These 54 LGBTQ+ YA Books belong on your bookshelves

Warning: Undefined variable $custom_content in /home/u555328483/domains/rainbowreadingnook.com/public_html/wp-content/themes/amelia-theme.2.6/functions.php on line 46

Recently updated on July 15th, 2024 at 08:57 am

Look on my bookshelves and you will see many LGBTQ+ YA Books. Everyone should have LGBTQ+ books on their bookshelves!

As a proud lesbian, seeing yourself reflected in a book is refreshing. The problem is, it can be hard to tell which queer ya books are worth reading.

From ya fantasy and historical fiction to ya contemporary. This post will share the best LGBTQ+ books for teens

This post isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list of every single LGBTQ+ YA Book I’ve read. It’s a guide to the absolute best ones to read. This post does contain affiliate links. That said, I won’t ever recommend a book I haven’t read and loved myself. You can rest assured every book has passed my scrutiny.

This post is all about the Best LGBTQ+ YA Books

What are the best LGBTQ+ YA Books to read?

LGBTQ+  YA Fantasy Books

1. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

Crescent City fans will love A Dark and Hollow Star. An urban fantasy, with fae and queer main characters.

A series of gruesome murders threatens to expose the faerie world to humans.  Four queer teens – Nausicaä, Arlo, Vehan, and Aurelian – each hold a piece of the truth. And they must track down the mysterious killer.

The worldbuilding, mystery and fast-paced plot make this an incredible queer fantasy. But the characters sell this book. Nausicaä is a grumpy, chaotic and sarcastic lesbian. Arlo and Nausicaä have a perfect grumpy/sunshine slow-burn vibe.

I listened to the audiobook version. While the book has four POVs, the full cast of narrators and different voices make it easy to follow.

Representation: Lesbian, bisexual, questioning, pansexual. non-binary

Good reads rating: 3.83

2. We set the dark on fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Good reads rating: 3.76

Representation: Latine, Queer characters, wlw romance

3. Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Magic found family and super sassy banter. The queer representation is excellent. And Jesper is an incredible, chaotic bisexual character.

We follow six teenagers in Ketterdam. Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy, is one of the teens. He is offered a impossible heist for a huge payout.

Kaz will need all the help he can get to pull it off. So, he assembles five other teens to help him.

Six of Crows is like a fantasy version of Oceans Eleven.

The friendship group sells this book. The banter between the group is hilarious. My only complaint is that the characters feel much older.

Representation: bisexual character, mlm romance

Good reads rating: 4.47

4.  The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska

Witches, a curse and romance. The Dark Tide is an underrated queer fantasy.

We follow Lina. She lives on a small island where the dark tide could cause it to sink. The Witch Queen sacrifices a boy to the full moon every year. And so keeps the island city from sinking.

Lina is convinced the Witch Queen will take her brother. She asks Thomas Lin to help. But instead, Thomas is taken.Lina offers herself instead. But the queen is nothing like Eva expected.

This is an angsty, slow-burn romance with a tragically romantic setup. The atmospheric worldbuilding gives it a dark tone.

Representation: wlw romance

Good reads rating: 3.51

5. This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

An enchanting queer fantasy with plant magic and mythology.

We follow Briseis, she can magic tiny seeds to grow into rich blooms with a single touch.

Her aunt dies and wills her a dilapidated estate in rural New York. She must uncover her family’s heritage and secrets.

Kalynn Bayron writes beautiful cottagecore imagery. And I love the plant references.

I also love the supportive same sex parents. Often in YA Fantasy the heroine has a tragic backstory with missing parents. Reading about supportive parents is refreshing.

Representation: wlw romance, queer Black main character, supportive same sex parents

Good reads rating: 4.20

6. Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee

A fun twist on a superhero-themed novel. It features an incredible bisexual main character and a transgender character.

We follow bisexual high school student Jessica Tran. She is resigned to a life without superpowers. And decides to start an internship to improve her college applications. However, she quickly discovers it’s for a supervillain with her crush Abby.

Not Your Sidekick is light, fluffy and fun. It gives a refreshing take on superhero tropes. The superhero and villains storyline is woven seamlessly into everyday life.

It tackles many issues such as biphobia. But these are balanced with fun, superhero hijinks and romance.

Representation: transgender character, bisexual main character, wlw romance

Good reads rating: 3.90

7. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

Sapphic witches in Salem! This light-hearted fantasy features a sapphic romance, an ex and a coven of witches.

We follow Hannah, a witch living in Salem. A dark blood ritual interrupts her end of school bonfire. And she investigates with her ex-girlfriend Veronica.

She also meets Morgan. But dating in the middle of a supernatural crisis is not easy and will test Hannah’s limits.

This is one of my favourite duologies!The magical, fantastical elements and modern Salem setting are enchanting.And the pace kept me hooked.

While this book features magic, it reads as a ya contemporary. This makes it perfect for beginners to the fantasy genre.

Representation: lesbian, bisexual characters, wlw romance

Good reads rating: 3.76

8.  When we were magic by Sarah Gailey

When we were magic has one of the funniest and strongest openings in a queer fantasy book.

We follow Alexis. She has always been able to rely on her best friends and magic powers. On prom night, accidental magic goes wrong and someone ends up dead. Alexis and her friends have to try and fix a terrible wrong.

The writing is hilarious. And it has one of the best opening paragraphs I’ve ever read. It certainly opens with a bang!

The relationships and friendships in this book were powerful. And I appreciate the supportive parents.

That said, I did want more character development. Especially in the romance between Alexis and Roya.

Representation: Lesbian character, bisexual character, supportive same sex parents

Good reads rating: 3.69

9. Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

A Sapphic Cinderella retelling with a sapphic romance with BIPOC characters.

