None of these horses were mine — I never did get the proverbial pony — but I loved them all the same. At 8, 10, and 12 years old, I rarely felt more free and at one with myself than on the back of a horse, galloping alongside one of my best friends. They kept me grounded. They kept me busy. And they kept me more or less out of trouble.

For the horse-loving kid in your life, the next best thing to riding one of these magnificent creatures is reading about them in books. Here are a few well-loved horse books to get them started.

no no 9780448462059 Magic Ponies Series by Sue Bentley, illustrated by Angela Swan

Horse-loving kids will adore this series about a magical pony who befriends a girl in the real world. Each story in the series features a different girl who meets the pony at a time when she needs it most. These sweet books are filled with realistic scenarios of friends, family, and growing up.

9780679813439 The Black Stallion by Walter Farley

The Black Stallion is a classic and for good reason. First published in 1941, the story is timelessly engaging. As a boy, Alec Ramsey is shipwrecked on a deserted island with a wild horse. Alec and the Black Stallion come to build a singular bond that lasts for the ages — and for countless sequels.

9780593095485 Horse Girl by Carrie Seim

Wills is so excited to start her horse riding training at the prestigious Oakwood Riding Academy. But Amara and her friends don’t make it easy for Wills. Luckily with her horse Clyde at her side, she can tackle anything; mean girls, family problems, and even boys.

9780735230613 Creaky Acres: A Graphic Novel by Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder, illustrated by Nilah Magruder

Nora is less than thrilled to leave her suburban neighborhood and move to a poor, rural area for her mom’s new job. But as Nora and her horse settle into their new lives at a new barn, they are pleasantly surprised. Soon, Nora makes friends and learns how to be a leader in the ways that matter most.

9781536209303 Pony on the Twelfth Floor by Polly Faber, illustrated by Sarah Jennings

Kizzy has always wanted a pony, but she lives in the city. Then, one day, she finds a pony happily gobbling up all the donuts in the supermarket. This is the opportunity Kizzy has been dreaming of, but can she keep the pony hidden in her twelfth-floor apartment without anyone finding out?

9780375847325 Horse Diaries Series by Catherine Hapka, illustrated by Ruth Sanderson

Fans of the Dear America series will love these books on horses and history. Written from the horse’s point of view, these stories cover a wide range of history and geography, tracking horses in Iceland circa 1000 AD, 16th century Spain, 9th century Arabia, and more.

9781782693963 City of Horses by Frances Moloney

Kids who fantasize about wild horses will love this heartfelt middle grade novel. Misty’s family moves to the other side of town when her dad loses his job. At first, Misty tries to hide her family’s circumstances from her old friends, but it doesn’t take long before she finds a new passion: The free-roaming horses around her home. Along with a new friend, Misty does everything in her power to help the animals and keep them safe from a rising threat.

9780141321035 Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

Another classic, this one written and set in 19th century London and told from the horse’s point of view. When I read it, I didn’t fully understand this book as a treatise against animal cruelty — though kids know injustice when they see it (or read about it). While various versions of Black Beauty are out there, strive to find Sewell’s original, which helps teach children the true meaning of kindness.

9780553508147 Pony by R. J. Palacio

Prepare to have your heart broken and put back together again with this novel from the bestselling author of Wonder. This extraordinary story is about a boy searching for his kidnapped father, the ghost accompanying him, and the pony acting as his guide. It’s the can’t-miss book for horse lovers.

9781368007580 Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood by Robert Beatty

From the bestselling author of the Serafina and Willa of the Wood series comes a new adventure about a horse-loving girl and a mysterious flood. A devastating storm causes widespread destruction and flooding, ushering in a collection of magical and mysterious objects, including a boy. This timely and poignant novel is set in the North Carolina mountains, where Sylvia searches for a way to save the home and animals she loves.

9781524718145 Riding Lessons (An Ellen & Ned Book) by Jane Smiley

In this wonderful series from bestselling author Jane Smiley, readers follow spunky Ellen as she begins taking riding lessons and forms an instant bond with a colt named Ned. Occasionally Ellen’s feisty character gets her into trouble, and she isn’t allowed to go to the ranch. But when Ellen’s life gets turned upside down, it’s her friend Ned that she needs to turn to the most.

9781101939789 The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd

There is something magical happening up at Briar Hill hospital. Winged horses live in the mirrors, but only Emmaline can see them. While exploring the gardens, she finds Foxfire, a white horse with a broken wing. Only Emmaline can save him from the Black Horse, an evil creature who hunts in darkness. This remarkable book is sure to find its place among the classics.

9780593225257 The Dust Bowl by Michelle Jabès Corpora

This book is part of the American Horse Tales series that highlights the unique relationships between young girls and their horses. The Dust Bowl takes place in Oklahoma in the 1930s and follows a young girl named Ginny, her horse Thimble, and her family who are all dealing with the hardships of the Great Depression. In order to survive, Ginny’s dad decides that they must sell their horse, but Ginny makes the brave decision to stay by her horse’s side and follow Thimble to California.

9781465445872 Pocket Genius: Horses by DK

If fiction isn’t your child’s thing, not to worry — there are plenty of fact-based, encyclopedic guides through the equine world, including this handy (har har) pocket-sized book, which features more than 125 breeds.

9780525644774 The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts

This remarkable young readers’ adaptation tells the story of a small group of American troops during World War II. Against all odds, these soldiers went behind enemy lines to rescue the world’s finest purebred horses from Hitler’s grasp. It’s a riveting story of courage and bravery that animal lovers and history buffs will enjoy.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2025.

The post Giddy Up, Readers! The Best Horse Books for Kids Ages 8 – 12 appeared first on Brightly.

My two kids also love the breathless tongue twister of Tikki’s full name. But I’m happy to report that thirty-some years later, there are some truly great books about the various Asian cultures — almost all with a focus on family and food. (But mostly food.)

no no Beginner Books 9780440417705 Dim Sum for Everyone! by Grace Lin

If you believe, as I do, that culture begins and ends in the stomach, you’ll know why nothing is more comforting to me than dim sum, a traditional Chinese meal made up of small plates of dumplings and other snack dishes and is usually accompanied by tea. This book features the à la carte yumminess that is the Chinese dim sum tradition and highlights a key Asian cultural tradition — eating together.

9780823449774 Rainbow Shopping by Qing Zhuang

There’s nothing quite like New York City’s Chinatown — and this picture book transports you there, in all its technicolor glory. Says Publishers Weekly, “the subdued landscape [of the drab New York City neighborhood the young girl’s family has emigrated to from China] gives way to vivid hues as the two shop amid a kaleidoscope of fruits, vegetables, seafood, and sweets.” The result is “achingly real.”

9780593856550 Binna’s Dalgona by Sojung Kim-McCarthy

Have you ever wanted to explain something but couldn’t find the right words? This charming picture book illustrates how to navigate language barriers. Binna wants to tell her classmates about her Korean culture, and share a tasty snack she learned how to make, but gets discouraged when she can’t say what she wants. But with the encouragement of her friends and family, Binna finds the courage to keep trying!

9781774881989 Dim Sum Palace by X. Fang

For anyone (like me!) who loved Maurice Sendak’s In the Night Kitchen (1970), Dim Sum Palace is an adorable, AAPI-inspired homage. Kirkus calls it “a real (delicious) trip.” And just about everyone agrees. Fang’s book earned the 2023 Society of Illustrators’ Dilys Evans Founder’s Award and was named one of Brightly‘s Best Picture Books of 2023 and one of Chicago Public Library’s Best Board & Picture Books for the same year.

9781536219401 Masala Chai, Fast and Slow by Rajani LaRocca

Another food-focused trip, through India this time. Traditions — like afternoon chai — are what bond us to our families and our culture. And that is the case in Newbery Honoree Rajani LaRocca’s latest picture book. This is a story of a boy and his grandfather, but there are deeper lessons about mindfulness and the power of taking your time. Recipe included.

9780593407110 Little Bird Laila by Kelly Yang, illustrated by Xindi Yan

In this sweet and joyful immigrant story, Laila takes it upon herself to teach her parents English. Even though she is still learning the language herself, she knows she can help her parents express how clever, kind, and funny they are in their new home.

9781536226140 Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao

Kirkus calls Lynnor Bontigao’s sweet love-letter to the Phillipines and to Filipina grandmothers, “like a sari-sari store, brimming with joy and heart.”

9780593531723 Night Market Rescue by Charlotte Cheng

One of my great joys, when it comes to Asian culture, is the night market — full of delicious street food and one-of-a-kind delights. Charlotte Cheng’s book may be about a stray dog, Gogo, but what’s wonderful is the setting: A richly imagined Taipei night market. Publishers Weekly calls it, “a lively readaloud about finding one’s way home.”

