LGBTQ books for teens with the same warmth and authenticity as ‘Heartstopper’
Heartstopper, the beloved Netflix series, brought to life Alice Oseman’s enchanting LGBTQ+ coming-of-age story, charting the blossoming romance between Charlie and Nick. The duo start off as strangers studying at the same school until a chance encounter leads to a deep friendship and unexpected love.
Both the graphic novel and its onscreen adaptation beautifully explore love, friendship, loyalty, and mental health, unfolding a touching narrative that transcends the ordinary.
Heartstopper comic gained popularity for its heartwarming portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity. It reinforced the evolution of queer young adult literature into a dynamic category offering a myriad of options across genres.
If Heartstopper captured your heart, you will equally love these coming-of-age books that resonate with the same warmth and authenticity.
Felix Love is an artistic and unapologetically queer teen who grapples with issues of identity and the usual high school drama. When someone exposes his pre-transition images and deadname, he seeks revenge. The scenario unexpectedly leads to a quasi-love triangle. As Felix copes with the challenges of love and acceptance, he learns to redefine his most crucial relationship—his feelings about himself.
Fifteen-year-old Spencer Harris navigates life as a proud nerd and a transgender boy at a private school. However, when a discriminatory law jeopardizes his spot on the soccer team, Spencer confronts a challenging decision: remain silent and support his team or publicly fight for his right to play, risking his hidden transgender identity and potential romance.
Dylan Tang, juggling school and delivery runs for his aunt’s Chinese takeout, dreams of winning a mooncake competition to save their struggling business. Enter Theo Somers, a charming wealthy customer, proposing a fake romance for a family wedding. Yet, as the rich-people drama unfolds, Dylan genuinely falls for Theo. With the mooncake contest looming, he faces the dilemma of saving the family business or following his heart.
Leah Burke, an artistic and sarcastic high school senior, grapples with her bisexuality and unspoken feelings for a friend in this coming-of-age novel. While her mother knows she’s bisexual, Leah hasn’t shared this with her friends, including her openly gay best friend, Simon. With prom and college looming, Leah faces the challenge of maintaining harmony as conflicts emerge, including navigating the unexpected feelings for a friend.
This coming-of-age teen novel is set in the 1990s rural Montana. After her parents die in a car crash, young Cameron Post moves in with her conservative aunt and her grandmother. There, she moves around freely hiding her sexuality and blending in until she develops an intense relationship with her friend Coley Taylor. When she is outed, Post is sent to a conversion camp, where she discovers her own resilience and strength in this poignant exploration of identity and self-acceptance.
Darius Kellner, an Iranian-American teenager, grapples with depression, self-doubt, and his identity as a “Fractional Persian.” When his family travels to Iran, Darius finds an unexpected friendship with Sohrab, a Baha’i neighbour. As they bond over soccer, tea, and shared struggles, Darius learns about love, cultural connections, and acceptance. Wrestling with his understanding of masculinity, family dynamics, and the complexities of his heritage, Darius undergoes a transformative journey, discovering that being himself is more than enough.
Nick Melnikov, a Russian-Jewish student in London, grapples with identity and unexpected memories. Socially anxious and closeted, he’s drawn into a tight-knit group, navigating exhilarating connections and intimidating longing, especially with Dex, an unapologetic black queer peer. Dex, secure in his identity, battles family stress and a lingering heartbreak. Set against themes of belonging and self-discovery, the novel unfolds a nuanced and exciting exploration of growing up and accepting oneself in the midst of identity and cultural complexities.
Also read: Best LGBTQ+ Books To Read This Pride Month