The premise is that teen girls are now required to appear at an annual ball where men select wives. But Sophia wants to marry her childhood best friend Erin. And isn’t a fan of the whole parade in front of suitors thing.

She decides to flee and decided to take down the king once and for all.

The premise in this book is so unique. And I loved the dystopian twist on the classic Cinderella story. The romance is also adorable. It is a bit insta-lovey but it’s developed so well that I was really engaged.

The plot really kept me hooked. And I really enjoyed the concept of women overthrowing a dystopian patriarchy. There is also much cottagey and woodland imagery. Kalynn Bayron’s books always make me want to live in a cute cottage int he forest. The woodland imagery was exceptionally well written.

Representation: Lesbian main character, wlw romance

Good reads rating: 3.74

10. Ruinsong by Julia Ember

Ruinsong is an wlw book set in a dystopian world. It has lush world-building, a twisty plot and feisty main characters.

In this world, singers have magic powers when they sing certain songs. And they are able to heal, cause pain and heat people.

Cadence is an incredibly strong mage. She was born in poverty in an orphanage and rises to success. But she works for the evil Queen Elene. And Elene forces Cadence to use her power to torture others.  But when she is reunited with her childhood friend she must make a choice. Does she take a stand or follow the queen.

 This book reminds me of a dystopian and queer phantom of the opera. Strong-willed women, wearing beautiful ball gowns and taking down evil.  If you’re a Katniss or Johanna fan you’re guaranteed to love this underrated gem.

Representation: wlw romance

Good reads rating: 3.54

11. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

I’ve seen Girls of Paper and Fire everywhere online! Firstly, please can we take a moment to appreciate how beautiful the book cover is.

Girls of Paper and Fire follows Lei. She is a member of the Paper Caste. And the people of Ikhara persecute her.

 She sees the royal guards take her mother. Afterwards, Lei suffers with trauma. But the guards return and try to take Lei. She has to learn skills fitting of a King’s Consort. But she falls in love.

The plot of this book is quite dark. But it was handled really sensitively. I loved the wlw romance in the book. The grumpy/sunshine trope was executed perfectly well.

The pacing did lapse a bit in the middle for me. But the character developement was so good that I still enjoyed reading it.

Representation: wlw romance, Asian main and side characters

Good reads rating: 3.82

12. Malice by Heather Walter

Malice is one of the best books I’ve read this year. I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. And if you’re a fan of re-tellings, dystopian books or books with fae then you need to read this book!

Malice is a Maleficent retelling. The book is set in a Kingdom called Briar. Once upon a time, a wicked fairy cursed a line of princesses to die. Only true love’s kiss can break the curse.

The book follows Alyce – the dark grace. She was left abandoned in Briar from a dark kingdom. The dark magic that runs in her veins abhors residents in Briar.

Except for Princess Aurora who accepts her. And she encourages Alyce to accept herself.

This book is almost a cross between Wicked and The Hunger Games. But with fae. The world building is darkly magical. And the residents of Briar reminded me of the residents of the Capitol. It critiques greed and consumerism quite a lot throughout the book. Alyce’s character was also really well developed. And she gets a lot of growth throughout the novel.

Representation: wlw romance

Good reads rating: 4.06

13. Spellhacker by M.K. England

Spellhacker is a fantastic fantasy heist book. It features a high stakes heist, criminal mastermind main character and plenty of banter. The characters were also really diverse – including non-binary, queer and POC characters.

It’s set in a world where magic ( known as maz) was once freely available. But an earthquake unleashed a deadly plague. And now maz is a tightly controlled and expensive commodity.

We follow Diz who runs an illegal maz siphoning business with her three best friends. They get offered one last massive heist that could change everything.

This was a well written standalone. The book opened with a bang and it was fairly fast-paced throughout. It felt like a cross between Ready, Player One and Six of Crows.

Representation: queer protagonist, non-binary character and love interest

Good Reads Rating: 3.57

14. Ash by Malinda Lo

Ash is a book I’m always torn about. But I had to include it because I love the cottagey world building in this Sapphic retelling.

Ash is a lesbian Cinderella retelling. It follows Ash who is dealing with the grief of losing her parents. She falls in love with the king’s huntress.

I loved the descriptions of the world such as the woods and the fae. And I instantly really loved the King’s Huntress. But, I wish that the romance had been a little better developed.

However, I love that it focuses on Ash recovering from grief. Mental health is a strong theme throughout and the romance feels secondary. This is a really cosy read and offers great escapism. It’s pretty short and you could easily read this in one sitting.

Representation: queer main character, wlw romance

Good Reads Rating: 3.6

15. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Searching for mlm books? I recommend Aiden Thomas. He writes incredible fantasy books with heartwarming romance. Cemetery Boys features a cute romance, a transgender main character and Latinx representation.

We follow Yadriel, his traditional Latine family has problems accepting his true gender.

Yadriel is determined to prove himself. So he performs a ritual to become a Brujo. He performs a ritual. And then he sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin.

But he actually summons Julian Diaz. The school’s resident bad boy. And he won’t go quietly. But the longer Julian stays, the less Yadriel wants him to leave.

This book is a unique great mix of mystery and magic. The mystery initially sells the book. But the characters sell this book.

Representation: Transgender character, latinx, mlm romance

Good Reads Rating: 4.27

16. The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

Are you a fan of The Hunger Games? Did you grow up reading the Percy Jackson series? Then you need to read the Sunbearer Trials. This gay fantasy features trials, Mexican mythology and a transgender main character.

Sunbearer trials is set in a world where the Mexican Gods and Goddesses are real. And they had children – the semidioses. 

As each new decade begins, the Sun’s power must be replenished to that Sol can keep travelling along the sky and keep the Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses aged between thirteen and eighteen are chosen as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. 

