Compelling YA LGBT Reads and Why We Need Them

I like to pride myself in believing that I've read a wide variety of novels. Classics and trashy romance and sci-fi thrillers and contemporary young adult. I'm a big fan of reading whatever I can get my hands on. I like to think I've read a wide variety. And, for the most part, I have. But one section of literature in particular I feel I've managed to immerse myself in, is LGBT.

Now, I don't want to lump all LGBT books together, because they span the genres as much as every other heterosexual book out there. That's part of what makes it so great. I can read a thrilling novel of political intrigue and then jump to a coming of age novel and still fill my need for diversity in novels.

As a young adult author, my interests in reading tend to curve in that direction, and it's always so wonderful to hear about YA books that feature LGBT characters. Young adults of every orientation need representation just as much as the rest of us, and finding wonderfully written books that contain such characters is incredible. It's especially incredible if their sexual orientation is only part of the story, and not their whole story arc.

Children who can find themselves in literature are going to feel more validated. As a white female, I saw a lot of people like me in books, and that allowed me to find icons and characters to look up to. If there are characters with various skin colors and sexual orientations, then the diversity will allow children with those similarities to celebrate themselves. It allows them to feel as though they aren't alone in a society that tends to celebrate the straight, white, male as the norm.

YA LGBT reads are just on way to do that. Here are a few of my favorites.

The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller

While Homer's Iliad should be considered an LGBT epic poem by itself, Achilles and Patroclus' relationship is much more deeply explored in Madeline Miller's novel, The Song of Achilles. One of my all-time favorite reads, The Song of Achilles is a coming of age love story that also handles the darker themes of the Iliad, like the unending Trojan War, death, and ultimately, grief. Plus, Miller is a genius with language, and she tells this romance beautifully.

It's a painful read, and those of you who have read the Iliad will already know how it ends. But, somehow, that makes the story that much sweeter. I cried, and while I'm someone who cries easily and frequently, this was a bone deep ache. I was left in a book slump after finishing this novel, but that shouldn't discourage anyone from reading it. Miller's prose is incredible, and her story grips you by the collar and doesn't let go until the very last page. Five out of Five stars, though you will need tissues.

Magnus Chase and the The Gods of Asgard, by Rick Riordan

Rick Riordan's various mythology series have gotten more and more diverse with every book released. His Norse mythology series, Magnus Chase and The Gods of Asgard, features not only racial diversity, but a transgender, gender fluid character in the second installment. Alex Fierro is, arguable, the greatest character in the series. She's snarky, intelligent, and knows what and who she is (and when he's a he, he knows it just as much).

Riordan's main other series, Percy Jackson and The Olympians, a series I started reading back in 6th grade but will continue to read for the rest of my life (Rick Riordan, you own my soul), contains a gay character. Try not to be deterred by the terrible movie version, because the series as a whole is so wonderful. It's hilariously written, magically diverse in every way imaginable, and is informative on Greek mythology.

Though not revealed until the secondary set of the series (The Heroes of Olympus), Nico di Angelo is dark and brooding and fiercely independent. In Riordan's spin off series, The Trials of Apollo, Nico is in a healthy relationship with another camper, Will (and the main character, Apollo, is very much bisexual). Major Props to Riordan for both creativity and inclusivity. 10/10, would highly recommend.

I realize now that all of the books I've suggested have something to do with Greek mythology. Sue me, it's a major interest of mine. However, I know that isn't the case for everyone, so don't worry, these next few don't include any references to Zeus.

Carry On, by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell's novel, Carry On, is like Harry Potter, but gay(er). Created as a sort of fanfiction-esque story, Carry On is set at a wizard school, where the main character, Simon Snow, must defeat a terrible villain and save all of mankind. With the help of his friends and a whole lot of magic, Simon undertakes all sorts of magical tasks, although the one he didn't expect was falling in love with his nemesis, Baz.

It felt wonderful to step back into a magical world, something that hasn't felt quite the same since I reread Harry Potter for the fifth time. Rowell has a way with words and teenage romance, which sounds cliche, but is still legit. Fans of her works Eleanor and Park and Fangirl will recognize the Rowell flair and fall in love with a whole other world (and set of teens).

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sanez

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a masterpiece. This novel was like reading poetry. There were several instances throughout the book where I desperately wanted underline entire paragraphs, simply for how beautiful they were. It's a fantastic coming-of-age, set over the course of several summers starting in 1987.

Fifteen-year old Aristotle is an angry boy who may not be able to communicate well with others, but as the narrator he has a complete mastery of words and expressions. Fifteen-year old Dante is soft and beautiful and too good for this world and the reader isn't the only one to fall in love with him. The characters were frustrating and angry and real, and reading their story felt like growing up again. Touching, raw, and intimately honest, this book was a treasure to read.

Simon Versus the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

I consumed Becky Albertalli's novel, Simon Versus the Homo Sapiens Agenda, in two days. I would've read it faster, but, alas, the overarching demands of capitalism require me to have a job.

A review quote on the front of my copy says that Simon is like a combination of John Green and Rainbow Rowell, and honestly, that's the vibe I got from it. Hilariously written and filled with just enough teen angst and high school drama, I didn't want to put this novel down.

Simon Spier, a closeted gay teenager, is jut trying to get through high school. But when a classmate accidentally gets a hold of an email that could out him (and the mysterious, anonymous gay pen pal Simon's been virtually flirting with), Simon has to make some interesting decisions about his already interesting life. Full of funny quips, relatable characters, and a twisty love story, Simon Versus the Homo Sapiens Agenda is a YA novel I desperately wish I had found in high school, but loved having the opportunity to read now.

Having reached the end of my compelling YA LGBT reads, I realize that it's really more of a Young Adult Gay list. My next mission will have to be to read the rest of the acronym, although I guess it's more of an excuse to seek out diverse literature.

In the course of finding LGBT reads, I picked up a couple more mature series, which, if you are interested in, can also read (C S Pacat's Captive Prince trilogy and Nora Sakavic's All For the Game trilogy). They were excellent, but not appropriate for a young adult list.

Now, I'm off to do more in depth reviews for each of these novels, or maybe just read them again.

Keep writing!

Sam

Literary Recommendation: everything on this list

Movie Recommendation: Wonder Woman (2017)

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