9780593526125 Mustafa’s Mithai by Sana Rafi, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

Mustafa loves happy occasions because he gets to eat mithai, a collection of sweets from South Asia. He wishes he could have these treats every day, but his Ammi reminds him that mithai are sweetest when shared, and so Mustafa decides to turn an ordinary day into a happy occasion! He invites all his friends and family over to share mithai together. A beautiful celebration of culture, and a reminder to celebrate each moment with loved ones.

9780593529874 I Want to Be Spaghetti! by Kiera Wright-Ruiz

A children’s book about ramen that wishes it was spaghetti — until it learns to love all the wonderful, ramen-y things about itself? Sign me up! This well-loved book — an Amazon Best Book of the Month, winner of Good Housekeeping’s 2023 Kids’ Book Award and one of Brightly’s Best Picture Books of 2023 — teaches us all how to love what is unique about us.

9780593488614 My Grandfather’s Song by Phùng Nguyên Quang and Huynh Kim Liên

The married authors of My First Day, selected as best book of the year by Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal, revisit the rich landscapes of Southeast Asia with My Grandfather’s Song, a lyrical tribute to the first settlers of South Vietnam, as told through the story of one boy and his grandfather.

9781623546236 Picking Tea with Baba by Xu Bin, illustrated by Yu Yin, translated by Shan Chen

Follow a young boy and his family as they pick tea leaves in their tea garden in the mountains. It can be a lot of hard work, but it is so rewarding to work together as a family! Filled with bright illustrations, this day-in-the-life picture book is a treat for the senses as the family celebrates Chinese culture and togetherness.

9780593649466 Lunar New Year by Mary Man-Kong

A sweet addition to any child’s Golden Book library, Lunar New Year teaches young readers about the Chinese zodiac, the celebratory food and the Asian traditions that arrive each lunar new year — one of the most important holidays in China and other Asian countries.

So, clearly, this list doesn’t quite cover all things Asian. There are countries we didn’t cover — and cuisines!

You might also like:

• 27 Children’s & YA Books Written by Asian Authors
• Kids’ Books on the Experiences of Asian American Immigrants
• Graphic Novels for Kids by Asian Authors & Illustrators

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2025.

The post 13 Books for Kids That Celebrate <br>Asian Cultures appeared first on Brightly.

These days, parents can put allowance on a child’s debit card with just a couple taps on a smartphone — no cash necessary. Easy, right? But how do we teach kids about money and all that it represents? These financial literacy books for tweens and teens can help.

no no Books for Kids and Teens 9781536224719 Priceless Facts about Money by Mellody Hobson, illustrated by Caitlin Stevens

Learn weird yet useful facts about money from financial expert Mellody Hobson. If you’ve ever wondered how humans started using money or where credit ratings and ATMs came from, this book has answers. Readers will learn about the banking system, how money works, and financial terms everyone should know.

9780744034974 Get To Know: Money by DK

As money and finances move into the digital era, parents and educators need to adjust how they teach children about it. This book is an excellent resource to help children learn about earning and budgeting money, using a bank account, and understanding cryptocurrency. It’s a must-have for teaching children financial literacy.

9781465440006 Show Me the Money: Big Questions About Finance by Alvin Hall

Alvin Hall grew up in severe poverty in the Florida panhandle — then became a world-renowned financial trainer, expert, and author. In Show Me the Money, Hall shares his no-nonsense approach to money matters, including how the financial, business, and economic sectors of our society work.

9798889640301 Rebel Girls Money Matters by Alexa von Tobel and Rebel Girls, illustrated by Morgan Goble

This interactive book gives kids a hands-on learning experience. It uses quizzes, stories, and advice from experts and other kids to teach readers about money. Young readers will learn about earning, saving, and spending their money wisely.

9781580893961 Dollars & Sense: A Kid’s Guide to Using — Not Losing — Money by Elaine Scott, illustrated by David Clark

Kirkus calls Dollars & Sense “a sporty guide to the wide, weird world of money.” Indeed, this book covers basic economic concepts like supply and demand and inflation as well as the circumstance that led to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

9780593517864 Paying for College, 2025 by The Princeton Review, Kalman Chany, and Geoffrey Martz

If your teen plans to attend college, you should prepare for its financial obligations. This book will help you and your teen plan for college, maximize the money you can get, and minimize your costs. It takes readers through the FAFSA application line by line, with helpful advice and instructions.

9781465451781 DK Eyewitness Books: Money by Joe Cribb

This one’s about money itself — the various coins and banknotes from countries around the world, and throughout history. Author Joe Cribb is what they call a numismatist, or a currency expert, and was the former “Keeper of Coins and Medals” at the British Museum.

9780763667634 The History of Money by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura

This book is an excellent resource to help kids learn about money, its history, why we use it, and how it works. It takes readers through the ages and stages of how money became necessary and teaches them about interest, banks, and taxes.

9780744051728 Careers by DK

When you’re making plans for the future, it helps to be informed. Choosing the right career is one of the most essential choices a young person makes, and it impacts their finances for the rest of their life. This book walks teens (and other interested parties) through hundreds of career options and their requirements.

9781465456267 Heads Up Money by DK

For older teens with a basic understanding of money matters — how and why to save, the difference between wants and needs — there’s Heads Up Money. This book goes beyond “What is money?” to more prescient and timely questions like “What is the wage gap?” and discusses economic theories. It’s a big-picture view of money and its role in our modern world, rather than a personal finance how-to.

9781465444271 How Money Works: The Facts Visually Explained by DK

For the visual learner who is interested in complex financial information, How Money Works will be indispensable. Facts and stats pepper the entire book — part of the How Things Work series — and help break down complex topics, like asset allocation and diversification (which I’ve never really understood).

9781984858627 What Color Is Your Parachute? for Teens, Fourth Edition by Carol Christen

Help your teen design a future they love with help from this book by career strategist Carol Christen. With advice on finding the best career for your strengths and financial needs, tips for successful interviews, and advice on navigating the modern job market, it is an invaluable resource for any young person.

9780452298439 More Money, Please: The Financial Secrets You Never Learned in School by Scott Gamm

This is Money Management 101 for those who have recently left the nest, written by someone in their shoes. But not just anyone. At just 17, Scott Gamm created HelpSaveMyDollars.com — and quickly became a financial news commentator. He wrote this book in 2013 while he was still at the New York University Stern School of Business.

You might also like:

• Books That Teach Life Skills to Tweens
• What To Do If Your Child Is Interested in Books With Mature Themes
• 8 Great Resources for Teaching Kids Financial Literacy

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2025.

The post Learning the Value of a Dollar: <br>Books To Teach Tweens and Teens Financial Literacy appeared first on Brightly.

no no 9780593902196 Margaret and the Moon by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Lucy Knisley

This inspiring picture book teaches kids about Margaret Hamilton. As a young girl, Margaret loved numbers and math. Her curiosity and hard work took her first to MIT and then to NASA, where her code was instrumental in putting a man on the moon. In fact, the Apollo 8, Apollo 9, Apollo 10, and Apollo 11 missions wouldn’t have been possible without the code that Margaret wrote!

9780593525913 A Voice of Hope by Nadia Salomon, illustrated by London Ladd

This captivating picture book chronicles Myrlie Evers-Williams’ journey from growing up in the segregated South to her role as a formidable advocate for justice. A woman who inspires resilience and activism, her story motivates readers to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

9780593566718 Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography by Wendy Loggia, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

Swifties of all ages will love this Little Golden Book Biography about the Grammy-winning and multiplatinum artist. Taylor Swift’s talent and hard work helped her become a versatile singer and songwriter beloved by fans around the world. Little readers (and their parents) will feel inspired to reach for the stars!

9780525514084 Turning Pages by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Lulu Delacre

As a little girl, books saved Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court justice. While this ostensibly is a story about Sotomayor’s life, it’s really about the love of reading.

9780593324202 Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller by Breanna J. McDaniel, illustrated by April Harrison

This beautiful book spotlights a woman who used her passion for storytelling to make a difference in her community. Augusta Baker learned how to tell amazing stories from her grandmother and eventually became the first Black coordinator of children’s services at the New York Public Library. Her storytelling abilities and desire for better representation led her to champion other Black creators at the library.

9780525579601 She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton, illustrated by Felicita Sala

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley started writing Frankenstein at just 18 years old. Today, on the 200th anniversary of the book’s publishing, Lynne Fulton revisits the very night the young writer invented one of our most lasting, unforgettable characters.

9780375867743 The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter

At 89 years old, Jane Goodall is still going strong — in fact, she just announced a partnership with Bezos Earth Fund to further expand her conservation work in Africa. This sweet picture book traces Goodall’s passion for animals back to her childhood in London and her first trip to Africa to observe chimpanzees.

9780823420476 Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James E. Ransome

The abolitionist and civil rights activist we know as Harriet Tubman — the most important “conductor” on the Underground Railroad — actually went by many names in her lifetime. This book covers them all, and tells her incredible life story in verse.