The winner will carry light to all the temples of Reino del Sol. The loser is sacrificed to Sol. And their body is used to fuel the sun stones.

Teo is a Jade Semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal  – the goddess of birds.   As a Jade, he’s unlikely to be chosen. 

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses who isn’t a Gold. Teo must compete against semidióses who have spent their life training for the sunbearer trials.

This book is perfect for fans of ‘will they, won’t they romance’. The slow-burn romance constantly leaves you guessing. this was paired with trials, a thrilling mystery and a fast-paced plot. Likewise, the easy-to-read writing style makes this an addictive read.

Representation: Transgender character, latinx, mlm romance

Good Reads Rating: 4.40

17. So this is ever after by F.T. Lukens

Are you a fan of the tv series, Merlin? But did you want Merlin and Arthur to become a couple? Then you need to read this book.

We follow Arek, he’s completed the prophecy to save the Kingdom of Ere from an evil King. But now he is at a loss for what to do next. Now Arek is stuck as king, a role that comes with a magical catch: choose a spouse by your eighteenth birthday, or wither away into nothing.

As a temporary safeguard, Arek’s best friend and mage, Matt, convinces him to assume the throne until the true heir can be rescued from her tower. Except that she’s dead.

With his eighteenth birthday only three months away, and only Matt in on the secret, Arek embarks on a desperate bid to find a spouse to save his life.

This is a hilarious read. And I need more fantasy romcoms in my life. This is full of my favourite romcom tropes. From forced proximity and untimely love potions to mutual pining. This was such a fun read.

Representation: mlm romance, queer characters, bisexual/ pansexual characters, polamorous, nonbinary characters

Good Reads Rating: 3.93

18. Criers War by Nina Varela

Crier’s War is an epic urban fantasy novel with a sapphic romance.

Set in the Kingdom of Rabu and follows Ayla. A War has ravaged the kingdom of Rabu. The Automae took over the estates of their owners and bent the human race to their will.

Ayla is a human servant rising the ranks at the House of Soverign. She dreams of avenging the death of her family… by killing the Sovereign’s daughter – the beautiful Lady Crier.

Now, Ayla, a human servant rising the ranks at the House of the Sovereign, dreams of avenging the death of her family… by killing the Sovereign’s daughter, Lady Crier. Crier was Made to be beautiful, to be flawless. And to take over the work of her father.

 But that was before her betrothal to the enigmatic Scyre Kinok, before she discovered her father isn’t the benevolent king she once admired, and most importantly, before she met Ayla

Criers War is an incredible wlw ya fantasy book.

 It features a dual pov. The plot focuses on the battle between humans and automae. And the book benefits from the dual pov. Reading from both perspectives gives you a unique insight and adds to the plot.

The start of the book does feature a chunk of world-building. Something typical of fantasy books. But after the initial worldbuilding, the plot is engaging and the writing style is easy to read.

If you’re searching for ya wlw books then you need to read this fantasy romance.

Representation: wlw characters

Good Reads Rating: 4.13

 19. The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall

Sapphic pirates? Yes please. This sapphic fantasy book has mermaids, a mystery, witches and pirates. The worldbuilding around the sea was beautiful and the fables were fascinating.

In this dual POV, we follow Flora and Evelyn. Flora takes on the identity of Florian to earn the respect of the crew. For a former starving orphan, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival.

But as pirates prepare to sell passengers into slavery, Flora is drawn to Lady Evelyn Hasegawa. She’s en-route to a dreaded arranged marriage.

Flora doesn’t expect to be taken under Evelyn’s wing, and Evelyn doesn’t expect to find such a deep bond with the pirate Florian.

This must-read balances romance and stunning worldbuilding perfectly with discussions of colonialism.The characters were diverse and the plot twists leave you hooked.

Representation:Japanese-coded sapphic main character and a Black genderfluid main character

Good reads Rating: 3.81

20. Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn

An old castle, an eerie mystery and a witch. Bitterthorn is a beautiful dark fantasy with a sapphic romance. The intriguing mystery hooks you in and the fast pace make this easy to binge read.

Bitterthorn is set in Blumwald, a town overshadowed by an ancient curse. In a sinister castle in the depths of the wild wood lives a witch. Once a generation, she claims a companion. Never to be seen again.

We follow Mina, daughter of the Duke. Grieving and lonely, she has lost all hope for any future. So when the Witch demands her next companion, Mina volunteers.

Stranded with her darkly alluring captor, the mystery of what happened to the previous companions draws Mina into the heart of a terrifying secret that could save her life, or end it

This compelling fantasy book has the most stunning, gothic worldbuilding. An old, crumbling castle, wild woods and a small town. The result is a haunting tale of two lost souls finding each other.

Representation: wlw romance

Good Reads Rating: 3.95

21. Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust

Girl, Serpent, Thorn is a Sapphic retelling based on the Classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty.  The writing is enchanting and it draws on Persian Mythology for inspiration. 

It follows Soraya.  A cursed princess is poisonous to the touch. Soraya is only safe in her garden. Hidden away and apart from her family.

As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon holding the knowledge she craves.  The answer to her freedom.

And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison. Soraya thought she knew her place in the world. But when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming.

Fan of Cinderella is Dead or This Poison Heart? Then you’ll love this! If you’re after Sapphic retellings or a unique ya fantasy, then you need to read this book. 

Representation: Persian-coded cast; bi or pansexual MC; sapphic love interest

Good Reads Rating: 3.66

22. Dreadnought by April Daniels

Dreadnought is a YA Superhero book featuring a transgender main character.  It follows a closeted trans-girl who gets superpowers and an instant transition. She then has to deal with being outed.

It follows Danny. Until Dreadnought fell out of the sky, Danny was trying to stop people from finding out she’s transgender. But then Dreadnought passes his mantle to her and the superpowers transform Danny’s body into what she’s always thought it should be.

