Photo credit: bookriot.com
Harper Reid’s senior year begins in an unexpected location: the farm where she spent her childhood summers. The return to this familiar place becomes even more special when she reconnects with Ollie Shifflet, her former best friend and first love. As Harper learns that Ollie is launching a new Dungeons & Dragons campaign, she eagerly joins the group. As their friendship rekindles in real life, the dynamics shift, and romantic feelings surface between Harper’s fierce barbarian and Ollie’s steadfast paladin. But amidst the adventure, Harper wonders if this budding romance is merely part of the game or something more significant.
Being openly queer in a predominately heterosexual society poses many challenges. Beyond facing systemic racism and bigotry towards LGBTQ+ individuals, the need to carve out personal spaces to thrive becomes essential. Often, these spaces mirror our interests and hobbies. One can hardly find a queer individual without a nerdy passion—be it gaming, writing, or another creative outlet—that sparks chatter for hours. This notion is even more pronounced among queer introverts, who might express their identities differently than their extroverted peers, often finding their voices through art rather than public demonstrations or parades. Yet, it’s vital to remember that artistic expression is a powerful form of protest.
As queer individuals come of age, seeking representations of themselves in art is crucial. Unfortunately, many of these narratives do not surface unless we endeavor to create them ourselves. Often, we turn to our geeky hobbies, such as writing, crafting, or engaging with fandom culture, in search of the diverse reflections of our identities. Thus, showcasing queer young adult literature that celebrates these interests is imperative for future generations. Below are six recommended titles that embody these themes.
Broken Hearts and Zombie Parts by William Hussey
In this quirky romance, Jesse Spark faces a literal heartache as he awaits surgery for a severe condition. With dreams of attending film school hanging in the balance, Jesse aims to produce his zombie flick on a shoestring budget while attempting to find love before surgery leaves him with an unwelcome scar. This charming queer romantic comedy is a delightful read for cinema enthusiasts.
Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala
Raffy’s creative passion lies in bedazzling—loving everything from draping to stitching. As he sets his sights on winning the ultimate cosplay competition, he puts everything on the line. However, the challenge intensifies when he discovers that his biggest rival is none other than his ex-boyfriend, Luca. Their past collaborations ended poorly due to diverging visions and personal struggles. When fate pairs them together again, Raffy must navigate relationships and competition while striving to showcase his artistic abilities.
If You Still Recognise Me by Cynthia So
Elsie develops a profound crush on Ada, the only girl who seems to resonate with her. Their bond thrives in the digital realm, stemming from a shared affection for a queer-themed comic series and its fanfiction. Despite the ocean separating them, Elsie resolves to confess her feelings to Ada. However, chaos ensues when Joan, a long-lost friend, reenters her life, complicating her emotions and decisions.
And They Lived… by Steven Salvatore
Chase Arthur, an animation aficionado and Disney superfan, grapples with his own demons, including body dysmorphia and navigating his gender identity. As he embarks on his first independent journey away from home, he strives to establish his identity, face rivalries, and meet academic expectations. When Jack Reid, a free-spirited soul in search of his own identity, enters his orbit, Chase finds himself both challenged and enchanted, prompting questions about love and belonging.
Final Draft by Riley Redgate
Laila Piedra has always played it safe, dreaming of epic sci-fi adventures in her writing but rarely stepping beyond her comfort zone. Her creative world is thrown into disarray when her beloved writing teacher is replaced by a demanding Pulitzer Prize winner who challenges her every move. As Laila becomes fixated on gaining approval, she soon realizes that stepping outside her familiar boundaries is the key to unlocking her true potential.
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
Nishat faces a tough reality when she comes out to her family, discovering they accept her as long as she fits their expectations. Torn between her true self and her family’s beliefs, she feels stuck until a childhood friend, Flávia, returns, igniting feelings of attraction. As they work on a school project involving their own henna businesses, cultural tensions arise, pushing Nishat to navigate her identity and find a balance between her love for Flávia and familial loyalty.
The comments section is moderated according to our community guidelines. Please ensure to familiarize yourself with them to foster a safe and supportive discussion space.
Source
bookriot.com