Books Like...

'Odd One Out' by Nic Stone is a novel that delves deep into the complexities of teenage relationships, sexuality, and self-discovery. The story follows the intertwined lives of Coop, Jupiter, and Rae, exploring the shifts in their friendship dynamics as they navigate feelings of attraction and love towards each other. Through genuine depth and clarity, Nic Stone addresses difficult issues like ideology, self-definition, and sexuality, creating a heartfelt and informative narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.

The book is a coming-of-age story that tackles the struggles of finding oneself amidst societal expectations and the need for labels. It provides a poignant exploration of love in all its forms, portraying the beautiful messiness of relationships and the universal nature of emotional connections. With relatable characters and a captivating storyline, 'Odd One Out' takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, offering insights that are both enlightening and thought-provoking.

"Kissing Kate" by Lauren Myracle is a young adult novel that delves into the lives of two best friends, Lissa and Kate, whose friendship takes a complicated turn when they share a kiss at a party. The story follows Lissa's journey of self-discovery as she navigates her feelings for Kate, her sexual orientation, and her identity amidst the aftermath of the kiss. Through the narrative, the author explores themes of friendship, coming out, and the importance of being true to oneself, all set against the backdrop of high school life.

The book is written in a relatable and down-to-earth style that captures the raw emotions and experiences of teenage characters grappling with love, friendship, and self-acceptance. As Lissa tries to make sense of her feelings and relationships, the story unfolds with layers of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complexities of teenage life, making it a compelling read for young adult audiences.

10 THINGS I CAN SEE FROM HERE follows the story of Maeve, a teenage girl struggling with severe anxiety disorder, as she navigates through major life changes including moving in with her estranged father, starting a new school, and falling in love with a violinist named Salix. The book portrays Maeve's constant battle with anxiety, her fears, and her journey towards self-acceptance and overcoming her struggles. Written in a scattered and messy style to convey the idea of anxiety, the book also delves into themes of family dynamics, relationships, and personal growth.

'Orpheus Girl' by Brynne Rebele-Henry is a poetic and evocative depiction of despair, oppression, and abandonment, following the story of teenagers Raya and Sarah as they navigate their relationship in a conservative, small town in Texas. When the girls are outed and sent to a conversion therapy camp, they endure mental and physical abuse to allegedly cure them of being queer. The narrative explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a religious world, all portrayed through vivid imagery and intense storytelling.

The book is a reimagining of the Orpheus myth, with Raya vowing to become Orpheus and go through Hell to save the girl she loves, paralleling the journey of the original myth while addressing timely and important issues such as conversion therapy, homophobia, and the struggles of queer teens in a hostile environment.

'Been Here All Along' by Sandy Hall is a young adult romance novel that revolves around the blossoming relationship between two gay teenagers, Gideon and Kyle. The story is set in a high school setting and follows the journey of Gideon as he discovers his sexuality while Kyle navigates his feelings for Gideon. is praised for its light-hearted and pleasant tone, focusing on themes of first love and acceptance within a supportive community. The writing style is described as simple, easy to read, and relatable, with a focus on the characters' emotions and experiences.

Boy Erased by Garrard Conley is a memoir detailing the author's harrowing experience growing up in a religiously conservative household in the South and being sent to a conversion therapy camp to "pray away the gay." Conley explores the damaging effects of the pray away the gay mentality and reflects on his struggles with his sexuality in relation to his faith, all while dealing with the rejection from his family and community. The book is described as beautifully written, revealing, and honest in its portrayal of Conley's journey towards self-acceptance amidst the damaging effects of conversion therapy.

The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis is a powerful and emotionally driven coming-of-age novel that follows seventeen-year-old Evan Panos as he navigates a life filled with abuse, homophobia, and neglect. The story delves into Evan's struggles with his strict immigrant Greek mother, his distant father, and his developing feelings for his best friend Henry. The writing style is raw and painful, providing a realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by survivors of abuse from a young age. The book's fast-paced narrative touches on sensitive subjects like abuse, homophobia, and bullying, leaving readers empathizing with Evan's journey towards finding his voice in a world where silence has been his survival mechanism.

'Birthday' by Meredith Russo is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows the lives of two best friends, Eric and Morgan, who were born on the same day and celebrate their birthdays together every year. The book delves into the struggles of Morgan, a transgender girl, as she navigates her gender identity, internalized transphobia, and societal expectations in a rural southern town. The narrative unfolds year by year, providing a dual perspective on the challenges faced by both characters as they grow up, discover their feelings for each other, and confront their own inner demons. The writing style captures the raw emotions, complexities of identity, and the bittersweet journey of self-acceptance with a mix of heartbreak and hope.

Date Me, Bryson Keller is a contemporary YA novel that follows the story of Bryson Keller, the most popular boy in school, who agrees to date a different girl each week if she asks him out. However, when Kai, a shy gay guy, asks Bryson out as part of a dare, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. As they navigate their feelings for each other, Kai struggles with coming out to his conservative family, leading to a heartfelt exploration of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. The book's writing style evolves from feeling cliched at the beginning to delving deeper into the characters' relationships and addressing larger issues as the story progresses, ultimately shining in its exploration of the characters' identities and faults.

Just Juliet by Charlotte Reagan is a novel that delves into the journey of self-discovery and coming out for the main character, Lena. The story follows Lena as she navigates her feelings for the new girl at school, Juliet, which leads her to question her own sexual identity. Through Lena's experiences, the readers witness a tale of emotional growth, acceptance, and the complexities of relationships. The author, Charlotte Reagan, weaves a narrative that explores themes of identity, love, friendship, and the struggles faced by LGBTQA teens in a compelling and emotionally charged manner.