Queer Joy for Teens

Queer Joy for Teens

Queer Joy for Teens

A curated booklist by your favorite SPL librarians!


June 2023


Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow by Rainbow Rowell

The foremost title in the queer, genre-blending Simon Snow series, this book has everything from paranormal romance to action and adventure! "Worst" Chosen One Simon Snow and roommate Baz will keep you entertained as they battle monsters, tackle homework, and navigate crushes.

Check, Please! Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu

Book one in the beloved graphic novel series of the same name follows Georgia-born figure skater and baking enthusiast Eric Bittle “Bitty” into his first years of college. Bitty is testing out life in New England via a hockey scholarship, and navigating his crush on Jack, the gorgeous but intense hockey team captain.

Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier; art by Val Wise

In this award-winning graphic novel, Annie, an angsty, book-smart lesbian, joins the high school cheer squad at the start of senior year to beef up her college application. Little does this antisocial queen know she’s about to catch feelings for squadmate and former friend BeBe, a trans girl and serial people-pleaser. Fans of Heartstopper will love this fresh, queer romance.

Felix Ever After Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

When Felix Love, a Black transgender teen, starts receiving transphobic texts from an anonymous fellow summer camper, he decides to catfish his lead suspect. But in the process, he discovers some unexpected realities about himself and his potential bully. Luckily Felix has friendship and support from his chosen family to guide his path towards self-discovery.

Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars: A Dangerous Trans Girl's Confabulous Memoir Fierce Femmes and Notorious Liars: A Dangerous Trans Girl's Confabulous Memoir by Kai Cheng Thom

This award-winning memoir-style novel is a surreal and playful coming of age tale unlike any other. The unnamed Asian, trans protagonist discovers refuge and sisterhood on the Street of Miracles after running away from her abusive parents. After a fellow femme’s murder, our protagonist puts her kung-fu skills to action safeguarding her new home and family.

The Girl From the Sea The Girl From the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

In this endearing and lighthearted graphic novel, fifteen-year-old Morgan longs to leave her small island life behind. Though she has a great group of friends, she doesn't know how to tell them she’s queer. When a mysterious girl named Keltie saves Morgan from drowning, young love isn’t far behind. But can the relationship survive the many secrets both girls are keeping?

Heartstopper Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

A charming boy-meets-boy coming of age story, the first volume in the hugely popular Heartstopper graphic novel series explores the nuances of friendship, love, and coming out. High schoolers Charlie and Nick quickly fall hard for each other with all the awkward and raw emotions that young love entails.

Juliet Takes a Breath Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

Queer, Puerto Rican-American, Juliette, is in for a bumpy start to her summer; not only did she come out to her religious family right before flying across the country for an internship, she also just learned that the feminist author she's interning for, once her idol, actually has problematic views about women of color. A funny and moving tale about coming out and coming of age.

Let’s Talk About Love Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann

Humorous and heartwarming, this upbeat read follows asexual pop-culture enthusiast Alice, who has her whole summer planned out, that is, until she crosses paths with swoon-worthy Takumi. But after being dumped by her girlfriend when she came out as asexual, Alice isn’t so sure if she wants to open her heart to possibility again.

Once and Future Once and Future by Amy Rose Capetta and Cori McCarthy

The legends of King Arthur meet outer space in the first installment of this celebrated speculative fiction duology. Ari, a female king, and her companion Merlin, are on a mission to stop a tyrannical government in its tracks. Action packed, amusing, suspenseful, and queer, this Arthurian retelling is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The Prince and the Dressmaker The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

The richly detailed artwork is just as captivating as the plot of this whimsical and colorful graphic novel. Prince Sebastian is living a double life: to his parents, he’s a dutiful young royal, but to his friends and Paris’ fashion elite, he’s known as the iconic trendsetter, Lady Crystallia. But with growing fame comes growing attention: can Lady Crystallia keep her secret under wraps?

Right Where I Left You Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters

Best friends Isaac, who is Black and gay, and Diego, who is Latinx and bi, are determined to make this summer their best one yet. But when the friends get sidetracked by summer flings, their plans and friendship start going south. When things come to a head at Teen Pride, Issac and Diego have to work to salvage their summer, friendship, and potential for something more.

These Witches Don’t Burn These Witches Don’t Burn by Richard B. Primack

This Rainbow List award winner (2020) follows Elemental witch, Hannah, and ex-girlfriend, Veronica, who partner together to save Salem, Massachusetts from the deadly dark magic pervading the city in this modern-day fantasy with a twist of romance. Check out the sequel, This Coven Won’t Break, for more queer paranormal romance and witchy world-saving!

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