9780735228740 I am Billie Jean King by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

On September 20, 1973 — at the height of the women’s movement — female tennis champion Billie Jean King famously took on Wimbledon champion Bobby Riggs — and won. (The match was called the “Battle of the Sexes.”) This installment in the popular Ordinary People Change the World series introduces young readers to some of the challenges King faced and successes she celebrated.

9780399166150 Firebird by Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland’s name is practically synonymous with ballet, and for good reason. Though she didn’t get her start until she was 13, she went on to become the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history. Copeland continues to be an empowering role model for aspiring dancers, and in Firebird, she charts her course from an unsure young girl joining a new world to the indomitable performer, athlete, and public figure she is today.

9780399557255 Joan Proctor Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez, illustrated by Felicita Sala

Can you imagine having a tea party with a Komodo dragon? It’s an unusual proposition, but it was just another day at work for Joan Procter, an internationally renowned herpetologist — that is, a zoologist who studies reptiles and amphibians. Procter was born in the UK in 1897, and while her peers favored dolls, Procter was never without her favorite lizard. In adulthood, she was named the first female Curator of Reptiles at London Zoo, and her valuable work both furthered the field of study and opened doors for others like her.

9781580897853 Malala: Activist for Girls’ Education by Raphaele Frier, illustrated by Aurelia Fronty

Malala Yousafzai grew up in the beautiful mountains of Pakistan, where she was a precocious young girl who loved going to school. At fifteen, when she defied the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education, she was nearly killed for it. This beautiful picture book biography, resplendent in its illustrations, follows Malala through her extraordinary young life, including her continued activism, infamous UN speech, and historic Nobel Peace Prize.

You might also like:

• Picture Books That Celebrate Girl Power
• Kids’ Books About Amazing Black Women in History
• A Reading List for Moms Who Want To Raise Feminist Sons
• Inspiring Picture Book Biographies About Women in STEM

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2025.

The post 12 Picture Book Biographies of Truly Amazing Women appeared first on Brightly.

no no 9780593711927 Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams

“What if Harry Potter went to an HBCU?” That question sits at the heart of Williams’s debut novel — the first in a trilogy. In it, 17-year-old Malik Baron attends New Orleans Caiman University, a historically Black college hidden in the backwoods of Louisiana, meant for those who practice hoodoo and vodun. Malik is there to learn magic and unravel the mystery of his mother’s disappearance. Williams — an accomplished playwright and screenwriter — told CBS, “Writing this book for me is healing my inner teenager.” He added, “We always talk about the inner child, but we never talk about our inner teenager too.”

9780593524251 These Deadly Prophecies by Andrea Tang

Fans of Knives Out and The Inheritance Games will love this fantastical murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the final page. Tabatha Zeng gets more than she bargained for as an apprentice to the famed Sorcerer Solomon. He predicts his own death, which tragically comes true. When Tabatha and Sorcerer Solomon’s son Callum become the prime murder suspects, they team up in a race against the clock to clear their names and find the true killer.

9780593374207 The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Rachel Price vanished when her daughter Bel (Annabel) was two years old. Now, 16 years later, Bel and her father — who was acquitted for his wife’s disappearance — are part of a true crime documentary about what happened when suddenly, Rachel reappears. Bel doesn’t believe a word Rachel says — and, along with the youngest member of the documentary crew, Bel sets off to figure out what really happened.

9780593484975 Snowglobe by Soyoung Park

In Soyoung Park’s award-winning dystopian young adult novel, all is not what it seems in Snowglobe, the sunny, green, celebrity-filled city — and the last place on earth that isn’t frozen. Residents of the frozen world (the result of the climate crisis) toil to keep Snowglobe warm. In return, Snowglobe residents allow their lives to be broadcast to the frozen world 24/7. When 16-year-old Jeon Chobahm, a lowly inhabitant of the frozen world, gets to replace a Snowglobe megastar who mysteriously died, she realizes that the reality television she watched her whole life isn’t real. This book was translated from the original Korean.

RELATED: 13 Outstanding Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books Teen Boys Will Love

no no 9781682635766 Sky’s End by Marc J Gregson

In volume 1 of the Above the Black YA fantasy series, we meet 16-year-old Conrad. He was once a High. But now, after his uncle betrayed his father, Conrad is a Low. To rescue his sister from the clutches of his murderous uncle, Conrad must enter the Selection of the Twelve Trades and rise through the ranks of this socially stratified, dystopian world as a Hunter meant to kill steel-scaled monsters. Volume 2, Among Serpents, is slated for January 2025. The series has already been picked up for film and will be directed by Antoine Fuqua.

9780593855720 Everything We Never Said by Sloan Harlow

“A dark and romantic thriller for those who love sexy suspense,” says Kirkus. In Sloan Harlow’s Colleen Hoover-esque debut novel, Ella, a senior at North Davis High, finds herself in a support group after the death of her best friend, Hayley. But she was the one driving the car — drunk — when Haley died. What’s more, Haley’s boyfriend, Sawyer, is also in the support group, and Ella is developing feelings for him. As Ella navigates her grief and complicated feelings for Sawyer, she discovers Hayley’s diary, and things grow even more complex.

9780525708087 The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow

How do you face down addiction and find yourself again? Kathleen Glasgow’s latest novel, The Glass Girl, tackles that weighty question. Amidst her parents splitting up, her grandmother dying, and the end of her first relationship, 15-year-old Bella escapes into alcohol. When a bout of blackout drinking lands her in the hospital, it’s time for rehab. Publishers Weekly writes, “Combining The Bell Jar with Euphoria, this heart-wrenching read offers a resonant and compassionate look at teenage substance reliance.”

9780593482582 The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig

Hazel is the Lafitte family’s ill-fated 13th child. They promise her to the god of death — Merrick, the Dreaded End — who gives Hazel the gift of being a healer. But Hazel can also see when death has claimed someone, and she is haunted by the ghosts of those she had to kill. When Hazel is summoned to heal the king, she and her powers are put to the test.

9780593814741 Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner

Kirkus calls Logan-Ashley Kisner’s debut YA horror novel, “an ode to the strength of trans kids in the face of all kinds of terror.” In it, Max and Erin are two trans teens escaping Columbus, Ohio, for a new life in Berkeley, California. En route, they get stranded in small-town Kentucky, where, as luck would have it, the locals are searching for a girl to sacrifice to a deadly monster that lives in the woods. But Max and Erin aren’t exactly who the locals think they are.

RELATED: 9 Heart-Pounding YA Thrillers To Read Right Now

no no 9780593616949 Heir by Sabaa Tahir

Heir takes place in the same YA fantasy world as Sabaa Tahir’s debut, An Ember in the Ashes — 20 years later. The story follows three young people — Aiz, an orphan; Sirsha, a tracker; and Quil, prince of the Martial Empire — as their lives intersect. Kirkus says this first installment of the duology is “a fantasy with complex characterization that will build anticipation for the next entry.”

9780593531242 Fledgling by S. K. Ali

In this sci-fi debut, Raisa Freelund, daughter of the chief guardian of Upper Earth, and Lein Verg, crown prince of Lower Earth, are set to wed in a bid to bring the two worlds together and forge peace between humans. But Lein’s cousin Nada wants to upend the wedding and bring forth a revolution. “References to the Islamic lunar calendar and scripture and Arabic naming conventions, as well as clear allusions to present-day geopolitics, conflicts, inequities, and imperialism, lend verisimilitude to a dystopian future of technological and environmental destruction,” says Kirkus. This book is the first in a duology known as The Keeper’s Records of Revolution.

9780593530931 Sunderworld, Vol. I: The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs

Kirkus calls Sunderworld, Vol. 1 — the first in Ransom Riggs’s new Sunderworld series — “a fully imagined fantastical world with compelling characters and a nail-biting cliffhanger.” When 17-year-old Leopold Berry starts noticing strange things happening in Los Angeles, they remind him of his favorite show on TV, Max’s Adventures in Sunderworld. Soon, he realizes that Sunderworld is a real place — and Leopold could have a role in saving it.

9780525429098 When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson

When Theo Fall, a winemaker, drove away from Paradise Springs, California, 12 years ago, he left behind a pregnant wife and two young boys. The three Fall children — Dizzy, Miles, and Wynton — have been trying to piece their lives together ever since. But it takes a curious rainbow-haired stranger named Cassidy to upend their lives and change them all forever.

9780593623398 Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris

Inspired by Dolly Parton’s real-life time capsule, which sits in Dollywood, waiting to be opened on Dolly’s 100th birthday, Every Time You Hear That Song is told from two points of view. The first is that of 17-year-old Darren Purchase, an aspiring journalist from the small town of Mayberry, Arkansas, who wants to unearth the story behind country music legend Decklee Cassel’s empty time capsule. The second is that of Decklee Cassel in the 1960s, coming up in the music world, and what she had to give up to succeed. Says Kirkus, “Discoveries of love, legacy, and self take center stage in this musical tapestry of a novel.”

