1. So Hard To Say by Alex Sanchez
Why you should read: Xio has a crush on Fredrick, but Fredrick finds himself drawn more and more to Victor, one of the boys on the soccer team. Told in dual points of view, Sanchez brilliantly depicts the hardships of identity in this coming-of-age novel.
First published: 2004
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2. Dreams of Significant Girls by Cristina García
Why you should read: Told in the point of view of three different girls at the same Swiss boarding school, these young women are faced with different issues and experiences of growing up in this coming-of-age story. Fans of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants are sure to fall in love with García's Dreams of Significant Girls.
First published: 2011
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3. The Afterlife by Gary Soto
Why you should read: After Chuy is violently killed in a club, he revisits his life as a ghostly spirit and reflects on things he might have changed. Soto brilliantly tackles hard themes that keep the reader thinking until the very last page.
First published: 2003
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4. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
Why you should read: After his father commits suicide, the only person Aaron feels like he can talk to is Thomas. But when Aaron comes to the realization that he is gay, he decides to go to the Leteo Institute for a memory-alteration procedure. Powerful and poignant, this debut is not one to be missed.
First published: 2015
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5. The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano by Sonia Manzano
Why you should read: Set in 1969 in her Spanish Harlem neighborhood, Evelyn has not fully embraced her Puerto Rican heritage. But when her abuela comes to live with her and her family, Evelyn becomes more exposed to important issues that surround her neighborhood. Inspired by this period in history, Manzano — who you might recognize as Maria from Sesame Street — weaves an important, intriguing tale.
First published: 2012
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6. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Why you should read: This coming-of-age contemporary is about finding a strong friendship between two very different personalities as well as the challenges they both face growing up. Sáenz flawless writing will keep you entranced with every sentence.
First published: 2012
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7. The Lightning Dreamer: Cuba's Greatest Abolitionist by Margarita Engle
Why you should read: Told entirely in gorgeous verse, Engle tells a story of Tula, who stands up for her beliefs by refusing to be sold for marriage at the age of fourteen. It's a moving story inspired by the real Cuban abolitionist, Gertrudis Gomez de Avellanda.
First published: 2013
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8. Dark Dude by Oscar Hijuelos
Why you should read: After Rico trades the hardships of Harlem for a new start in Wisconsin, he expects things to be easier. But he slowly learns there are parts of your identity you can never leave behind. Fans of contemporary fiction will enjoy this brilliant novel by Pulitzer Prize-winner, Oscar Hijuelos.
First published: 2008
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9. When the Stars Go Blue by Barbara Caridad Ferrer
Why you should read: Soledad is on the verge of graduating from Biscayne High School for the Performing Arts where she aspires to be a professional ballet dancer. But when Jonathan encourages her to audition for Carmen within the drum and bugle corps, her one decision changes everything. This compelling contemporary read is sure to keep you hooked.
First published: 2010
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10. The Living by Matt de la Peña
Why you should read: Shy took a summer job on a cruise ship to make some extra cash. But when a massive earthquake rattles California, Shy must fight to survive. This apocalyptic novel will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
First published: 2013
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11. Extraction by Stephanie Diaz
Why you should read: On the verge of her sixteenth birthday, Clem hopes to test positively in order to leave her home on the Surface and live on Core, a safer planet. But when she uncovers a horrifying truth about what officials plan to do to the Surface, Clem must find a way to save her old planet. Sci-fi lovers are sure to devour this read.
First published: 2014
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12. The Gateway Through Which They Came by Heather Marie
Why you should read: Aiden Ortiz has the ability to lead the dead to the other side, which requires having spirits pass through him — the Gateway — in order to move on. But when his search for his friend, Koren Banks, leads him to uncovering some hard questions about himself, Aiden quickly discovers there just might be something darker that lies within him. Fans of mysterious, thrilling tales are sure to love this brilliantly crafted story.
First published: 2014
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