{"id":4806,"date":"2022-09-07T08:55:21","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T12:55:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/?p=4806"},"modified":"2025-03-05T14:56:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T19:56:17","slug":"ya-novels-that-explore-sexual-identity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/ya-novels-that-explore-sexual-identity\/","title":{"rendered":"A Reading Rainbow: YA Novels That Explore Sexuality and Sexual Identity"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I was growing up, Judy Blume<\/a> revolutionized young adult reading with novels that confronted both sex and sexual feelings openly and others soon followed. There was a catch though \u2014 all of the books dealt with people in heterosexual relationships. Gay, bisexual, or questioning kids didn\u2019t have books that reflected their experiences or struggles. Thankfully things have changed.<\/p>\n

David Levithan started writing about gay teens over a decade ago, and other authors since have explored the diversity of sexual experiences and identities to write funny, moving, powerful stories that embrace kids, no matter who they\u2019re attracted to. Today\u2019s teen readers can find books that contain characters who remind them of themselves and their experiences.\u00a0Read on to see a few of my favorites.<\/p>\n

no no 9780375832994 Boy Meets Boy<\/i> by David Levithan <\/p>\n

In a perfect world, our sexuality wouldn\u2019t matter much, and we could all go about our lives being who we are. David Levithan\u2019s breakout novel Boy Meets Boy<\/i> created exactly that world, where the class president at Paul\u2019s high school is openly gay, the star quarterback is a cross-dresser, and Paul\u2019s homosexuality is a non-issue. A world without discrimination allows Levithan\u2019s vibrant and complex characters to shine. A must-read for teens straight or gay. <\/p>\n

9781524701963 Breathless<\/i> by Jennifer Niven <\/p>\n

This is a beautiful story about sex, love, and self-discovery from the author of All The Bright Places<\/i><\/a>. When her parents split up, Claude and her mom decide to spend the summer on a remote island off the coast of Georgia. There, Claude meets an Earth-loving boy named Jeremiah and hopes to have sex for the first time. As their summer heats up, Claude must decide how much of her heart to give a boy she plans on leaving in the fall. <\/p>\n

9780593310571 On the Subject of Unmentionable Things<\/i> by Julia Walton <\/p>\n

This YA novel brings sexuality to the modern era with social media, politics, and the spread of misinformation. High school student Phoebe has a secret social media account where she shares well-researched facts about sex. But when a local politician vows to expose her, Phoebe must decide if she wants to keep her anonymity or fight for what she believes in. <\/p>\n

9780593126066 Date Me, Bryson Keller<\/i> by Kevin Van Whye <\/p>\n

If you adored To All the Boys I\u2019ve Loved Before<\/i> and Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda<\/i>, you\u2019ll love this boy-meets-boy rom-com! When Kai asks out his (straight) crush, Bryson Keller, he\u2019s surprised when he agrees. But a dare requires them to break up after five days. Bracing for the inevitable heartbreak, Kai cautiously falls for the wrong boy \u2014 who might be falling for him, too.<\/p>\n

9781682633717 Boys I Know<\/i> by Anna Gracia <\/p>\n

Sexuality, identity, and big decisions combine into an unforgettable story about an Asian American teen with an overbearing parent. June\u2019s mother tells her who she can date, where she can go to college, and what to major in. However, June doesn\u2019t want the same things her mother does, and she learns to fight for the future she envisions.<\/p>\n

9780593108192 Juliet Takes a Breath<\/i> by Gabby Rivera <\/p>\n

This award-winning novel about a young woman coming out will make you laugh, cry, and cheer. When Juliet tells her family that she\u2019s gay, they don\u2019t take it well. She escapes to Oregon, where she starts an internship with a feminist author, has a fling with a cute librarian, and learns to live authentically.<\/p>\n

9781984815422 The Passing Playbook<\/i> by Isaac Fitzsimons <\/p>\n

15-year-old Spencer, a transgender athlete, is thrilled to get a fresh start at a new school where nobody knows his history. But when he gets benched after a new law goes into effect, he must decide if he wants to stay safe on the sidelines or tell his story and deal with the spotlight. This story tackles themes of identity, sexuality, and fighting for your rights.<\/p>\n

9780399554674 Being Jazz<\/i> by Jazz Jennings <\/p>\n

One of the most prominent LGBTQ activists is the reality TV star Jazz Jennings. She transitioned to female at the age of five and has publicly shared her experiences as a transgender girl on YouTube, social media, and this touching memoir. With photos and interviews, this book offers a behind-the-scenes peek at Jazz\u2019s incredible journey.<\/p>\n

9780593350911 Practice Girl<\/i> by Estelle Laure <\/p>\n

This empowering novel is about a girl who takes control of her story and doesn\u2019t let other people define her. Jo struggles to keep a long-term boyfriend and eventually learns why\u2014the boys at school have labeled her a \u201cpractice girl.\u201d At first, she\u2019s mortified. However, Jo decides to reject the cruel label and live life on her own terms. <\/p>\n

9780593325261 Kiss & Tell<\/i> by Adib Khorram <\/p>\n

Identity, romance, and pop culture collide in this YA book about a gay teen in a popular boy band. As Hunter and his band tour North America, he feels pressure from the label, media, and fans to be the perfect queer role model. But after a messy (and public) breakup, Hunter wants to be true to himself, even if it ends his music career. <\/p>\n

9780593112533 Some Girls Do<\/i> by Jennifer Dugan <\/p>\n

The beauty queen gets the girl in this sweet and heartfelt queer romance from the author of Hot Dog Girl<\/i><\/a>. Morgan is an out-and-proud track star who meets Ruby, a closeted beauty pageant contestant who loves tinkering on her old car. As these two girls fall for each other, they\u2019ll have to figure out how to support and accept their individual journeys.<\/p>\n

9780525555254 Last Night at the Telegraph Club<\/i> by Malinda Lo <\/p>\n

Take a step back to 1954, when two girls fall in love at a lesbian bar in Chinatown. But in a time when people are terrified of anything (and anyone) different, being queer is dangerous. This breathtaking historical romance will keep you glued to the page!<\/p>\n

9780593202890 How It All Blew Up<\/i> by Arvin Ahmadi <\/p>\n

Amir\u2019s traditional Muslim family was less than supportive when he came out. To escape the drama, he heads to Rome, where he finds freedom and acceptance with a new group of friends. But when his past catches up with him, Amir finds himself in a US Customs interrogation office, answering all sorts of personal questions. This funny and heartbreaking novel is about self-discovery, freedom, and choosing to live unapologetically.<\/p>\n

9780593376423 Nate Plus One<\/i> by Kevin van Whye <\/p>\n

This friends-to-lovers rom-com from the author of Date Me, Bryson Keller<\/i> is a light-hearted and funny story that YA readers will adore. Nate and Jai are best friends, but spending the summer touring South Africa, performing in a band, and attending a wedding together could move their relationship out of the friend zone. <\/p>\n

9780593125311 Let’s Talk About It<\/i> by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan <\/p>\n

Get your most pressing questions answered with this informative graphic novel. You\u2019ll find helpful tips, advice, and information about sex, relationships, and emotions. This book should be on every teen\u2019s bookshelf!<\/p>\n

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2022.<\/small><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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