9780593698327 Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer

In this “richly realized and distinctive queer zombie romance” (Kirkus), 17-year-old Mara finds herself on an island after being cured of the Tick, an ancient virus that turns its victims into zombies. She’s resettled with her godparents and their family, including their daughter Rory, with whom Mara shared one fateful kiss before Tick changed everything. Tentatively, they find a new way forward.

RELATED: Queer YA Romance Reads Teens Will Love

no no 9780593461419 Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay

In this “powerful and moving family saga” (Kirkus), we witness four generations of Filipino American boys — Francisco in 1929, Emil in 1965, Chris in 1983, and Enzo in 2020 — and how the immigrant story in the United States shapes them all.

9780593696125 Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldívar

The history and politics of Honduras take center stage in this moving young adult novel. Libi (Libertad) Morazán, a queer high school senior, finds her voice amidst a rigged election in which a right-wing dictator threatens her future and the future of the country itself.

9780593463185 Gita Desai Is Not Here to Shut Up by Sonia Patel

Kirkus calls Gita Desai Is Not Here to Shut Up a “tough read that’s worth the discomfort.” In it, 18-year-old Gita Desai, a freshman at Stanford, dreams of being a doctor but is pulled off her path by a series of sexual situations that unearth an awful secret from her past. It is based on the author’s own experiences.

9780593622759 Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen

The first in a series, Of Jade and Dragons conjures a richly imagined Chinese silkpunk fantasy world. The main character, Aihui Ying, pretends to be her brother and enters the elite, all-male Engineers Guild so that she can avenge her father’s death.

The post The Best YA Books of 2024 appeared first on Brightly.

Well, through books and stories, for one. Here are some titles to jumpstart the conversation of what it means to show up, speak out, resist, and persist on behalf of our own beliefs — and for those who may not have a voice.

no no 9781609806934 A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara

While A is for Activist uses alliteration and rhyming to get its message across, this isn’t your typical ABC book. Instead of apples, dogs, and frogs, you have “activists,” “little d democracy,” and “feminists.”

F is for Feminist.
For Fairness in our pay.
For Freedom to Flourish
and choose our own way.

Oakland-based author Innosanto Nagara, who was born and raised in Indonesia, originally wrote the book to help capture and convey progressive values to his own son. Now, this bestselling board book is helping to frame up young activism for the preschool set.

If you like A is for Activist, check out Nagara’s follow-up counting book, Counting on Community.
(Ages 3 – 7)

9780593383773 Show Up and Vote by Ani DiFranco, illustrated by Rachelle Baker

From singer-songwriter, activist, feminist, and bestselling author Ani Di Franco comes a lyrical picture book that sensitively portrays a young girl’s experience accompanying her mother to vote, emphasizing the significance of this civic duty in an authentic and relatable manner.
(Ages 3 – 7)

RELATED: Picture Books About Elections and Voting

no no 9780593431269 Rocket Says Speak Up! by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola

Motivated by the impending closure of her town’s library, Rocket channel’s Rosa Parks’ pioneering activism to mobilize her community, organizing a peaceful protest that garners attention, generates funds, and saves the library. It’s an uplifting story to teach kids about taking a stand.
(Ages 3 – 7)

9780679823117 Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by James Ransome

Oftentimes, activism looks like quiet resistance that directly serves others. That’s one of the many lessons in Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. When Clara learns about the Underground Railroad, she uses her skills as a seamstress to create a map that shows the way — a map that only those looking for the secret route will understand. Through her actions, Clara demonstrates the importance of bringing others along on the journey to freedom.
(Ages 3 – 7)

9781524772260 The Pink Hat by Andrew Joyner

Inspired by the 2017 Women’s March, author Andrew Joyner put together this tale of one iconic pink hat, the only pop of color in this black and white illustrated book. The hat itself travels from one feminist into the hands of another feminist, a generation or two removed. The origin of the pink hats is not discussed, and the tone and style are a positive take on girl power, and the women’s movement it rolls up into.
(Ages 4 – 8)

9780593203224 Change Sings by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long

Amanda Gorman stunned America when she delivered her powerful poem during the presidential inauguration. Now, you can share her inspirational message with your children. Her picture book shows readers of all ages that we can change the world for the better when we work together.
(Ages 4 – 8)

9780593301586 Stand Up! Speak Up! by Andrew Joyner

Another great story by Andrew Joyner, this one focusing on taking action to fight climate change. Follow along as a young activist participates in a march, organizes community clean-ups, speaks at town halls, and more. The back matter features profiles of global youth activists who have raised their voices on environmental issues. The book jacket even doubles as a march sign, the underside reading “Marching for My Future.”
(Ages 4 – 8)

9781101937204 Miss Paul and the President by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Nancy Zhang

As a young girl, Alice Paul couldn’t help but notice that her mother didn’t join her father at the voting polls. After studying the Constitution and learning that women weren’t allowed to vote, Alice decided it was time for change. She organized protests and parades, wrote to her representatives, and even met with President Woodrow Wilson, who wasn’t interested in Alice’s proposition. But Alice persisted, as recounted in this picture book with vivid artwork by Nancy Zhang. To keep discussing Votes for Women, see also Around America to Win the Vote and Bold & Brave.
(Ages 4 – 8)

9780593580646 Andy Johnson and the March for Justice by Esau McCaulley, illustrated by Emmanuel Boateng

When Andy’s dad announces a family trip to join a city march, Andy’s ready to suit up for action. But this isn’t a march to battle — it’s a march for justice. Join Andy and the Johnson kids as they learn how marching can be a powerful way to answer God’s call for justice and work toward a world that reflects God’s love.
(Ages 4 – 8)

RELATED: Rise Up! Picture Book Biographies About Prominent Change-Makers

no no 9781984831972 Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed America by Emily Easton, illustrated by Ziyue Chen

This galvanizing collection of portraits introduces young readers to some of the most influential protestors in our country’s history and of today. From Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr. to Colin Kaepernick and transgender teen Jazz Jennings, budding activists will learn about these incredible and brave leaders who shaped — and continue to shape — a brighter tomorrow through their varying forms of protest. The book opens with a foreword from a Parkland shooting survivor and concludes with additional context about each protestor and their respective causes.
(Ages 5 – 8)

9780399555312 Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno

Children’s books like Pride help us remember that the history of LGBTQ+ rights, gay pride, and the rainbow flag is relatively recent, and hold up the bravery and leadership of people like Harvey Milk — whose activism paved the way for greater equality.

After Pride, add Stonewall to the conversation: a picture book by the same author-illustrator team that explains the powerful history behind the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, as narrated by the Stonewall Inn itself.
(Ages 5 – 8)

9780385390286 Lillian’s Right to Vote by Jonah Winter, illustrations by Shane W. Evans

It’s Election Day, and Lillian, a 100-year-old African American woman, is taking an uphill journey to her polling place. She’s determined to make her voice heard, and as she walks, she invites the reader on flashbacks into her family’s past. We see her great-grandfather voting for the first time after the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, her parents meeting pushback on their own voter registrations, and Lillian marching in the 1965 civil rights protests in Selma, Alabama. Blending the personal and historical, Lillian’s Right to Vote encourages us to celebrate victories while also remembering the past.
(Ages 5 – 9)

RELATED: Books To Help Kids Understand the Fight for Racial Equality

no no 9780451478542 The Little Book of Little Activists by Penguin Young Readers

This intro to activism is book-ended by veterans of two iconic marches — a co-chair of the 2017 Women’s March on one end and an activist/author from the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March on the other. In between are inspiring photos of and quotes from kid activists doing their thing. Writes School Library Journal, “An inspiring reminder that people of any age can play a role in the quest for social justice.”
(Ages 5 – 9)

9780525514381 Start Now! by Chelsea Clinton

You are never too young to get involved with causes that are important to you. This book from Chelsea Clinton introduces readers to a host of issues facing kids today and then encourages them to make a difference. If you start small but think big, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.
(Ages 7 – 10)

9781953424211 Rebel Girls Climate Warriors: 25 Tales of Women Who Protect the Earth by Rebel Girls and Cristina Mittermeier

Alongside beautiful illustrations, this short book contains the stories of 25 incredible women and what they did to help our planet. From Autumn Peltier, a clean water activist, to Angelina Aora, an inventor who created bioplastic bags from natural ingredients, this book will help so many young readers appreciate all they can do to help!
(Ages 8 – 12)

RELATED: Middle Grade Books for Environmentally Conscious Kids

no no 9780448447230 Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader and Who HQ, illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf

As one of America’s most famous activists, Martin Luther King, Jr. was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement until his untimely death in 1968. An advocate for advancing civil rights through nonviolent and peaceful tactics, he organized people across the country against racial and economic injustice. Informative yet fun, this book in the Who Was? series outlines King’s impressive life as a model for young activists.
(Ages 8 – 12)

9781536231335 Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism by Yassmin Abdel-Magied, illustrated by Aleesha Nandhra

How did racism start? What does racism look like today? These are the questions activist Yassmin Abdel-Magiedv set out to answer in this comprehensive guide to fighting racism. Names Best Book of 2023 by School Library Journal, it’s described as “A straightforward yet encouraging discussion on the fight against racism with a uniquely global perspective.”
(Ages 9 – 12)

no no

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2024.

