Young Adult
Arden High: Twelfth Grade Night, Book 1
Written by Molly Booth & Stephanie Strohm
Illustrated by Jamie Green
Shakespeare and high school and fairies, oh my! Gorgeous illustrations bring to life the enchanted world of Arden High in this creative retelling of Twelfth Night. Gender exploration, queerness, and grief are woven in with pranks, crushes, new friends, and school dances to create a perfect snapshot of the mixed-up magic of high school. If you recently read Heartstopper and are looking for your next queer rom-com graphic novel obsession, this is the book for you. —Molly
Maybe an Artist
by Liz Montague
In this charmingly illustrated graphic memoir, Liz Montague recounts why they pursued art. With inspiration and encouragement, Maybe an Artist explores what it means to find your own calling in a world that wants to label you first. I highly recommend it to any kid who is exploring their own identities, passions, and dreams. —Kailey Jo
How to Excavate a Heart
by Jake Maia Arlow
Freshly out of a messy breakup, Shani is ready to dive into her month-long Washington, DC, internship, studying her actual true love: fish. However, this winter break plan is suddenly interrupted when Shani’s mom bumps into a girl with her Subaru—namely, fellow scientist May—and possibly creates the perfect meet-cute. A wonderful mix of Jewish holiday representation with two lesbian scientists and a cute corgi. What else could you ask for?
—Andrea
I Was Born for This
by Alice Oseman
Internet friends Angel (a huge fan of the boyband the Ark) and Jimmy (its lead singer) bond over music, fandom, and their complicated lives offline. Both narrators talk to the reader like a friend, with familiar language and inside jokes that will resonate with those who grew up online. Oseman explores themes like anxiety with gravity and compassion, making her endearing characters and their relationships more and more real. Nick and Charlie are reading this book on the cover of the upcoming Heartstopper novella! —Isaac
Anne of Greenville
by Mariko Tamaki
Anne and her two moms have moved to the middle of nowhere (Greenville), and Anne is ready to dazzle with her sweet disco roller skating dance moves. Upon her arrival, however, it seems like the townies have other ideas of what is acceptable. Anne must hold her quick temper to (rightfully) stand up for herself against homophobic and racist classmates and their parents. A fun retelling that pays loving homage to its predecessor. —Andrea
The Keeper of the Night: Book 1
by Kylie Lee Baker
As a half-British grim reaper and half-Japanese shinigami, Ren Scarborough understandably sees herself as an outsider as she roams London streets, collecting souls from the newly departed. After losing control of her shinigami abilities, she is forced to flee with her brother to Japan. Baker interweaves macabre mythology and Japanese folklore, grounding the story with a morally gray character. An excellent read for a dark autumn night, and the second book in this grimly enjoyable duology is due in October! —Maddy
A Scatter of Light
by Malinda Lo
Aria West had summer plans to hang with her best friends at Martha’s Vineyard. Those plans change suddenly when private images of her are leaked online, and she is forced to spend the summer with her grandmother in California. Aria’s summer plunges her into an identity search she never anticipated. Malinda Lo, the award-wining author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club, delivers another compelling contemporary queer coming-of-age story. —Andrea
Abuela, Don’t Forget Me
by Rex Ogle
After reading the first poem in this memoir, a companion to Free Lunch and Punching Bag, I knew it would be one of my instant favorites. In a series of anecdotes, Rex Ogle takes us from his childhood through his roughest teen years. With great kindness and care, he highlights the love of his abuela, bringing me to tears over and over. A must-read, but be warned: This one is as tough and heartbreaking as it is full of love and light. —Andrea