Now she can’t hide that she’s a girl.

But what should be the happiest time of her life, becomes more complicated. Between a murderous cyborg, a best friend acting like he’s entitled to her and superheroes arguing over her place in their ranks. Danny feels like she’s in over her head.

This is such a heartwarming read. The description can sound a bit overwhelming. But the author gets the balance between an action-packed superhero story and difficult coming of ages themes  just right.

The plot was fast-paced and the worldbuilding was excellent.  It hooks you in super quickly and you can easily binge-read this book. If you’re looking for fantasy books with transgender characters then I wholeheartedly recommend this.

Representation: Transgender main character

Good Reads Rating: 4.12

 23. The Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender

Infinity Alchemist  is a spellbinding novel about a quest that leads three young alchemists toward unexpected love and unimaginable power. I am a huge fan of Kacen Callender’s work, and this is no exception.

We follow Ash Woods. For Ash, practicing Alchemy is a crime.

Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic―so when Ash is rejected by the Lancaster Mage’s College, he takes a job as the school’s groundskeeper instead, forced to learn alchemy in secret.

When he’s discovered by the condescending and brilliant apprentice Ramsay Thorne, Ash is sure he’s about to be arrested―but instead of calling the reds, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer: Ramsay will keep Ash’s secret if he helps her find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its reader extraordinary power.

As Ash and Ramsay work together and their feelings for each other grow, Ash discovers their mission is more dangerous than he imagined.

Infinity Alchemist features trans, queer and polyamorous characters. Gender identity, sexuality and love are handled perfectly. While the book tackles complex issues and injustice, gender identity is not included in this. And the gender fluid representation is fantastic.

Representation: transgender, queer and polyamorous characters

Good Reads Rating: 3.5

LGBTQ+ YA Contemporary

24. Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

If you enjoy the fake dating trope – I guarantee you will love Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating!

Hani is bisexual but she is having trouble getting her friends to believe her. Ishu wants to be Head Girl.  

They decide to fake date so that Hani’s friends believe she is bisexual. And to help Ishu in her Head girl campaign.

This book had me laughing out loud so many times. It has the perfect combination of a grumpy and sunshine main character.

The fake dating trope is executed perfectly – it leads to so many funny moments. And both characters learn from each other. It’s an absolutely adorable book and the romance is perfect. The combination of tropes is executed really well. And this book will never fail to cheer me up.

Representation: lesbian, bisexual, Bengali, Muslim

Good reads rating: 4.21

25. The Henna Wars by  Adiba Jaigirdar

The Henna Wars is incredible!  It’s an own voices, YA Contemporary book featuring a Muslim, Bangladeshi, lesbian main character

The Henna Wars follows Nishat as she comes out to her parents as a lesbian. They’re happy for her to be whoever she wants to be. As long as she isn’t herself – because Muslim girls aren’t lesbians.

Her life becomes harder when she is reacquainted with a childhood friend – Flavia. Especially when in a school competition they both decide to start their own henna business.

Adiba Jaigirdar wrote The Henna Wars. She’s a  Bangladeshi, Irish writer who has been living in Dublin, Ireland from the age of 10.   

This book includes a lovely queer f/f romance. But it’s also so much more than a romance

It navigates homophobia, bullying, racism and cultural appropriation. It also includes one of the best main characters in Nishat. Nishat bravely deals with so many things being thrown at her. 

But it still manages to remain a cute, funny and romantic debut novel. Please pick it up and read it!

Representation: lesbian, bisexual, Bengali, Muslim

Good reads rating: 4.03

 26. Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

Her Royal Highness has some serious Red, White and Royal Blue Vibes.  

Not only does it include the enemies-to-lovers trope. But it also features the room-mates trope, royalty, an ex-girlfriend and a posh boarding school.

Oh, and did I mention it’s all set in stunning Scottish highlands.

The book follows Millie who is heartbroken when she discovers that her kinda girlfriend has been kissing someone else. After getting into a super elusive boarding school, she moves to Scotland. And this is where she meets Princess Flora.

It’s a sweet, lighthearted and irresistibly charming book.  You can easily binge-read it in one sitting. If you haven’t read it you absolutely need to.

Representation: lesbian, bisexual, wlw romance

Good reads rating: 3.79

 27. Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson

Jacqueline Wilson wrote a lesbian romance novel!

Jacqueline Wilson was my childhood! I read recently that she has written over 100 books and is the most borrowed author from libraries.

If you were a British teen in the 90s and bookworm you will definitely have read some of her work.

If you’re familiar with Jacqueline Wilson’s work, you will find this super comforting to read. Jacqueline Wilson’s distinctive writing style very easy to read.

It follows Frankie who is struggling to cope with her mum’s MS diagnosis when she meets Sally. Problem is Sally is perfect when it’s just them. But she ignores her at school

Wilson has never been one to avoid controversial topics. And Love Frankie is no different. It explores mental health and coming out in teens.

Representation: lesbian, wlw romance

Good reads rating: 3.98

28. The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth

The Falling in Love Montage is incredible! The main character is insanely relatable, the plot is great and it has an easy-to-read writing style. It’s a well-paced lesbian romance novel you can devour very quickly.

Falling in Love Montage follows Saoirse from Ireland. She is struggling to cope with her mum in a care home with Dementia and her dad’s new relationship. She meets an amazing girl at a party. And she decides to embark on a fun summer fling. Much like the Falling in Love Montage in a 00s romcom.

I found Saoirse to be seriously relatable. And there were many lines that made me laugh out loud. Also, the book deals with mental health issues very well.

A fantastic read that will make you laugh and cry.

