With the very much anticipated arrival of spring, beach-trips [1] and park-visits weather has officially arrived. The sun is out longer, which means we want to be, too. What better companion to bring along with you than an underrated book we're sure you won't want to put down? Whether you think you've read it all or are looking for some recommendations, we've created a list of YA novels that deserve more recognition. These novels are filled with stories that tackle conversations and dynamics that have been sidelined for too long. So if you're ready for some drama, lessons of identity, romance [2], social justice, and more, you're going to want to check out the following books. Who knows, you may end up discovering a new favourite!
The Black Flamingo
In Dean Atta's The Black Flamingo [3], we follow Michael's journey from childhood to young adult as someone who is mixed-race and gay growing up in the UK. At University, he discovers newfound confidence and visibility after joining the Drag Society.
Clap When You Land
Author of The Poet X, Elizabeth Acevedo brings us another masterpiece with Clap When You Land [4]. Yahaira and Camino have their lives turned upside down after a terrible accident and in their search for the truth, they discover how despite their lives being so different, they're more connected than they imagined.
Red, White, and Whole
Red, White, and Whole [5] by Rajani LaRocca is the story of Reha, the only Indian American student at her school. She struggles with her family's expectations, and when her mother becomes seriously ill, Reha must come to terms with what it truly means to be the perfect daughter.
Muted
Denver's world revolves around music, so when she believes she's able to use it as her escape from her very homogenous, very white hometown, everything seems perfect . . . until it's not. Muted [6] by Tami Charles is an incredible story about finding your voice.
Be Dazzled
Be Dazzled [7] by Ryan La Sala is about Raffy, a teen boy who is passionate about, you guessed it, bedazzling! Raffy is talented and knows it, and not even being in competition with his ex-boyfriend can get in the way of his dreams.
I'll Be the One
I'll Be the One [8] by Lyle Lee is a story about a girl who dreams of being a K-Pop star but faces obstacles due to her body size. Despite the fat-phobic critiques, Skye is ready to do whatever it takes to make her dream a reality while confronting oppressive beauty standards.
Emergency Contact
If you're a fan of Yolk, check out May H.K. Choi's more underrated novel, Emergency Contact [9]. After their initial awkward meeting, Sam and Penny stay in contact via text, quickly becoming penpals privy to each other's most intimate thoughts and fears.
The Henna Wars
The Henna Wars [10] by Adiba Jaigirdar explores queerness from a unique vantage point. Nishat is forced to reckon with her sexuality when an old friend walks back into her life. Her heart suddenly feels pulled toward Flávia, and things get more complicated as they compete against one another in a henna competition.
Real
Middle school can be a difficult time for everyone but Charity faces some extra challenges because of the assumptions made about her. Carol Cujec's Real [11], is about navigating adolescence as a nonverbal autistic girl. Inspired by a true story, Real will remind you of the importance of inclusion.
Fiebre Tropical
From Bogotá to Miami, Francisca feels completely alienated in a new city where life as she once knew it is gone. Things get a little more complicated she begins to fall for the pastor's daughter — but this attraction may be the very thing that saves her. Fiebre Tropical [12] by Juliana Delgado Lopera touches on queerness, mental health, and immigration.
The Gilded Ones
After her blood ceremony, Deka's life is in danger and she must leave everything behind in order to have a future. The Gilded Ones [13] by Namina Forna is a fantasy novel about challenging the patriarchy and discovering what you're capable of.
American Betiya
American Betiya [14] by Anuradha D. Rajurkar is about a young artist struggling with her cross-cultural relationship. Oliver is everything Rani's mother disapproves of, so they decide to date in secret. Things take an unexpected turn and Rani must spend a summer in India where she comes closer to owning her identity.
Felix Ever After
Felix Ever After [15] will have every hopeless romantic feeling seen! Stonewall and Lambda Award-Winning Author, Kacen Callendar, tells a story about Felix, a queer, transgender, black teen who wants to know what it's like to fall in love. This beautiful story captures the importance of self-love.
One of the Good Ones
One of the Good Ones [16] by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite sheds light on the harm s of tokenizing. When Happi's sister, Kezi, is mysteriously killed, she begins to questions the way Kezi is portrayed in the media. Happi makes it her mission to honour Kezi in a way that is genuine and discovers some shocking things along the way.
Love Is for Losers
It seems like romance makes its way into our lives when we least expect it, and that's definitely the case for Phoebe. Love Is for Losers [17] by Wibke Brueggemann is a queer romantic comedy filled with self-discovery and sex-positivity.