In recognition of LGBT Pride Month, The Conversation reached out to Jonathan Alexander, an English professor with an academic interest in the interplay between sexuality and literature, for recommendations of young adult fiction books featuring LGBTQ characters. What follows is a list that Alexander, who just left his position as editor of the children’s and young adult fiction section of the Los Angeles Review of Books, considers “must reads” for this summer.
1. Darius the Great is not well
Written by Adib Khorram, “Darius the Great Is Not Okay” is told from the perspective of a Persian-American teenager struggling with an anxiety disorder while navigating the complexities of growing up in a culturally mixed home. Darius’ parents – a Iranian immigrant mother and a white father – are kind and understanding, even when they are dealing with their own problems, including the father’s struggle with mental health issues and the mother’s attempt to maintain family relationships with relatives in a country that not only is on the other side of the world but his government is viewed with suspicion by many Americans. Still, Darius’s family rallies and even travels to Iran to visit relatives. While there, Darius learns about his cultural background as a Persian. , makes a lifelong friend in an Iranian cousin and considers his own sexuality. How will that complicate his life?
Khorram beautifully handles the challenges (and pleasures) of growing up in a culturally mixed, yet rich and loving home; while also addressing mental health challenges and identity exploration. And there are plenty of sweet touches throughout, including a love of tea and “Star Trek.” Highly recommended for its sensitivity and authenticity.
2. Lark and Kasim start a revolution
Kacen Callender, whose groundbreaking “Felix Ever After” delighted readers with its story of a black trans boy learning to navigate love and heartbreak, returns with a new book that is equally compellingly real. Lark and Kasim are old friends whose relationship has seen better days. Lark is working hard to be a writer while also trying to help Kasim figure out how to handle the complexities of living at least part of his young life in the shadows of social media. Ultimately, the book is as much about forging friendships (and learning to manage their evolution) as it is about crushes and teenage love.
Featuring richly drawn nonbinary and queer characters, “Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution” joins Callender’s previous award-winning books by contributing beautifully written and deeply imagined Black, queer, and trans characters that readers of all stripes will come to love.
3. Last night at the Telegraph Club
Malinda Lo’s National Book Award-winning novel is set in mid-20th century San Francisco, in a community of Chinese-American immigrants where Lily Hu has to learn to deal with racism, “fear red” and the possibility of being a lesbian. A masterpiece of historical young adult literature, “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” introduces readers to how lesbian communities formed (and thrived) even during some of the most repressive and homophobic times in American history.
Lo’s novel joins her previous works, such as the groundbreaking “Ash,” a take on Cinderella from a lesbian perspective, by creating an exciting and affirming work for young queer readers, as well as anyone who cares about those who question their sexuality and their sense of identity, of belonging to the world.
4. Coffee with lychee
Emery Lee’s delightful novel centers on the rivalry between an Asian-American cafe and a Puerto Rican bakery in a small Vermont town, where both restaurants face competition from a new fusion restaurant that has just opened. Each of the families that own the cafes has a young son working in them, Theo and Gabi, respectively, who have to learn to overcome their own rivalry and help their families survive the precariousness of operating a business in a world of capitalism. ruthless.
“Café Con Lychee” shows how love survives economic challenges and family weaknesses as the two young people move from rivalry to romance. A sweet and nourishing tale, the book offers readers a relatable vision of how to achieve it (and kiss ) during a time of economic turmoil.
5. Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe
I want to conclude this year’s reading list with an older work: Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s still beautiful, still vital, still much-needed paean to young gay love. Ari and Dante, from two different walks of life, learn how to find love and self-acceptance in this beautifully written book. At the beginning of the book, Ari is dealing with family problems, including a brother in prison, and Dante may be too smart for his own good. The two meet at a pool one summer, setting the stage for a passionate exploration of friendship that could turn into something more. If you haven’t read “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” catch up on this classic of contemporary LGBTQ YA fiction and then check out its recently released sequel, “Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the Universe!” Happy reading !