Representation: Lesbian main character, wlw romance, dementia

Good reads rating: 3.93

29. Running with Lions by Julian Winters

This book follows Sebastian Hughes who is going to a summer training camp. And he is a member of an incredible team where he can be open about his sexuality. But Emir, an old best friend who hates his guts, is also at the camp.

I love how this book deals with sexuality in sports!  Also, it includes the sweetest and most wholesome queer love story. 

The author is Julian Winters. He started writing because he couldn’t find any books with people like him.

Running with Lions won accolades for its positive depictions of diverse, relatable characters. The relationships between the football team are insanely heartwarming. Sebastian’s team is a multi-ethnic group with many different sexual orientations and they almost become a family.

Representation: mlm, bisexual main character, gay main characters, Muslim love interest

Good reads rating: 3.72

30. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Felix Ever After is an own voices book featuring a black, queer and transgender main character.

It follows Felix Love who has never been in love.  And he is desperate to experience it.

An anonymous student starts sending him transphobic messages. And the student publicly posts Felix’s deadname.  Along with photos of him before his transition.

Felix decides to plot revenge. But his catfishing lands him in a love triangle.

 Kacen Callender wrote Felix Ever After. Callender also won the Stonewall Book Award and Lambda literary award for Hurricane Child. They do a particularly good job at discussing difficult topics such as class disadvantage, transphobia and body dysmorphia. Oh and it features an adorable friends to lovers m/m romance.

Representation: Black Trans demiboy main character, gay main characters, lesbian side character, mlm romance

Good reads rating: 4.37

31. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

I am obsessed with Alice Oseman. But with good reason!  Radio silence is a incredible book about friendship and mental health.

Frances has always been focused on studying and getting into university.  But then she meets Aled and they instantly become friends. But when the trust is broken Frances has to confront her past. And her guilty secret.

One thing Alice Oseman does really well is that she writes the most beautiful friendships. Aled and Frances are one of my all-time favourite fictional friendships.  A bisexual girl and a demisexual boy in a m/m relationship.

I listened to this as an audiobook and I would 100% recommend it. The podcast theme that runs through the book really lends itself to the audiobook format.  And it felt like it was meant to be listened to.

Representation: Asexual representation, bisexual and biracial main character, mental illness

Good reads rating: 4.16

32. Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

Black Flamingo is a coming of age story about a mixed-race, gay teenager finding his identity and the power of drag. It is written in beautiful verse.

This LGBTQ+ YA Book is an empowering and joyful read about race, identity and pride. It deals with so many different issues such as race, racism, gender identity, sexuality and internalized homophobia.

I listened to The Black Flamingo as an audiobook. Dean Atta wrote the book and also narrates the audiobook. Atta has been writing and performing for over 10 years. This really comes across in the audio version.

A powerful read. It also has some really lovely, lighthearted moments in it. The Black Flamingo is truly unique.

Representation: Mixed race, gay main character, bisexual character

Good reads rating: 4.41

33. Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales

Perfect on paper follows Darcy Phillips. She runs an anonymous service giving love advice to her classmates via a locker. They slip in their worries and she responds with a carefully worded response. But Alexander Brougham catches her in the act. And in exchange for keeping her secret, he asks her to be his dating coach.

If you like the fake dating trope, I think you’ll really enjoy this book. The ‘dating coach’ concept worked really well. And it allowed for so much character growth and development. I also really enjoyed the romance between Alexander and Darcy.

The discussions around bisexuality and biphobia in this book are excellent. You can clearly tell this is an own voices story. And the discussions around bisexual girls in relationships with guys is absolutely spot on.

Gonzales’ Writing style is excellent. There was no purple prose and it was very easy to read. The teenagers were also written really well. And they were very believable. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between all the characters.

Representation: bi girl mc, trans sc, Vietnamese-American lesbian sc, bi sc, gay sc, pan nonbinary sc

Good reads rating: 4.13

34. Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth

Ciara Smyth writes hilarious wlw romance books. Not My problem is a funny coming of age novel full of heart and emotion. And I knew I’d love it from the first page.

Not My Problem follows Aideen.  Aideen has plenty of problems she can’t fix…

 Her best (and only) friend is pulling away.

Her mother’s drinking problem is a constant concern.

She’s even running out of outlandish diseases to fake so she can skip PE.

But then Aideen stumbles on her nemesis, overachiever Meabh Kowalski, in a full-blown meltdown. She sees a problem that seems easy to solve.Meabh is desperate to escape her crushing pile of extracurriculars. Aideen volunteers to help. By pushing Meabh down the stairs.Problem? Solved. Meabh’s sprained ankle is the perfect excuse to ditch her overwhelming schedule.

But then another student learns about their little scheme. And they bring Aideen another “client” in need of her “help”. It kicks off a term of traded favours,  ill-advised hijinks, and an unexpected chance at love.

The concept behind this book worked perfectly. It allowed for hilarious antics and plenty of character development. The main character and side characters are all instantly likeable. Likewise, the writing style is easy to read.

If you’re after light-hearted women-loving-women books, you need to read this adorable romance.

Representation: Bisexual, Bangladeshi Bengali, Muslim, Irish main character, Queer, Indian Bengali, Irish main character, Indian side characters, Bangladeshi Bengali side character

Good reads Rating: 4.13

35. I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey Mcquiston

If you loved One Last Stop then you 100% need to read I kissed Shara Wheeler. A ya LGBTQ+ book featuring a capitating mystery. And it also has cute rom com vibes. This book is a sapphic version of a John Green novel. 

It follows Chloe Green. She attends a Christian high school in the Bible Belt in the USA. The only thing that’s kept her going is winning Valedictorian. And the only thing stopping her is rival Shara Wheeler.

But a month before graduation, Shara Wheeler kisses her and then disappears.

This book  launches straight into the middle of the action. And this meant I was hooked almost straight away. If you liked the mystery elements of One Last Stop then you will love this one. 

