LGBTQ+ in YA – Part Two

The other day I posted about some LGBTQ+ YA books and I shared 5 books I love for their LGBTQ+ characters or story lines. LGBTQ+ characters and story lines in Young Adult fiction has been something that we are starting to see a lot more of than in previous years. This has been after a long time of so many people campaigning and writing to make sure we see more LGBTQ+ characters in books. You can find part one of this little two-part series here. Here is part two of books with LGBTQ+ characters and story lines that I loved!

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

“Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride―or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia―the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!

Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances―one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend?”

This is a little different one to add to the list because it is actually a Young Adult Graphic Novel. I love graphic novels and read a lot of them and this one I feel not only needs more recognition but is also perfect for this list. The topics in this book include gender identity and self expression with relation to gender identity, family pressure. It is just an excellent LGBTQ+ graphic novel that needs shouting about!

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Proud by Juno Dawson (Editor) and Various Authors

“A stirring, bold and moving anthology of stories and poetry by top LGBTQ+ YA authors and new talent, giving their unique responses to the broad theme of pride. Each story has an illustration by an artist identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Compiled by Juno Dawson, author of THIS BOOK IS GAY and CLEAN.”

This book is a celebration of not only just LGBTQ+ talent but all things LGBTQ+. I have recently read and reviewed this book and I loved it a lot. You can find my review of Proud here. Full of short stories, poetry and illustrations all celebrating different aspects of LGBTQ+ life this book is packed full of LGBTQ+ stories and characters ad it is “PROUD” of it!

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Autoboyography by Christina Lauren

“Three years ago, Tanner Scott’s family relocated from California to Utah, a move that nudged the bisexual teen temporarily back into the closet. Now, with one semester of high school to go, and no obstacles between him and out-of-state college freedom, Tanner plans to coast through his remaining classes and clear out of Utah.

But when his best friend Autumn dares him to take Provo High’s prestigious Seminar—where honour roll students diligently toil to draft a book in a semester—Tanner can’t resist going against his better judgement and having a go, if only to prove to Autumn how silly the whole thing is. Writing a book in four months sounds simple. Four months is an eternity.”

This book explores sexuality extraordinarily. From Tanner’s perspective, he is a bisexual teenager who is completely secure with his identity and is able to share it was pride to his family. Sebastian is the complete opposite. He denies his true self and is forced to hide it from everyone in his life due to harsh religious beliefs. we have a bisexual teen who is totally secure of his identity and is able to share in that pride with his family. The way Tanner’s parents support and encourage him was lovely to read and a really positive example for teens to encounter. This book hits all the right points when it comes to discussing teen sexuality, coming out, accepting yourself, and leading your most true to yourself life. CW: Homophobia.

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All the Invisible Things by Orlagh Collins

“Vetty’s family is moving back to London, and all she can think about is seeing Pez again. They were inseparable when they were small – roaming the city in the long summers, sharing everything. But everyone’s telling her it’ll be different now. After all, a boy and a girl can’t really be friends without feelings getting in the way, can they?

Vetty thinks differently … until Pez tells her she’s ‘not like other girls’. But what does that even mean? Is it a good thing or not? Suddenly she’s wondering whether she wants him to see her like the others – like the ultra-glamorous March, who’s worked some sort of spell on Pez, or the girls in the videos that Pez has hidden on his laptop.”

I very recently finished this book and I loved it. This book is packed full of excellent bisexual representation and it doesn’t have one of the usual ‘big’ coming-out stories. This book is just a lovely, heart-warming yet thoughtful YA novel. I will be reviewing this book very soon because I want to talk a lot more about this book as a whole. All you need to know is this book is excellent and has excellent bisexual representation.

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Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman

“Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn’t been too great, but at least he’s not being bullied anymore, and he’s sort of got a boyfriend, even if he’s kind of mean and only wants to meet up in secret.

Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He’s heard a little about Charlie – the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months – but he’s never had the opportunity to talk to him. That is, until the start of January, in which Nick and Charlie are placed in the same form group and made to sit together.

They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner…”

Now this is another graphic novel but when writing this list it was the first book I put on there. This graphic novel is packed full of an adorable relationship between Nick and Charlie. I don’t know of anyone who could read this book without such a huge smile on their face. This book tackles so many LGBTQ+ issues, story lines and is packed full of LGBTQ+ characters. I cannot wait for volume 2 to be released because I need more of this story in my life!

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What books do you think need recognition due to their LGBTQ+ story lines and characters? Let me know in the comments below. Be sure to check out part one of this series here! I had so much fun writing these post, let me know if you would like to see more posts like this!