The post Making Our Voices Heard: Books About Activism for Kids appeared first on Brightly.

Here are 17 titles from Penguin Random House to look forward to.

no no 9780593625088 Under the Surface by Diana Urban

With all eyes on Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, this decidedly different take on the City of Lights feels timely. Under the Surface is a survival thriller set in the Paris catacombs, where friends Ruby, Val, Selena, and Olivia find themselves terribly lost. Kirkus calls it “a non-stop thrill ride through an eerily claustrophobic setting.”

9780593624425 Prince of the Palisades by Julian Winters

Award-winning YA author Julian Winters’s latest title is, in a phrase, so L.A. Seventeen-year-old Prince Jadon of the island nation Îles de la Rêverie is dispatched to Los Angeles to rehab his image after a disastrously public flame-out. At the Willow Wood Academy, he meets pink-haired classmate Reiss Hayes — a fellow outcast, but for different reasons. Their relationship blossoms, and then things get complicated. Publisher’s Weekly calls this book “a rollicking romance.”

9780593461419 Everything We Never Had by Randy Ribay

From Penguin Random House’s Kokila imprint comes Randy Ribay’s exploration of four generations of Filipino American boys, spanning the 1930s to the 2020s. “A powerful and moving family saga,” says Kirkus.

9780593527733 Shadows of Perl by J. Elle

The second installment in the bestselling House of Marionne series follows Quell Marionne, who threatens the magical Order of the grandest Houses by claiming her toushana, or dark magic. That threat puts her on a collision path with an old love, Jordan Wexton, of the Dragun brotherhood, which believes Quell must die. High drama and romance ensue.

9780525429098 When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson

Kirkus describes When the World Tips Over as “part folktale and part epistolary novel.” It follows the three Fall children — Dizzy, Miles, and Wynton (the musically inclined will see the theme). A rainbow-haired stranger named Cassidy turns their world upside down, and cracks open the secret of their father’s mysterious disappearance more than a decade earlier.

9780525708087 The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow

Kathleen Glasgow’s debut novel, Girl in Pieces, gave readers an authentic, vulnerable view into the world of teen cutting and suicide. In The Glass Girl, the author’s sensitive ear and eye turn toward the issue of adolescent addiction. Fifteen-year-old Bella escapes the pressures of life through alcohol. One day, she wakes up in the hospital and then finds herself in rehab. “Bella’s experience is a glimpse into the human capacity for growth, change, and the ability to overcome adversity,” Glasgow explains.

9780593646410 Zodiac Rising by Katie Zhao

Vampires and mortals and werewolves — oh, my! Each one is a Descendant of the Chinese zodiac — Evangeline, of the House of the Dragon; Nicholas, of the Snake bloodline; Alice, a mortal from the Boar bloodline; and Tristan, of the Tiger bloodline. When a fellow student at their secretive boarding school in Manhattan is found dead, these four come together to save their kind. Katie Zhao calls Zodiac Rising her “glamorous YA Chinese dark academia heist fantasy baby.”

9780593710357 The Dividing Sky by Jill Tew

This new title from Joy Revolution, the imprint by YA super couple Nicola and David Yoon, is a dystopian romance set in 2460 when those who struggle to make a living in the Metro can earn money selling memories to rich people. When 18-year-old Liv Newman’s shady memory dealings threaten the entire citizenry, she encounters Officer Adrian Rao, a rookie who vows to arrest her and bring her to justice.

9780593616949 Heir by Sabaa Tahir

With Heir, beloved and bestselling author Sabaa Tahir returns to her young adult fantasy roots. Set in the same world as her smash debut, An Ember in the Ashes, Heir begins 20 years later and follows Aiz, an orphan; Sirsha, a tracker; and Quil, a prince, as their lives intersect. This is the first book in a planned duology.

9780593809082 Love & Lattes by Beth Reekles

From the author of The Kissing Booth series comes the story of a magical goodnight kiss going horribly wrong. The night before the exclusive Arrowmile internship begins, Annalise Sherwood, one of 15 new interns, shares a kiss with Cute Guy From Across The Bar. The next day, she learns he’s the CEO’s son, Lloyd. Love & Lattes is not your typical office romance.

9780593706558 Darkly by Marisha Pessl

In this psychological thriller, teens everywhere aspire to spend the summer interning at the Louisiana Veda Foundation, named after a famous game designer. Dia Ganno is one of the seven chosen interns. But she quickly questions why she was chosen. Explains Pessl, “Darkly was inspired by rainy board game nights and the old-fashioned, windswept mystery novels of my childhood.”

9780593710708 A Queen’s Game by Katharine McGee

From the beloved author of the American Royals series comes a new story based on three real European princesses — Alix of Hesse, Hélène d’Orléans, and May of Tec. Set in the Victorian Era, it has, according to one early reviewer, “Bridgerton-worthy vibes.” (Right sentiment, different era.)

9780593463369 The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis

The Davenports are back in this highly-anticipated sequel to Krystal Marquis’s debut novel. The summer of 1910 winds down as the lives of Ruby Tremaine, Olivia Davenport, Helen Davenport, and Amy-Rose Shepherd heat up. This richly imagined story of the loves and lives of well-heeled Black families in turn-of-the-century Chicago is based on a real family.

9780593625392 Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis

The sequel to Thieves’ Gambit does not take its foot off the gas. Six months after the end of the Gambit — an epic international heist competition featuring the best thieves in the world — there is a new Gambit with even higher stakes: Control of the criminal underworld. The heist takes our heroine, Ross, across the globe as she and her crew compete against the boy who betrayed her.

9780593484524 Heart-Shaped Lies by Elizabeth Agyemang

When a social media post from an internet-famous teen prankster named Tommy Harding goes viral, Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh realize they’re all dating the same guy: Harding. But just as they decide they’re done with him for good, he shows up dead the next morning. In Agyemang’s debut young adult thriller, the girls shift quickly from spurned exes to murder suspects.

9780593704080 The Party by Natasha Preston

In The Party, the latest title from the master of YA thrillers, Natasha Preston, Bessie and her friends gather at a remote estate in the English countryside for spring break. They have their sights set on fun and games, not figuring out how to survive with a murderer in their midst.

9780593643372 A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya

This heart-stopping title from Joy Revolution, A Cruel Thirst, is vampire YA romantasy at its best. Carolina Fuentes comes from a family of vampiro hunters, but her father wants her to get married instead. Lalo Villalobos is a reluctant vampire traveling to the birthplace of vampires, searching for a cure. The two form an unlikely alliance and work together to rid their pueblo of the monsters that plague it.

The post Must-Read YA Books To Obsess Over in Fall 2024 appeared first on Brightly.

In our post-DOMA, Caitlyn Jenner landscape, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning kids star in stories of all kinds — and kids of all kinds are seeking them out, to see a reflection of their own lived experiences, in all its diverse glory. These YA LGBTQ+ books are a beautiful batch of rainbow stories — with those characters front and center (i.e. decidedly not the stereotypical sidekick) or queer characters that do things above and beyond being gay.

You know, more like real life.

no no 9780593616390 The Breakup List by Adib Khorram

Jackson Ghasnavi, a non-romantic stage manager, finds himself grappling with unexpected feelings for Liam, the leading man of the school musical. But isn’t Liam straight? Should he be having feelings for the same guy his sister does? Despite all this, Jackson can’t help feeling like there’s a connection. This is a slow burn romance like you’ve never read before!

9780425288511 Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker

Felix Yz is silly in tone and sci-fi in genre. The main character, Felix, is, incidentally, gay. His grandparent is, incidentally, gender fluid — and goes by the neutral name Grandy. The plot centers on a scientific mishap. But the LGBTQ characters in this book are by design.

The author, Lisa Bunker, is herself a trans woman. She wrote, “Felix represents the start of my long-term project as an author to create good stories featuring LGBTQ characters without that being The Point, in hopes of expanding readers’ definition of the word ‘normal’ in an empowering and inclusive way.”

9780593354599 The Quiet and the Loud by Helena Fox

George puts herself last and everyone else first. Through the story, she tries to juggle the weight of healing from the abuse her father caused her, having a best friend who’s about to become a mother, and caring for her family, all while her city, Sydney, Australia, goes up in flames due to climate change. A healing, cathartic story with lyrical writing and a message of hope that readers will surely adore.

9780593707210 The Rebel’s Guide to Pride by Matthew Hubbard

Newly out as gay, Zeke is still trying to find his place and identity in school. When his friends suggest that he help plan Pride Day, he jumps at the chance. But when the mayor of his small Alabama town announces an ordinance that cancels all LGBTQ+ celebrations, Zeke takes matters into his own hands and plans a series of underground “Pride Speakeasies.” As the speakeasies popularity grows, so does the drama, and Zeke will need to decide who he is and what he stands for. Inspiring and bold this book is a great lesson in finding your village and your place.