Casey Mcquiston writes the most incredible friendship groups. The banter between the group is hilarious and chaotic.  And they are always diverse. If you like the friendship group in One Last Stop then you’ll also love this.

Representation: Bisexual main character, Lesbian main character, Black main characters, Gay, lesbian, and non-binary side characters

Good reads Rating: 3.97

36. Imogen Obviously by Becky Albertalli

Imogen Obviously is an incredible Sapphic rom com with a bisexual main character. A cute, heartwarming romance that also addresses important themes such as coming out and biphobia. 

It follows Imogen Scott. She may be hopelessly heterosexual, but she’s got the World’s Greatest Ally title locked down.

Imogen has never missed a Pride Alliance meeting. And she knows more about queer media discourse than her queer little sister. She even has two queer best friends.  Gretchen, a fellow high school senior, helps keep Imogen’s biases in check. And Lili—newly out and thriving with a cool new squad of queer college friends.

Imogen is thrilled for Lilli and excited to finally visit Lilli on campus. And she’s bringing her ally A game. Any support Lili needs, Imogen’s all in.Like when Lili drops a tiny queer bombshell: she’s told all her college friends that Imogen and Lili used to date. And none of them know that Imogen is a raging hetero—not even Lili’s best friend, Tessa.Of course, the more time Imogen spends with chaotic, freckle-faced Tessa, the more she starts to wonder if her truth was ever all that straight to begin with. 

Imogen Obviously is a deeply personal story for Becky Albertalli. After writing ‘Simon vs the HomoSapiens agenda’, critics accused Albertalli of profiting from the LGBTQ+ community. Consequently, she was forced to come out.

Albertalli poors her heart out in this book. She discusses biphobia, denial and compulsory heterosexuality. However, the romance is still adorable, light-hearted and well developed. If you’re looking for Sapphic rom com books then I highly recommend this book.

Representation: Bisexual main character, Lesbian main character, and non-binary side characters

Good reads Rating: 4.36

37. The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar

Bake-Off Fan? The Dos and Donuts of Love is like the Bake-Off but gay. This heartwarming coming of age story balances competition with issues of representation in the media.

We follow Shireen Malik. A teenage girl still reeling from the breakup with her ex-girlfriend, Chris. But then she’s accepted as a contestant on a new televised baking competition show. This is Shireen’s dream come true!

Because winning will not only mean prize money, but it will also bring some much-needed attention to You Drive Me Glazy, her parents’ beloved donut shop.

But Chris is also a contestant on the show. Then there’s the outgoing Niamh. Shireen becomes fast friends with her. Things are heating up between them, and not just in the kitchen.

I find love triangles hit or miss. But this was exceptionally well-crafted. The story is well written with a fast-paced plot and an easy to read writing style. The puns made me chuckle and the food descriptions were mouthwatering.

Representation: plus-sized  Irish-Bangladeshi teenager, Sapphic characters

Good Reads Rating: 3.92

LGBTQ+ YA Mystery books

38. The Good Girls by Claire Eliza Bartlett

The good girls is a fairly recent read. I received this in a rainbow crate book box. And I instantly loved it. It’s a murder mystery story following 4 girls. It features a bi protagonist and a wlw couple.

Everyone in high school has a label. Emma Baines was known as a good girl. She is murdered and three of her classmates become suspects. But appearances are never what they seem.

The characters and opening hooked me in really quickly. And I really loved the premise. The pace and plot were very suspenseful. But the mood of the book is the reason I enjoyed it so much. It has fall vibes for me. A  great, cosy read for a rainy day.

Representation: bisexual main character , wlw romance

Good reads rating: 3.69

39. The Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

Sawkill island has never been safe for young girls. There is a local legend about a paranormal beast who hunts young girls.

We are introduced to three girls: Zoey, Val and Marion. They have the power to save the island. If they are willing to come together and try.

Sawkill Girls is a really dark fantasy audiobook. And it’s definitely not for everyone. The world-building is dark, moody and atmospheric. I love the idea of sapphic girls coming together and using magical powers to conquer evil.

Representation: Black, asexual and biromantic characters, bisexual, sapphic characters

Good reads rating: 3.69

 40. The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl

The Grimrose Girls is an underrated fantasy book! This unique retelling features a diverse cast, fairy-tale references and dark academia world-building.

The Grimrose Girls is a modern take on classic fairytales such as The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

The heroines of the stories are re-imagined as friends attending an elite boarding school. After their friend dies, the police rule the death as suicide. But they decide to investigate to find out the truth.

Grimrose Girls is a unique concept and fantasy retelling. The mystery was gripping and well-paced. And the story keeps mentioning tantalizing details that keep you engaged.

The story also uses the darker versions of the fairy tales. And this added to the dark academia, and mysterious tone of the book. Some reviews do mention the lack of world-building, but I preferred this because it kept the plot fast-paced.

Representation: Bi-romantic and demisexual main character with anxiety and OCD, Japanese AroAce main character. Lesbian main character, Half black Half Native Hawaiian lesbian plus size main character, Trans sapphic side character, Black sapphic main character, Nonbinary main character

Good Reads Rating: 3.57

 41. A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee

I was uncertain about the appropriate section to categorize “A Lesson In Vengeance”. Although it contains fantasy elements, it is predominantly a thriller. “A Lesson in Vengeance” is a gothic, dark thriller with multiple twists and turns that take you on a thrilling ride

We follow Felicity Morrrow and is set at Dalloway School. Dalloway School is in the Catskill mountains and is a centuries-old campus. 

And it was her home until the tragic death of her girlfriend. 

