Books Like...

"Felix Ever After" by Kacen Callender is a young adult contemporary novel that follows the story of Felix, a black, queer, and transgender protagonist navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and self-discovery. Set in modern-day NYC, the book delves into themes of gender and sexual identity, cyberbullying, and family acceptance. The writing style is described as endearing, engaging, and quick-paced, making it a compelling and relatable read for young adult readers.

'All Boys Aren't Blue' by George M. Johnson is a memoir manifesto that delves into the author's childhood, adolescence, and college years as a Black queer boy. Through a series of personal essays, Johnson explores themes of identity, family, resilience, trauma, and self-discovery. The book candidly discusses heavy topics such as sexual abuse, toxic masculinity, and societal challenges faced by queer Black individuals, while also highlighting the importance of love, hope, and authenticity in one's journey towards self-acceptance. Johnson's writing style is described as raw, heartwarming, and deeply personal, offering readers an intimate glimpse into his experiences and emotions.

Juliet Takes a Breath is a coming of age story about a Latina lesbian from the Bronx who embarks on a journey of self-discovery by interning with a feminist writer in Portland. The book explores themes of LGBTQ identity, family relationships, feminism, race, and privilege through the engaging voice of Juliet. Readers witness Juliet's growth as she navigates through various issues, making it a character-driven story with a focus on self-acceptance and establishing boundaries. Set in 2003, the story follows Juliet's experiences with her idol and the LGBTQ community, providing a raw, honest, and amusing narrative that delves into big issues such as learning about oneself and respecting others.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide is a gripping and timely YA thriller that follows the lives of two Black students, Chiamaka and Devon, at the prestigious Niveus Academy. The story delves into themes of racism, classism, homophobia, and the pressure to succeed in a predominantly white institution. As the two protagonists navigate the cutthroat world of Niveus, they must join forces to uncover a stalker's identity and face the dangerous repercussions of the secrets being revealed.

The novel intricately weaves together elements of mystery, thriller, and social commentary, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Through rich characterization, tight plotting, and thought-provoking discussions on race and sexuality, Ace of Spades offers a chilling portrayal of the impact of white supremacy and systemic discrimination on marginalized individuals.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows the journey of two teenage boys, Aristotle and Dante, as they navigate through friendship, love, self-discovery, and acceptance. The novel beautifully captures the complexities of adolescence, Mexican American heritage, and LGBTQ+ experiences through the genuine and evolving relationship between the two protagonists. The writing style is described as lyrical, heartfelt, and introspective, delving into themes of identity, family dynamics, and personal growth with a mix of humor, melancholy, and compassion.

The plot unfolds as Aristotle, a loner searching for his identity, forms an unexpected bond with Dante, another loner who offers to teach him how to swim. Over time, their friendship deepens, leading them to unravel profound truths about themselves and the world around them. Through poetic prose and genuine character interactions, the book explores the nuances of teenage emotions, cultural heritage, and the universal quest for understanding life's mysteries.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel in verse that tells the moving story of two teenage girls, Camino and Yahaira, who are devastated when their father dies in a plane crash while traveling from New York City to the Dominican Republic. Unbeknownst to each other, they discover that they share the same father, who had two separate families. The book explores themes of love, family, grief, and secrets as the girls navigate through their loss and uncover the truth about their father's double life. Written in verse, the novel captures the emotions and struggles of the characters as they come to terms with their new reality and find solace in each other's existence.

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar follows the story of Nishat, a 16-year-old Bengali teen living in Ireland who comes out as a lesbian to her Muslim family. As she navigates her identity, she also deals with a crush on a Black Brazilian classmate, Flávia, while facing bullying and cultural appropriation. The book explores themes of coming out, racism, prejudice, cultural identity, and teenage relationships within the backdrop of a school business competition centered around henna art.

Nishat struggles with the decision to either stay closeted to appease her family or take a chance on a relationship with Flávia amidst the competitive atmosphere of the school project. The story delves into Nishat's journey of self-acceptance, familial acceptance, and the complexities of young love in the face of cultural differences and societal expectations.

"Openly Straight" by Bill Konigsberg follows the story of Rafe, a teenager who decides to hide his sexuality when he transfers to an all boys' boarding school in New England. Rafe, who has been openly gay since 8th grade, wants to escape the label of being the gay kid and start fresh without his sexuality defining him. As he navigates his new identity and relationships, particularly with his friend Ben, Rafe grapples with the consequences of hiding a major part of himself and the complexities of being true to who he is.

The novel explores themes of identity, labels, and self-acceptance as Rafe struggles with the pressure of conforming to societal expectations while also yearning to be seen as just a regular guy, not solely defined by his sexuality. Through Rafe's journey of self-discovery and relationships, the book delves into the challenges and nuances of coming to terms with one's identity and the impact of societal perceptions on individual authenticity.

Readers have described "How to Repair a Mechanical Heart" as a story that intricately weaves together themes of fandom, cute romance, character growth, and religious struggles. The plot follows Brandon, an 18-year-old vlogger dealing with Catholic guilt and his sexuality, who embarks on a road trip with his friend Abel to meet the creators of their favorite show. The writing style is praised for its excellent flow, rich characterization, and the perfect balance between angst and light-hearted moments.

In "Bloom" by Kevin Panetta, the story revolves around Ari, a young man who dreams of pursuing a music career in the big city with his band but is torn by his family's struggling bakery business. To find a replacement, he meets Hector, a kind and talented baker who unexpectedly draws Ari back into the world of baking. As their friendship grows, Ari must navigate his conflicting desires for independence and loyalty to his family, all set against the backdrop of a Maryland summer. The book portrays a heartwarming coming-of-age tale intertwined with themes of self-discovery, friendship, and budding romance, all beautifully illustrated by Savanna Ganucheau in shades of teal.