9780525425892 We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

This quiet, poetic book is a moody meditation on grief and friendship with serious queer undertones. LaCour is no newcomer to LGBTQ themes — Everything Leads to You and You Know Me Well were about queer relationships — but We Are Okay didn’t start out with a queer story line. As LaCour told Pop Sugar, “Once it was in there, then I really enjoyed exploring it, especially Mabel’s sexuality because it is really fluid. I don’t define them in the story. I don’t label them. Personally, I like ‘queer’ the best because many people are very fluid and that’s the term that I feel most comfortable with. I think it’s a really inclusive term. That Mabel is currently in a relationship with a guy and has been in a relationship with Marin, I wanted to really explore how both of those relationships matter a lot to her and they were both equally as valid.”

9781641293174 History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

Another beautifully written heartbreaker on love and loss, this YA novel by Adam Silvera (his second) will give readers all the feels. The main character, Griffin, has lost his ex-boyfriend, Theo, in a terrible accident — and is piecing his life together in the aftermath, on top of his OCD. Silvera has crafted a nuanced gay love story. He told Entertainment Weekly, “I wanted to just show that bisexuals exist. If [Theo]’s not 100 percent sure, that’s also important. He’s at the age where he’s figuring out his sexuality, and he’s just currently identifying as bisexual. Maybe at 20, if he’d been around to be alive, he would have identified as just gay.”

9780399556289 10 Things I Can See From Here by Carrie Mac

This is summer love, with a twist or two. The main character, Maeve, is managing serious anxiety when she learns that she has to make an unwelcome move to Vancouver to live with her father, an alcoholic, for several months. Once there, Maeve also meets and falls for Salix, who is anything but anxious. The dynamics in Maeve’s new life are complicated to say the least. Kirkus puts it thusly: “Her story provides a much needed mirror for anxious queer girls everywhere.”

9780593692745 Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris

Riley stopped going to church when it felt like she lost the support of her community after she came out as bi. But when the local pastor — and her best friend Julia’s dad — shames her sister, Riley is determined to burn it all down. After an incident in school gets her sent to the principal’s office, she is given the choice to either spend spring break at church camp or get suspended. But instead of spending the week embracing the church’s “virtues,” Riley decides that she is going to commit all seven deadly sins. Can she start a righteous revolution?

9781524738266 Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

Millie Quint has had enough of Texas. Or perhaps more specifically, she’s had enough of her sort-of-girlfriend making out with someone else. Understandably, Millie jumps at the chance to attend an elite Scottish boarding school, where she’s assigned a room with Flora, an actual Scottish princess who’s a total snob and paparazzi magnet. But as the two begrudgingly get to know each other, they realize their first impressions were mistaken, and Millie starts to wonder if there might be a happily ever after in her future after all.

9780593618394 A Line in the Dark by Malinda Lo

A queer YA mystery-thriller by three-time finalist for the Lambda Literary Award Malinda Lo, who is perhaps best known for her novel Last Night at the Telegraph Club. A Line in the Dark centers on three queer girls — Jess Wong, Angie Redmond, and Margot Adams — and the blurry lines between friendship, love, and obsession. It’s a dark, dramatic tale that Lo pursues readily. And she told the queer women’s blog Autostraddle, “I know that in the past (and sadly sometimes now), lesbians have been written stereotypically as predatory and villainous. Those stereotypes are decidedly harmful, but I believe it’s important to reject them not by writing solely morally pure and good queer characters in response, but by showing queer characters in all their human complexity.”

RELATED: Captivating YA Thrillers To Read This Summer

9780593857069 Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan

A delightfully entertaining read, this coming-of-age queer romance features the highs of first love, the lows of first jobs, and a group of costumed teens determined to save their amusement-park workplace. Jennifer Dugan crafts a fully realized, complex bi character in Lou Parker — AKA “the hotdog girl” of Magic Castle Playland — and the rest of the crew (including a pirate, a princess, and a carousel operator) are equally charming. Becky Albertalli, author of the beloved YA rainbow read Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, called herself “wrecked with love for this funny, joyful, bighearted book.”

9780593309070 Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi

Somadina and her twin brother, Jayaike, are incredibly close. But when their magical gifts begin to emerge, Jayaike’s powers enchant, while Somadina’s cause fear in their village. To make matters worse, her brother vanishes overnight and Somadina begins a journey to track him down, encountering many dangers along the way. An incredibly powerful story about family, magic, and learning to be confident in yourself.

9780593376447 Nate Plus One by Kevin van Whye

From the author of Date Me, Bryson Keller comes another adorable boy-meets-boy rom-com that will steal your heart. Music, a destination wedding, and secret crushes combine into an irresistibly feel-good story about two best friends falling in love.

9780307931894 Every Day by David Levithan

A is a teen who wakes up every day in a different body, living a different life. This seems to work for A until he meets Rhiannon and everything changes. David Levithan’s novel is so creative and accurately depicts what it feels like when you don’t know where you belong and how grounding it can be to find the people who make you feel like you’re home.

9780451480347 These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

Rather than the beginning of a new relationship or the start of questioning one’s sexual identity and preferences, Isabel Sterling offers up a story about the aftermath of a queer relationship — set to the backdrop of a thrilling, witchy mystery. “Many YA novels tackle falling in love for the first time,” Sterling writes, “but far fewer (especially at the time I was drafting back in 2015) deal with breakups, particularly for queer girls. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins was one of the first YA novels I read where an established couple breaks up, and I really loved that. When it came time to write These Witches Don’t Burn, it was really satisfying to explore the messiness of a breakup.” Even as exes, Hannah and Veronica work well together, protecting Salem from the dark magic of a Blood Witch.

RELATED: Witchy YA Books Sure To Put a Spell on You

9780593812020 HappyHead by Josh Silver

A dystopian take on the mental health crisis facing many teens today, HappyHead follows Seb who has been chosen for a new experimental health center called HappyHead. Here, he and his fellow participants complete a series of assessments to help them better face the outside world. But is something more sinister at play?

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2025.

The post Pride and Less Prejudice: <br>LGBTQ+ Books for Teens appeared first on Brightly.

yes no Books for Tweens and Teens: 9781632171795 Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? by Julie Metzger, RN, MN, and Robert Lehman, MD, illustrated by Lia Cerizo

This informative Q&A-style book was designed with pre-teens in mind. Readers will find answers to their most pressing questions about puberty, periods, pimples, body odor, and more. The unique flipbook format divides the information into sections for boys and girls, allowing kids to read the one that best applies to them (and sneak a peek at the other one).
(Ages 8 – 12)

9781953424457 Growing Up Powerful by Nona Willis Aronowitz and Rebel Girls, illustrated by Caribay Marquina

Even the most confident girls’ self-esteem can take a hit during puberty, but this book can help. Using affirmations, information, and helpful advice, it shows girls how to embrace themselves during these formative years. This book offers girls the coping skills they need, from dealing with pimples and mood swings to friendship drama and managing anxiety.
(Ages 8 – 12)

9781536207200 It’s Perfect Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie Harris and Michael Emberley

For a more direct, yet still age-appropriate and friendly, approach that includes the sexual side of puberty, there’s the classic It’s Perfectly Normal. When I first started asking around for resources to have “the talk,” this was the resounding winner. It’s more than 20 years old now, and the illustrations (of fully-naked people, mind you) still have that quirky ‘70s vibe, but it’s gone through a recent update and, at its core, it remains a refreshingly straightforward book about sex, sexuality, puberty, emotions, and relationships — including topics like sexually transmitted infects, what it means to be transgender, and the potential consequences of having sex. And it works for both boys and girls.