But after a year away, she’s returned to graduate. And she even has her old room back in Godwin House. An exclusive dormitory rumoured to be haunted by the spirits of five Dalloway students rumoured to be witches.  The Dalloway Five all died mysteriously on Godwin Grounds.

Witchcraft is woven into Dalloway’s history. Before the death of her girlfriend, Felicity was drawn to the dark. But now she’s determined to leave that behind and graduate. 

But a new girl won’t let her forget. 

And when Ellis asks Felicity for help researching the Dalloway Five, Felicity can’t say no.

Representation: Sapphic main characters, Sapphic romance

Good reads Rating: 3.58

LGBTQ+ YA Books – Graphic novels

42. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper  includes an adorable romance,  a supportive friendship group and the most stunning graphics!

The book series follows Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. Charlie Spring is an openly gay student in year 10.  And he meets Nick Nelson a soft-hearted rugby player in year 11.  They quickly become friends. But could there be something more?

Alice Oseman wrote and illustrated the graphic novel series. She is insanely talented. And she secured her first publishing deal at just 17 years old!

The graphics are stunning! Seeing the characters faces meant that I felt so many more emotions when reading this.  And I got so emotional! 

Representation: Black, asexual and biromantic characters, bisexual, sapphic characters

Good reads rating: 4.52

43. The LumberJanes by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooklyn A. Allen and Noelle Stevenson 

I read the LumberJanes series on Scribd. The graphic comic book series follows five pals at a summer camp. They are determined to have an incredible summer and not let supernatural critters or quests get in their way.

The incredible drawings instantly gave me an emotional connection to the characters in the books.

The first novel opens with a bang and the plot really engaged me. The graphic novel format and short length make them really easy to read. If you’re looking for lighthearted LGBTQ+ YA Books then you should pick this up.

Representation: wlw romance, sapphic main charcters

Good reads rating: 4.03

44. Heavy Vinyl by Carly Usdin, Nina Vakueva

Heavy Vinyl is a recent read for me. And it’s fantastic! It has a diverse cast, beautiful artwork and features ladies fighting the patriarchy.

It follows Chris. She starts working at her local record store. But her coworkers are keeping something from her.  They’re all members of a secret fight club who fight crime.

It features a f/f couples, an all girl fighting club and a 90s setting. The art style is awesome. Plus the found family trope works really well. And the banter between coworkers is hilarious.

It’s definitely more of a lighthearted ‘slice of life;’ type read. So if you’re looking for an action-packed adventure book then this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for some lighthearted escapism then Heavy Vinyl is for you.

Representation; wlw romance, queer main characters, same sex parents

Good reads rating: 4.01

45. Fence by C.S Pacat and Johanna the Mad

Looking for a gay graphic novel? Then I recommend Fence. Fence is a comic book series about an illegitmate son of an Olympic champion who joins the fencing team. This lighthearted sports romance series features a diverse cast.

The graphic comic book series follows Nicolas Cox. He’s the illegitimate son to an  Olympic Champion fencer. And he is determined to make it as a fencer. But the fencing world is uber competitive and he’s an outsider. He signs up for a competition. But he’s put head-to-head with a fencing prodigy

I’m obsessed with the characters in this comic book series. They’re insanely likeable. Especially Nicolas. Let me tell you – I was sooo invested in Nicolas making the fencing team. Plus Nicolas and Seiji also have a great potential ‘enemies to lovers’ romance. 

This is so easy to binge read. Graphic novels are very easy to read. But the found family, diverse cast and school setting make this especially binge worthy. If you’re suffering from a reading slump or if you’re a fan of Heartstopper then this would be a great choice.

Representation: gay male, queer male, Asian main character, black main character, mlm relationship

Good reads rating: 3.98

46. The Backstagers by James Tynion IV and Rian Sigh

Okay, this is such a wholesome LGBTQ+ graphic novel. Heartstopper fans will enjoy this cute graphic novel featuring a mlm romance and the found family trope.

We follow Jory. He transfers to an all-boys private high school. But at first he’s not happy at the school. Until he’s taken in by the only ones who don’t treat him like a new kid –  the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers. 

The backstagers are a group of students who help backstage at plays. He makes great, lifetime friends. But he is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain. 

This light-hearted story features adorable graphics, making it an easy read. The romance is insta-lovely but the wholesome characters make up for it. This is the perfect length for a morning commute.

Representation: bisexual/ pansexual character, gay male, transgender character, mlm romance

Good Reads Rating: 3.95

47. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

This fantasy graphic novel is perfect if you’re in a reading slump. The adorable mlm fantasy graphic novel features dragons, shape-shifters and brilliant characters.

We follow Nimona and Lord Ballister Blackheart. Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter who becomes a sidekick to Lord Blackheart. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. Their mission is to prove that Sir Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.

The storyline kept me hooked and I binge-read this in one sitting. The plot is action-packed and full of twists. The humour was excellent. And the banter between the characters is hilarious.

If you enjoy reading books about villains or morally grey characters then you need to pick this up. Nimona is so delightfully evil in such a charming way.  The artwork is beautiful and makes this easy to read in one sitting.

Graphic novels are easy to read and you can often binge-read them in one sitting. The graphics make reading them a completely different format. If you’re looking for more lgbtq+ graphic novels then I have a whole book list for you. You can check out my article on lgbtq graphic novels here. 

Representation: queer male, mlm romance

Good reads rating: 4.18

48. On a sunbeam by Tillie Walden

Fan of the found family trope? This heartwarming graphic novel executes the found family trope perfectly. Combine this with beautiful artwork, an intriguing plot and an emotional storyline. And you have an unputdownable graphic novel.

We follow Mia. She joins a team in the deepest reaches of space rebuilding broken-down structures. As a new member, she gets to know her team. It also flashes back to her pivotal year in boarding school, where she fell in love with a mysterious new student.

