level with him, it prompts a doctor's visit, where Kristen is told she is intersex. In her case, she outwardly looks female, but has male chromosomes and male "parts." When her diagnosis is leaked to the school, Kristen is thrown into confusion. This eye-opening novel tells Kristen's story in a way that educates and inspires. Sensitive and humorous, it explores gender in a way all readers can benefit from.
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Amanda Hardy is a transgender girl moving to a new school, and she is determined to not let anyone get too close. After facing bullying, she moved to Atlanta with her mother to complete her physical transition, and now is back in Tennessee with her father. As much as she's determined to go unnoticed, she attracts a boy named Grant. As they get closer, Amanda yearns to tell Grant about her past, but is scared that it may destroy everything she's built in her new home. This groundbreaking story was written by a transgender author, and gives an eye opening look into the life of a transgender teen.
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Nima, a closeted lesbian, starts this book shy and awkward. A crush on her straight best friend, a bully named Gordon, and the sudden departure of her mother a year and a half earlier plague Nima's life. In her small town, she feels stuck. That all changes when she visits a festival and befriends a drag queen named Deidre and a drag king named Winnow. Dragged into this world of proud performances, Nima finds the confidence to perform and pursue a girl. This bright coming of age novel is a tale of self-acceptance that every reader can empathize with.
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If you think you could never cry at a book, Adam Silvera is about to prove you wrong. On September 5th just after midnight Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio are told that they are going to die today by a service called Death-Cast, which warns people with less than 24 hours to live. Using an app called Last Friend, they find each other and talk about their dark pasts and the unfairness of their futures. It is as heartbreaking as it is bold, and the authentic characters make it even more personal. Despite the title spoiling the ending, you'll still need a box of tissues by the end of this heart wrenching novel.
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Riley Cavanaugh is the closeted genderfluid child of an ultra-conservative congressman in Orange County, who's running for reelection. Between moving schools and the media frenzy around their father's campaign, Riley starts an anonymous blog to vent. When the blog goes viral and one of the commenters threatens to expose Riley's true identity, they are faced with the frightening choice of coming out or walking away from the community they've found online. Jeff Garvin explores the complex ideas of gender while also writing a sharp, witty character that readers empathize with.
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When the world's best superhero, Dreadnought, dies in front of Danielle Tozer, a closeted transgender girl, she inherits all of Dreadnought's powers. Along with that, Danielle inherits Dreadnought's female body. But it goes sour now that Danielle is forced to come out, and her family is trying to "cure" her. Plus, the other superheroes have mixed reactions to Danielle. Even worse, she still has to find Dreadnought's murderer, a cyborg named Utopia, and save humanity. It's an action-packed and emotional read that everyone needs.