And for even more resources, here are some other titles by Harris that help explain all things birds and bees, particularly for younger kids, including It’s So Amazing! and It’s Not the Stork! and Who Has What?
(Ages 10 and up)

9781635653533 Puberty Is Gross but Also Really Awesome by Gina Loveless, illustrated by Lauri Johnston

Puberty — the good, the bad, and the gross — it’s all here in this highly informative and entertaining book! It tackles everything your kid needs to know about their changing body, from vocal cords and body hair to pimples and periods. Humor, facts, easy-to-read text, and an inclusive approach to puberty eliminates the awkwardness many kids feel about the subject.
(Ages 10 and up)

9781644210802 You Know, Sex by Cory Silverberg and Fiona Smyth

If you want an empowering book that tackles topics like consent, bodily autonomy, gender (and gender identity), and boundaries, you’ll love this diverse and inclusive title. From the creator of What Makes a Baby and Sex Is a Funny Word, it’s the perfect resource for modern families and kids.
(Ages 10 and up)

9780399187292 HelloFlo: The Guide, Period. by Naama Bloom

Most of the puberty books listed thus far have been in print for decades — long enough to have been updated more than once for our rapidly changing, modern audience. HelloFlo: The Guide, Period. is one of the few brand-new tomes out there. The tone is fresh, frank, funny; the content is, as any book in this genre should be, first and foremost fact-based. Anecdotes from real girls capture the reality of puberty — including the emotional stuff that underpins it all. This book sounds like the people I know — and the people I want my daughter to know. And there’s a clear effort to bring a little diversity to the conversation, too.
(Ages 10 and up)

9780399548611 Girling Up by Mayim Bialik

Actress, neuroscientist, and Jeopardy! host Mayim Bialik uses science and personal anecdotes to explain the ins and outs of growing up. She covers nutrition, self-care, puberty, crushes, school, and more. This book encourages girls to embrace the lifelong journey of becoming their best selves.
(Young Adult)

9780525515999 Boying Up by Mayim Bialik

If you want a book about growing up that was created specifically for boys, this is an excellent pick. Mayim Bialik shares the science and facts about growing up as a male in modern society and backs it up with graphics, charts, and personal experiences. Boys looking for a good book about reaching their full potential and becoming well-rounded people will find it here.
(Young Adult)

yes no Books for Parents: 9780593420966 Growing Up in Public by Devorah Heitner, PhD

Social media is a significant factor in young people’s lives, and it can be overwhelming for parents to help them navigate it. Devorah Heitner, PhD, offers parents and caregivers advice backed by research and her work with families, schools, and children. You’ll learn how to help your child stay safe online, keep their privacy, and find authenticity in a world where their entire life is captured and shared.

9780593580950 This Is So Awkward by Cara Natterson, MD and Vanessa Kroll Bennett

If you’re looking for a book that covers every aspect of parenting tweens and teens, this is it. Parents and caregivers will find a holistic look at the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of teens today. It offers excellent advice on how to talk to your kids about topics like puberty, pimples, body odor, mental health, gender and identity, sexuality, mood swings, and more.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2024.

The post Books To Buy When Puberty Is ‘Nigh — for You <i>and</i> Your Kid appeared first on Brightly.

no no 9780593463338 The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

The girls at the center of Krystal Marquis’s debut novel are based on the real-life daughters of C.R. Patterson, founder of the first Black-owned car company in the United States. The Davenports takes place in 1910 Chicago and is riddled with the hallmarks of turn-of-the-century success, such as grand estates, ball gowns, young love, and ambition. “Marquis perceptively explores the history and momentous impact of Black achievements and wealth during an underreported period in U.S. history,” says Publishers Weekly. The sequel, The Davenports: More Than This, will hit shelves in May 2024.

9780593481653 Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken

Buckle up because this fantasy novel from the author of The Darkest Minds series will take you on a pulse-pounding thrill ride. When Tamsin hears about a magical ring from the Arthurian legend that can break a curse on her brother, she decides to track it down. Doing so requires her to team up with her rival and face sorceresses, dark magic, and her long-lost foster father.

9780593619506 The Legacies by Jessica Goodman

Get ready for a decidedly different take on elite young women. In The Legacies, seniors from New York City’s vaunted prep schools find themselves at the center of a murder. There’s a secret society called the Legacy Club and their ritzy party, the Legacy Ball. And at the end of the night, a body gets removed from the premises. Kirkus calls The Legacies a “skillfully executed thriller with a decadent setting that fans of the genre will adore.”

9780593527702 House of Marionne by J. Elle

House of Marionne offers a unique twist on the elite — the families who send children to a magical finishing school in the South. Seventeen-year-old Raquell Janae Marionne, known as Quell, finds herself there because she has toushana (power) in her blood and must learn to control it. Amidst the magic, politics, and intrigue, she also finds forbidden love. This is the first book in an exciting new series.

9780593482339 Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

The first title from Joy Revolution, a new imprint from bestselling YA authors (and couple) Nicola Yoon and David Yoon, Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute delivers on their commitment to publishing YA romance by and about people of color. In Hibbert’s novel, two 17-year-old Black, British ex-best friends — Bradley Graeme and Celine Bangura — are thrown together in the wilderness as they compete for the same scholarship.

9780593642962 My Father, The Panda Killer by Jamie Jo Hoang

Told in two alternating voices, My Father, The Panda Killer is a remarkable coming-of-age story that follows Jane — a teenager who lives in California and is desperate to go to college and leave her father, his anger, and her Vietnamese culture behind — and her father — as he makes the harrowing journey from Vietnam to the United States as an eleven-year-old refugee. A vibrant story of intergenerational trauma, this novel shows the horrors of war, the path toward accepting your heritage, and the need to accept yourself.

9780593625361 Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

Thieves’ Gambit is the story of an epic international heist competition of the same name, but it’s also the story of 17-year-old Ross Quest’s journey to finding herself. If Ross wins the Thieves’ Gambit, she will be granted one wish — and it’s the only way she can save her kidnapped mother. Says Kirkus, “It’s impossible not to root for Ross as she tries to figure out who she’s meant to be.” The cinematic thriller has already been optioned for a motion picture.

9780593650868 Murtagh by Christopher Paolini

Fans of The Inheritance Cycle will welcome a return to the world of Eragon. Murtagh takes place a year after the end of Paolini’s bestselling series and features the dragon-rider Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn. As Paolini himself wrote on Reddit. “To be clear, Murtagh isn’t a spin-off. It isn’t a retelling. And it isn’t a one-off that won’t connect to later events. It’s a direct-line sequel to The Inheritance Cycle and an essential and necessary part of what I’m doing in Alagaësia.”

9780593643334 Sinner’s Isle by Angela Montoya

This enchanting tale of romance and fantasy, follows the story of a powerful witch who is captive on a remote island and desperate to escape. To achieve her freedom, she resorts to blackmailing a charming pirate named Mariano. The two must work together to outwit their enemies and each other before the Offering ends, and they are trapped forever on the perilous Sinner’s Isle.

9780593619919 Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

As you might guess from the title, Ali Hazelwood’s YA debut is about love and chess. When 18-year-old “ex” chess player Mallory Greenleaf unexpectedly beats the world chess champion, Nolan Sawyer, at a charity tournament, she’s drawn back into the game — in more ways than one. Kirkus calls Check & Mate a “swoon-worthy romance.”

9780593429747 American Royals IV: Reign by Katharine McGee

In the fourth and final installment of the New York Times bestselling American Royals series, Queen Beatrice is in a coma, Princess Samantha is missing, and somehow, Prince Jefferson sits on the throne. “This might be the most unexpected and maybe even the most emotional title in the series,” says Cosmopolitan. “What can win between heart and country?”

9780593528716 Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou

The first of two books, Threads That Bind, introduces us to the orphaned Ora sisters — descendants of the Fates who wield magical abilities to build, manipulate, and sever the threads that bind people together. The youngest sister, Io, a private detective, uncovers a plot to murder women in Alante. The conspiracy grows stronger when her estranged sister appears on the arm of one of her prime suspects. “Classical mythology, police procedural, and romance combine in this imaginative, intriguing post-apocalyptic story,” says Kirkus.

9780593463277 Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong

Common Sense Media calls Nightbirds “an empowering read for teen girls.” But any fan of young adult fantasy will devour the story of Matilde, Sayer, and Æsa. These three Nightbirds have descended from the mystical Fyrebirds and wield subtle magic. They rely on the Great Houses to keep them safe. An attack on their inner sanctum also reveals long-held secrets about their history.

9780593300992 Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim

Elizabeth Lim, author of the bestseller, Six Crimson Cranes, once again weaves together the best of Eastern and Western folktales and fairy tales for Her Radiant Curse. It’s the tale of two sisters — one beautiful and one not — who must save one another.

9780593482544 House of Roots and Ruin by Erin A. Craig

In this haunting sequel to House of Salt and Sorrows, 17-year-old Verity Thaumas and her older sister Camille remain at their family’s estate by the sea while the other sisters have spread across Arcannia. When Verity hopes to join another sister in Bloem, Camille forbids it: Verity still sees ghosts, after all. Verity ignores her sister and flees into a lush world undercut with a dark side.

9780593527603 Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban

This clever YA murder mystery is set on a Semester-at-Sea cruise ship. When Jade’s boyfriend, Silas, takes up with her best friend, Lainey, Jade wants to escape. But there they are, on the same ship, for an entire semester. When Lainey disappears, Jade becomes the primary suspect and must piece together the clues to clear her name.

9781984812643 The Ruined by Renée Ahdieh

Fans of The Beautiful series will find a certain kind of closure in The Ruined, the thrilling final installment of Renée Ahdieh’s YA vampire romance centered around on the Sylvan Vale and the Sylvan Wyld. “No one escapes unscathed, but time may heal some wounds,” says Kirkus.

