Happy Thursday, bibliophiles!
As far as LGBTQ+ YA literature goes, contemporary is the genre where such representation is most common, I think. Contemporary novels were where many people were first introduced to LGBTQ+ themes and issues, and as a genre that sticks to the more realistic side of things, it’s a straightforward vehicle for representation.
But with such a plethora of books, there’s a wider variety. So, I tried to compile some of my favorites from this genre, and the ones that stood out the most in the genre.
Let’s begin, shall we?
PRIDE MONTH RECS, WEEK 3: CONTEMPORARY
LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION: protagonist is nonbinary (they/them), nonbinary side character
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A heartrwenching and poignant novel. Ben’s journey to realizing their identity as a nonbinary person is beautiful and simultaneously heartbreaking to watch unfold. (Trigger warnings: LGBTQ+phobia, being thrown out of the house)
2. Under Shifting Stars, Alexandra Latos
LGBTQ+ representation: One of the protagonists is genderfluid, nonbinary love interest
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can’t wait for this one to be released so that you all can experience this wondrousness! A beautiful and relatable novel about sisterhood, grief, and exploring one’s gender identity and sexuality.
LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION: Bisexual protagonist, wlw relationship
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A wonderful and diverse story about love, fame, and the uniting–and dividing–power of fandom.
4. The Art of Being Normal, Lisa Williamson
LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION: Trans woman protagonist, trans man side character
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Though it wasn’t without its flaws, The Art of Being Normal is a poignant exploration of grappling with gender identity and sexuality as an adolescent.
5. Summer of Salt, Katrina Leno
LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION: Lesbian protagonist, aro/ace side character, wlw relationship
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Even though this one’s a bit more on the magical realism side (hey, it’s shelved as contemporary on Goodreads though…right? Right?), this is, without a doubt, a gorgeously written novel and one of my favorite YA love stories.
6. Echo After Echo, Amy Rose Capetta
LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION: Protagonist is a lesbian, bisexual love interest, wlw relationship
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another winner from Amy Rose Capetta! Not only is it a wonderful love story, it’s also a fascinating mystery set in the world of the theater.
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK IN THE COMMENTS! WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE CONTEMPORARY LGTBQ+ NOVELS?
As always, Queer Books for Teens is a wonderful resource if you want to find more LGBTQ+ YA literature.
Today’s song:
MORE SOCCER MOMMY MORE SOCCER MOMMY MORE SOCCER MO–
(Also, Phoebe Bridgers released her new album a day early! Expect an album review next week…😄)
That’s it for this week’s pride month recommendations! Have a wonderful rest of your day, and take care of yourselves!
The Bookish Mutant 
Great post! I wish you all the best sounds really good. I love books that explore nonbinary identity and I’ve seen it shared so many times. Summer of Salt also sounds really good. There isn’t enough Ace/Aro representation in books
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Thanks so much! I Wish You All The Best is hard to read at times, but it’s a wonderful read–as is Summer of Salt 🙂 agreed, we certainly need more aro/ace representation in literature, but I just read a great eARC the other day with an asexual protagonist! It’s called Elatsoe, I’ll try and review it next week 🙂
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Oo sounds good – I look forward to reading your review of it! I’m trying to read /find more books with Asexual representation. I read an interview somewhere with Alice Oseman where she comments on this as well.
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Yeah, I haven’t read anything of hers yet, but I’ve had Loveless on my TBR for a while, so hopefully I can read that soon!
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That cover of Summer of Salt is stunning! I love that and I Wish You All the Best, and Echo After Echo is high on my TBR! Thank you for this list 😀
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Agreed, it’s lovely 🙂 I’m glad you liked this list/some of these books too! And Amy Rose Capetta never misses the mark, and Echo After Echo is certainly evidence towards that.
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