Trigger Warning: Many of these novels contain serious topics, so please research these topics before reading.

1: “Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo 

In celebration of LatinX Heritage Month, read “Poet X.” It follows the journey of an Afro-Dominican teenage girl, Xiomara, living in Harlem. She discovers slam poetry as a way to connect herself to the world around her.  

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

2: “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephan Chbosky

To recognize Suicide Awareness Month, read “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” and follow the journey of protagonist Charlie as he finds his way through his freshman year of high school. After many traumatizing events, read how Charlie fights to make friends and find himself.

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑☆

3: “Pride” by Ibi Zoboi

In a “Pride and Prejudice” remake, this novel touches on many modern ideas, including neighborhood gentrification, cultural identity and class. The reader follows the story of two young people, Zuri Benitez and Darius Darcy, coming together and finding themselves in each other. 

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑☆

4: “Tweet Cute” by Emma Lord

This book is the definition of a fun light read. This Young Adult romantic novel follows the tweets that bring Pepper and Jack together on two different sides of the same conflict. How will they change and come together on one anonymous app as they fight for their respective families?

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑☆

5: “Furia” by Yamile Saied Menendez

Camila Hassan, an Argentinian futbolista, struggles to fight for her passion for soccer while being suppressed because she is a woman. This novel, which celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, follows the journey of  Camila Hassan to finding her true self, Furia.

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 

 6: “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Saenz’s  

As Aristotle (Ari) learns to swim, he meets Dante. Little does he know that soon they will become best friends. In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, follow the journey of these two boys’ friendship, which may bloom into something else. 

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

7: “The Bridge” by Bill Koenigsberg

This novel depicts the story of two teens struggling with depression and contemplating suicide. This novel will make readers cry, laugh and smile as they go along Aaron and Tillie’s journey through self-love, family and mental health.

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

8: “We Are Not Free” by Traci Chee

Traci Chee presents an powerful story depicting life in internment camps for young Japanese American teenagers. It is heart-wrenching and powerful as readers live from the perspective of Frankie Fujita, Tommy Harano, Ike Harano and many more of their friends.

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑☆

9: “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo

“Last Night at the Telegraph Club” is a historical fiction novel depicting the experiences of teenager Lily, an Asian American girl in San Francisco. The book beautifully illustrates Lily’s journey to finding herself and being true to who she is.

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

10: “Firekeepers Daughter” by Angeline Boulley

This novel is riveting as Boulley brings a new light to reservation life, struggles and gifts for Daunes Firekeeper, a 19-year-old ex-hockey star. This book is about her fight for her people and those she loves.

Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