This has such a creative concept and world. The graphic novel format perfectly brought it to life.  The storyline is non-linear. Flashbacks of Mia’s experience at boarding school are woven into the plot. Non-linear storylines are quite hit-and-miss for me. But it merged together perfectly at the end.

The emotional storyline in this graphic novel will leave you in floods of tears. A beautifully executed graphic novel with a unique concept and artwork.

Representation: Lesbian protagonist, Asian protagonist, Black love interest, Lesbian supporting characters, Nonbinary supporting character, Supporting characters of color

Good Reads Rating: 4.30

 49. The Girl from the Sea by Molly Ostertag

The Girl From the Sea is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale of a romance with a selkie. It also touches on friendship and environmental activism. The stunning artwork brings this moving tale to life.

We follow fifteen-year-old Morgan. She can’t wait to escape the little Island where she lives. She’s desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends…who don’t understand Morgan at all.

Morgan’s biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl.

Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn’t seem so stifling anymore.

Representation: wlw romance

Good Reads Rating: 4.14

50. The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag

The Witch Boy is an adorable middle-grade graphic novel about identity, family and magic. It challenges gender constructs but still remains a fun, magical story. The beautiful graphic novel style brings this to life, ideal for fans of Nimona.

We follow thirteen-year-old Aster. In Aster’s family, all the girls are raised to be witches. And the boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled.

Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn’t shifted . . . and he’s still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be.

When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help — as a witch. It will take the encouragement of a new friend, the non-magical and non-conforming Charlie, to convince Aster to try practicing his skills. And it will require even more courage to save his family . . . and be truly himself.

Good Reads Rating: 4.21

51. The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

The Magic fish is a beautiful fairytale retelling. It discusses many complex topics such as coming out, immigration and love. The illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful.

Tiến loves his family and his friends…but Tiến has a secret he’s been keeping from them, and it might change everything. An amazing YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together.

Real life isn’t a fairytale.

But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It’s hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn’t even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he’s going through?

Is there a way to tell them he’s gay?

Representation: gay male, Asian character, coming out

Good Reads Rating: 4.51

52. Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

This cute, cozy fantasy is perfect if you’re searching for a lighthearted read. It’s a LGBTQ+ YA graphic novel with a cute romance between a witch and a non-binary werewolf. The graphics in this adorable romance bring the characters to life. The ideal comfort read.

We follow Nova, a teen witch working at her Nana’s magical bookshop. She helps them loan out spell books. But she also investigates supernatural occurrences in her local town.

One day, she is tasked to investigate reports of a white wolf in a nearby forest. She then discovers her childhood best friend,  Tam, fighting a demon werewolf.  Together they investigate the demon and rekindle their feelings towards each other.

The story isn’t fast-paced and action packed. We also don’t find out much about the characters background. But it’s such a quick, cute and light-hearted read that I don’t think it matters.

The non-binary representation is excellent. While it doesn’t tackle complex themes, the lighthearted romance and depiction of Tam the non-binary werewolf is adorable. If you’re searching for a detailed depiction of transgender issues, this isn’t the book for you. But if you want a lighthearted romance, this book is perfect.

The graphic novel format is perfect for anyone trying to get back into reading. Or if you’re recovering from a reading slump. I have a ton of recommendations for LGBTQ+ graphic novels – you can check them out here.

Representation: deaf character, non-binary character, Sapphic romance

Good Reads Rating: 3.83

LGBTQ+ YA Historical fiction

53. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

I’ll be honest, historical fiction can be very hit or miss for me. However, I absolutely loved Last Night at the Telegraph Club.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club follows 17 year old Lily Hu. She’s questioning her identity. And she decides to visit a lesbian night club called the Telegraph Club.

But America in 1954 is not a safe place for two girls to fall in love. Especially not in Chinatown. Red-Scare paranoia threatens everyone – including Chinese Americans like Lily.

This story is heartwrenching and made me feel so many different emotions. Lily Hu is a very lovable main character and the romance is absolutely adorable. It felt very realistic for teenagers coming to terms with who they are.

It took me a while to get into the story, but once I did I couldn’t put it down. And by the end of this book I was an emotional mess.

Representation: Lesbian main characters, queer main characters, wlw romance, Chinese American characters

Good reads rating: 4.31

 54. Infamous by Lex Croucher

Fan of Bridgerton? You need to read Infamous. A Sapphic regency novel set at an extended party. It features mystery, romance and coming of age.

We follow 22 year old aspiring writer  Edith ‘Eddie’ Miller . Eddie and her best friend Rose have always done everything together. Climbing trees, throwing grapes at boys, sneaking bottles of wine, practicing kissing . . .

But following their debutante ball Rose is suddenly talking about marriage, and Eddie is horrified.When Eddie meets charming, renowned poet Nash Nicholson, he invites her to his crumbling Gothic estate in the countryside.

The entourage of eccentric artists indulging in pure hedonism is exactly what Eddie needs in order to forget Rose and finish her novel.But Eddie might discover the world of famous literary icons isn’t all poems and pleasure

The pace of this book did drag a bit in the middle of this book. But it was worth sticking with it. The worldbuilding was excellent. The friends to lovers trope is underrated but perfectly executed in this novel.

Good reads Rating:3.68

Representation:wlw main characters, bisexual, lesbian and non-binary characters

Those were my picks for LGBTQ+ YA Books

There are so many incredible LGBTQ+ YA Books. And this guide really is just the tip of the iceberg.

Everyone should have LGBTQ+ Books on their bookshelves. Diversity makes books better.

What are your favourite LGBTQ+ YA Books for teens?

This post was all about LGBTQ+ YA Books

Other posts you might like

Insanely good wlw books to read

Must-Read Bisexual books

This post on books like red, White and Royal Blue

The 16 best books like heartstopper