With more teens and young adults identifying as transgender or nonbinary than ever before, they need to see themselves represented in books. There are several fantastic YA reads about transgender and nonbinary teens, and I\u2019ve rounded up some of the best. On this reading list, you\u2019ll find contemporary fiction, romance, sci-fi, and fantasy centered on teens with various gender expressions and identities.<\/p>\n
no no 9780593353721 Man o\u2019 War<\/i> by Cory McCarthy <\/p>\n
This heartwrenching and eye-opening novel follows a transgender teen\u2019s journey through their entire transition. Over the course of the book, River goes from feeling like a fish out of water to finding a community and, eventually, to self-acceptance. YA readers will feel every dip and bump along River\u2019s road to becoming who they were meant to be.<\/p>\n
9781984815422 The Passing Playbook <\/i> by Isaac Fitzsimons <\/p>\n
Soccer, trans rights, and first love combine in this heartfelt novel about a closeted trans boy starting over at a new school. At first, the school feels like the perfect fit, but when a controversial law prevents Spencer from playing on the boy\u2019s soccer team, he faces the most challenging decision of his life. He can stay silent and off the team or speak up and come out to the whole school (and his crush).<\/p>\n
9780593223482 Continuum <\/i> by Chella Man, illustrated by Chella Man and Ashley Lukashevsky <\/p>\n
This pocket-sized book contains a moving essay by Chella Man describing the evolution of his identity. Chella honors the steps of his journey, recognizing that each one brought him closer to becoming his true self. It\u2019s an excellent read for anyone wanting to find their authentic self.<\/p>\n
9780593378045 The Wicked Bargain <\/i> by Gabe Cole Novoa <\/p>\n
Pirates, romance, and magic? Yes, please! Mar is a transmasculine nonbinary teen whose father gets captured by el Diablo. Facing the impossible choice of giving up their soul or abandoning their father, Mar chooses door number three. With the help of two new friends, Mar learns to use their magical abilities to defeat el Diablo and save their father.<\/p>\n
9780451478450 The Brilliant Death <\/i> by Amy Rose Capetta <\/p>\n
Teodora can transform objects into different things. So, when the kingdom\u2019s ruler requires five powerful families to send a son to the capital, Teodora transforms herself into a boy. Danger, enemies, and a chance at true love litter the road to the capital, and Teodora runs into all of them. YA readers who love quest adventures will enjoy this book!<\/p>\n
9781662620171 The Evolving Truth of Ever Stronger Will <\/i> by Maya MacGregor <\/p>\n
Will is an agender teen at the mercy of a closed-minded community and a drug-dealing mother. When their mom dies, Will is left alone to deal with the fallout of their mom\u2019s bad decisions. Will must find their former foster mother before their mom\u2019s shadowy past catches up with them and destroys everything they\u2019ve worked toward.<\/p>\n
9780593529317 Salt the Water <\/i> by Candice Iloh <\/p>\n
Cerulean has big plans for after high school graduation. So, when they get into a heated disagreement with a teacher, Cerulean decides to get an early start on those plans and drops out of school. Unfortunately, they soon face the harsh consequences of their impulsive choice and must learn to manage their new reality. This heartfelt novel is about chasing your dreams, even when the world has other plans for you. <\/p>\n
9780593322819 Both Sides Now <\/i> by Peyton Thomas <\/p>\n
A transgender boy named Finch dreams of winning the National Speech & Debate Tournament. But when he learns that the topic is transgender rights, his gender suddenly becomes a conflict of interest. YA readers will enjoy every step of Finch\u2019s journey as he navigates high school, crushes, and plans for the future.<\/p>\n
9780593568583 The Borrow a Boyfriend Club <\/i> by Page Powars <\/p>\n
Desperate to fit in with the guys, Noah wants to join a club of boys who rent themselves out for dates. To get accepted, Noah must pass a series of tests, including fake-dating the (very) cute club president, Asher. But the club rules prevent anyone from having a real boyfriend or girlfriend, so Noah believes his crush on Asher is a lost cause. This cute rom-com is an exploration of gender, friendship, and first love.<\/p>\n
9780593124130 Across a Field of Starlight<\/i> by Blue Delliquanti <\/p>\n
Love finds two nonbinary teens across time and solar systems in this gorgeously illustrated graphic novel. A chance meeting as children leads them to years of long-distance friendship before war reunites them. YA readers will enjoy every page of this epic sci-fi romance. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Discover young adult books in contemporary fiction, romance, sci-fi, and fantasy centered on teens with various gender expressions and identities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":115272,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[109],"coauthors":[23],"class_list":["post-103976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-lgbtq","ages_stages-teen"],"yoast_head":"\n