Introduction

 In recent years many LGBTQIA young adult fiction books have been written. They have become super popular and you can see them Everywhere!!!

In this annotated bibliography I will introduce you to some really good books about this subject? They all have something in common and that is Romance and Overcoming Challenges.

The Girl From The Sea

 

Author and Illustrator: Molly Knox Ostertag

Publisher: New York, NY: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic 2021

Annotation:

This is a angst-filled fantasy graphic novel which plays on an island in Canada. It deals with troubles at home, coming out and LGBT themes. The illustrations are colourful, detailed, expressive and cartoony.

There is a lot going on in 15 year old Morgan’s life. Her parents recently divorced, her little brother is angry and her mother is sad. On top of this Morgan realises that she likes girls. A secret that she needs to keep for now! She is drowning, first only internally and then literally after an accident. Morgan is rescued by a beautiful and mysterious selkie named Keltie. Keltie and Morgan become friends and eventually fall in love. But Keltie has some secrets of her own!

                                                             For more information:

                                                              Goodreads

Date Me, Bryson Keller

 

Author: Kevin van Whye

Publisher: New York: Random House Children's Books 2020

Annotation:

This teen LGBTQIA fiction is a truly heart-warming and sweet story with likeable characters. It covers themes as coming out and being biracial.

 It all starts with a dare. Fairvale Academy's most popular boy Bryson Keller is challenged to date a new person each week until the end of the year. Whoever asks him first on a Monday, he has to date. What he didn’t expect is that he is asked by Kai – a boy. Will Bryson dare to try it?

For more information:

Goodreads

The House In The Cerulean Sea

 

Author: TJ Klune

Format: Audiobook (other formats available)

Publisher: New York: Macmillan Audio 2020

Narrator: Read by Daniel Henning

Duration: 12 hrs., 18 min.

Annotation: 

Linus Baker lives a quiet and uneventful life. He works as a caseworker at the department for magical youth. His job is to check on government-sanctioned orphanages and to write reports about them. One day the Extremely Upper Management assigns him to a secret mission. They send him to a remote island orphanage were six magical children live.

This contemporary fantasy story is for adults and young adults alike. It is  filled with interesting quirky characters, magical creatures and thought-provoking  subject matter. However, it is also a gentle and slow-burning love story between two men. 

Daniel Henning’s narration of this tale is suburb. 

For more information:

KIRKUS Reviews

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secretes of the Universe

 

Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2012

Annotation:

This award winning young adult novel is a slow paced gem that deals with subject matters as homosexuality, Mexican identity, friendship and finding your place in this world. This is the first book in the series.

One day fifteen year old Ari meets Dante at the pool. Both are opposites from each other. Dante is confident and outgoing and Ari is a loner who keeps thoughts and feelings to himself. Despite their differences, they become friends.

But could it be even more than just friendship? 

 
For more information:

  KIRKUS Reviews

The Key To You And Me

Author: Jaye Robin Brown

Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books 2021

Annotation: 

This is a slow-burn lesbian romance novel which is told from the two main characters perspective. The story is about self-discovery, moving on, trust and being brave.

Piper has just been dumped by her girl friend. On top of this, Piper’s riding instructor has some medical issues and can’t train her at the moment. A change is just what Piper needs when she is invited to spend the summer at her grandma’s place in a small town in North Carolina. Her grandma sets her up with not only a summer job but also with driving lessons by a girl named Kat. Sparks fly between the two girls but are they brave enough to give this a chance?

For more information:

Goodreads

Mooncakes

 

Author: Suzanne Walker

Illustrator:  Wendy Xu

Publisher: Saint Louis, MO: Lion Forge 2019

Annotation:

This award winning graphic teen novel has beautiful and detailed illustrations. It is a magical and charming tale that deals with cultural and LGBTQIA diversity. This book is a treat for everybody who loves a whimsical and gentle romance story.

Nova is a witch who lives in a small town in New England. She works as an apprentice in her grandmothers bookshop. One day she hears that there is a white wolf in the forest. Nova suspects that it is her childhood friend Tam (Tam is nonbinary) who is a werewolf. She decides to go and look for her. When they finally reunite, old feelings are reawakened and together they fight a powerful demon that lures in the forest. 

For more information:

Goodreads

Red, White & Royal Blue

 

Author: Casey McQuiston

Publisher: New York: Wednesday Books

Annotation:

This award winning adult novel is also suitable for the young adult audience. A truly hilarious, witty and heart-warming LGBTQIA  enemies to lovers story which plays in England and America. The strength of this book is the well crafted dialogue between the main characters. 

Alex (the son of the US president) and stiff Henry (Prince of Wales) are arch-nemesis. One day these two are involved in a scandalous altercation at a wedding. An urgent damage control is needed and Alex and Henry are pressured to pretend to be friends. While spending a lot of time together, they realise that the other is not who they thought they were.

For more information: 

Goodreads

You're Next

 

Author: Kylie Schachte

Publisher: New York: JIMMY Patterson Books/Little,Brown

Annotation:

This young adult mystery fiction is an absolute page turner and deals with bisexuality, murder and a flawed main character.

Flora is perplexed when she receives a text message in the middle of the night from her ex girlfriend Ava. The girls have not been in touch with each other but now Ava asks for Flora’s help. Flora rushes to her aid but unfortunately comes to late. Can Flora find out why Ava was killed and who the murderer is? 

For more information:

Goodreads

If I Was Your Girl

 

Author: Meredith Russo

Publisher: New York: Flatiron Books 2016

Annotation:

Meredith Russo’s award winning  LGBTQI teen fiction is a emotionally intense story about a transgender teenager. Warning: This book covers themes as suicide, bullying, rape and smoking pot. 

Amanda is moving to a small town in Tennessee to live with her estranged father. She quickly becomes friends with a few girls at her local high school and she also gets closer to  handsome and kind Grant. But Amanda is harbouring a big secret. Should she tell Grant and her new made friends that she used to be a boy?

For more information:

KIRKUS Reviews

Bloom

 

Author: Kevin Panetta 

Illustrator: Savanna Ganucheau

Publisher: New York: First Second 2019

Annotation:

This award winning teen graphic novel is romantic and has likable characters. It deals with life after school and baking. Savanna Ganucheau uses a minimal palette (black, white, blue) for her illustrations. Her style is simple and naturalistic.

Highschool has finished and Ari can’t wait to leave his small town behind to move with his band to the city. Ari hires Hector to replace him in his dad’s bakery. Over the summer the boys spend a lot of time with each other and the closer they get, the more feelings they develop for each other. Is leaving really what Ari wants? 

For more information:

Goodreads