YA Books That Center on Transgender and Nonbinary Teens
by Dena McMurdie
With more teens and young adults identifying as transgender or nonbinary than ever before, they need to see themselves represented in books. There are several fantastic YA reads about transgender and nonbinary teens, and I’ve rounded up some of the best. On this reading list, you’ll find contemporary fiction, romance, sci-fi, and fantasy centered on teens with various gender expressions and identities.
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Man o’ War
Available from:This heartwrenching and eye-opening novel follows a transgender teen’s journey through their entire transition. Over the course of the book, River goes from feeling like a fish out of water to finding a community and, eventually, to self-acceptance. YA readers will feel every dip and bump along River’s road to becoming who they were meant to be.
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The Passing Playbook
Available from:Soccer, trans rights, and first love combine in this heartfelt novel about a closeted trans boy starting over at a new school. At first, the school feels like the perfect fit, but when a controversial law prevents Spencer from playing on the boy’s soccer team, he faces the most challenging decision of his life. He can stay silent and off the team or speak up and come out to the whole school (and his crush).
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Continuum
Available from:This pocket-sized book contains a moving essay by Chella Man describing the evolution of his identity. Chella honors the steps of his journey, recognizing that each one brought him closer to becoming his true self. It’s an excellent read for anyone wanting to find their authentic self.
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The Wicked Bargain
Available from:Pirates, romance, and magic? Yes, please! Mar is a transmasculine nonbinary teen whose father gets captured by el Diablo. Facing the impossible choice of giving up their soul or abandoning their father, Mar chooses door number three. With the help of two new friends, Mar learns to use their magical abilities to defeat el Diablo and save their father.
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The Brilliant Death
Teodora can transform objects into different things. So, when the kingdom’s ruler requires five powerful families to send a son to the capital, Teodora transforms herself into a boy. Danger, enemies, and a chance at true love litter the road to the capital, and Teodora runs into all of them. YA readers who love quest adventures will enjoy this book!
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The Evolving Truth of Ever Stronger Will
Available from:Will is an agender teen at the mercy of a closed-minded community and a drug-dealing mother. When their mom dies, Will is left alone to deal with the fallout of their mom’s bad decisions. Will must find their former foster mother before their mom’s shadowy past catches up with them and destroys everything they’ve worked toward.
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Salt the Water
Available from:Cerulean has big plans for after high school graduation. So, when they get into a heated disagreement with a teacher, Cerulean decides to get an early start on those plans and drops out of school. Unfortunately, they soon face the harsh consequences of their impulsive choice and must learn to manage their new reality. This heartfelt novel is about chasing your dreams, even when the world has other plans for you.
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Both Sides Now
Available from:A transgender boy named Finch dreams of winning the National Speech & Debate Tournament. But when he learns that the topic is transgender rights, his gender suddenly becomes a conflict of interest. YA readers will enjoy every step of Finch’s journey as he navigates high school, crushes, and plans for the future.
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The Borrow a Boyfriend Club
Available from:Desperate to fit in with the guys, Noah wants to join a club of boys who rent themselves out for dates. To get accepted, Noah must pass a series of tests, including fake-dating the (very) cute club president, Asher. But the club rules prevent anyone from having a real boyfriend or girlfriend, so Noah believes his crush on Asher is a lost cause. This cute rom-com is an exploration of gender, friendship, and first love.
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Across a Field of Starlight
Available from:Love finds two nonbinary teens across time and solar systems in this gorgeously illustrated graphic novel. A chance meeting as children leads them to years of long-distance friendship before war reunites them. YA readers will enjoy every page of this epic sci-fi romance.
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