9780593482100 Invisible Son by Kim Johnson

Invisible Son is the story of Andre Jackson, a boy fresh out of juvenile hall for a crime he did not commit. He is trying to rebuild his life in the rapidly changing landscape of Portland, Oregon. Set during the onset of the pandemic and the protests around the murder of George Floyd, Invisible Son is one part social commentary, one part coming-of-age, and one part thriller. “It’s a layered novel, and the main core is about Black boyhood,” Johnson said in an interview with Shondaland. “It’s about a time capsule of a particular community in Portland that I know very well, and a young boy who’s really navigating it.”

9780593307700 Chaos Theory by Nic Stone

Acclaimed YA author Nic Stone returns with the story of 18-year-old Andy Criddle, the son of a politician, whose life intersects with 16-year-old Shelbi Augustine, a high school genius, after a drunken car crash. Amid addiction, grief, and mental disorders, they find each other and themselves. “A thoughtful, realistically messy emotional wallop that destigmatizes mental disorders,” says Kirkus.

9780593485019 One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus

History threatens to repeat itself in the third book in McManus’s bestselling One of Us Is Lying series. The Bayview Crew — Bronwyn, Cooper, Addy, Nate, Maeve, Phoebe, Knox, Luis, and Kris — is back for the summer. When a digital billboard proclaims, “Time for a new game, Bayview,” and one of the crew disappears, it’s clear a deadly new game has started, and they don’t know the rules.

9780593485545 Plan A by Deb Caletti

With abortion politics playing out in the headlines almost daily since the fall of the Roe v. Wade ruling, Deb Caletti’s story of 16-year-old Ivy brings the reality of abortion to light. Ivy finds herself pregnant in Paris, Texas, and takes off on a road trip to Oregon, where abortion is legal. Says Kirkus, “The book offers a powerful argument for choice, bolstered by an exploration of women’s oppression and strength, told through a personal lens.”

9780593126967 Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim

Seventeen-year-old Imani is a young warrior who uses the power of Spice, a special tea, to protect the city of Qalia. When she learns that her presumed-dead brother is alive and spreading the secret of Spice to others, she sets off on a quest to find him in the Forbidden Wastes and bring him to justice. Says Kirkus, “Ibrahim’s worldbuilding is fresh, with an exciting premise that not only promises a tantalizing romance, but explores classism, privilege, and a debate on the human responsibility to support those who are powerless.”

9780593461617 How to Be a (Young) Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone

In this YA version of the 2019 bestseller How to Be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi collaborates with beloved YA author Nic Stone, author of Dear Martin, to teach young people to think critically about race. Stone is the narrator, while Kendi’s life story provides the plot points. Says Common Sense Media, “In tracing Kendi’s gradual awakening to the strains of racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism in his own thinking, they defuse the discomfort that might arise when they ask readers to acknowledge these thoughts and beliefs in themselves.”

9780593524381 You: The Story by Ruta Sepetys

With You: The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory, Ruta Sepetys, best-selling author of YA historical fiction, teaches aspiring writers the tricks of the trade — namely, to write what you know. As she told Publishers Weekly, “Whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction, experience and memory is the secret to strong and vivid writing.”

The post The Best YA Books of 2023 appeared first on Brightly.

And he did it all for the kid he was at that age.

“I start out from the point of view of the kid who didn’t want to read, because that’s who I was,” says Brooks.

Brooks, who has dyslexia, did not read voluntarily until maybe 12 or 14 years old, when he picked up the obscure Marvel comic, Rom the Spaceknight. “I sat down and read the whole thing — the thick annual,” says Brooks. “And then it was like, Oh, I just read something.”

It was easy, he realized, because he was interested — and he’s leveraged that personal knowledge ever since.

Brightly hopped on Zoom with Brooks to talk about the art of reaching reluctant readers, so that they, too, can reap the life lessons in books like his latest, The Village. 

Did you set out to crack the code for reluctant readers with your work?

My philosophy is you start with their interests, and find a book that fits.

And you are a Minecraft fan yourself?

The first time I played with my son, I thought, This is the most powerful potential teaching tool since the printing press. And I’m not being hyperbolic. It can wipe out the Prussian model of education that used to ruin outliers like me. That model of education is about standardization, regurgitation under the ticking clock.

In this era — and in a very broad view of this moment — kids are going to go back to becoming the entrepreneurs of the 19th century. They’ll have to solve problems their way. And Minecraft gives you that. You can fish, forage, hunt… however you want to do it. However, you want to grow your wheat or potatoes, you can. That brain training is going to help kids of the workforce of the 21st century.

And it’s a perfect model because the game is always changing.

What kind of books drew you in as a reluctant reader? 

First it was picture books — comic books. And then it was audiobooks. I grew up with my mother (the actor Anne Bancroft) reading to me every night. When she had to go do a movie, she always made sure I had audiobooks. She went to the Braille Center, because she had studied there when she played Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker, and she knew them. She said, You read books for the blind. My son has horrible dyslexia, can you read for him?

Turns out I learned better through my ears and not my eyes.

That’s why I put as much effort into the audiobook as I do when I write the book.

What about your Minecraft books do you think draws in reluctant readers?

First of all, with a game like Minecraft, you’ve got to do your homework. I would play hours and hours of the game. So much of the action is the randomness of game play.

I’m coming from this idea that the writer is a tour guide for the reader. You have to know your stuff. And they need to know that I get it, that feeling of, Oh, that happened to me, too.

And then you have to have the right moments to infuse life lessons.

The first book is about how to live with yourself — patience and planning. The challenge was to find the moments when my character would learn how to recover from failure in the language of Minecraft.

In book two, he leaves the island. It’s all about friendship, finding the beat where two characters talk to each other and communicate and compromise, and how to work together.

And in book three, it’s the village. How do I teach kids the stuff they need to know for the times we’re living in now — why democracy is important, why money matters, why wars happen, what you need to do to survive all the modern things kids are living through now?

What will new readers of your work get out of The Village?

If they don’t know me, they don’t have to read The Island and The Mountain to read The Village. I‘ve done enough throwback to get people up to speed. Once again, coming from the reluctant reader, I make a point of saying, in the beginning, if you haven’t read the other, I’ll fill you.

What will longtime fans get out of The Village?

They’re getting the natural progression of this trilogy. It is the culmination of life lessons that Guy and Summer have learned separately and then together, the final step before they find what they’re looking for.

Are you sad to say goodbye?

I didn’t think I would get as emotional saying goodbye to them. But I’m indelibly attached to the soundtrack. This trilogy has had a theme song: Talking Heads, Once in a Lifetime. It will be hard for me to listen to any Talking Heads song without thinking of Guy and Summer. I love these two characters, their journey and what they’ve been finding along the way.

Part of the discipline of being a writer is to realize I’ve said what I had to say. In a way, it’s like letting your kids go. As painful as it is.

I have a high school senior. If you do your job right, they will leave you — as they should.

Do you have any advice for parents who want to raise kids who love to read?

When you’re reaching for a book for a kid, it’s not that hard if you get to know the kid. That’s all it takes.

And what you and I know is that reading is a discipline. Even if you’re good at it. It takes practice. I would say to a kid or a parent, it doesn’t matter what they’re reading. If you love Emily Bronte, read Bronte. If they love video games, get them reading the directions on the video games. Read, read, read, and develop those muscles — and they’ll get there.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

yes no Get the Books: 9780399181795 The Island 9780593159170 The Mountain 9780593159187 The Village

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I’ve watched that dance play out in my life. My mother arrived in Southern California from Seoul in the 1970s to marry my father, who is white. She knew few other Koreans and struggled with language, cooking, and cultural expectations. As she built a family and career, and the Korean American community grew, those initial struggles gave way to more personal tensions about identity and an ever-evolving sense of self and home.

Those tensions are the through-line across these nine YA books, each touching on the first-generation experience.

no no 9780593202364 All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

Bestselling author Sabaa Tahir knows what it’s like to grow up Pakistani in the predominantly White, isolated California desert. Her lived experience is exactly why her coming-of-age novel, All My Rage, rings true. In the book, Salahudin and Noor, two Muslim-American high school seniors, are best friends — and possibly more. The narrative weaves together their emotional, familial, and cultural struggles in the small desert town of Juniper and those of the previous generation who came to the US from Pakistan. As Tahir told Time, “So many of us who feel marginalized, we hold all this anger inside, and we can’t express it without potentially serious consequences.” But in this contemporary YA novel, Tahir expresses the full range of emotion to great effect.

9780593407714 Free Radicals by Lila Riesen

Free Radicals is the debut offering from author Lila Riesen, the daughter of Afghan and Australian immigrants who was raised in the US. In the book, 16-year-old Mafi Shahin — the daughter of an Afghan dad and a White American mom — fancies herself a kind of karmic avenger known as the Ghost, who rights the wrongs that take place at her high school. But underneath the quasi-superhero narrative is something much weightier — the history her family left behind in Afghanistan. Kirkus calls the book “a smart, powerful, poignant tale of identity, freedom, and family.”

9781984812223 Frankly in Love by David Yoon

On the one hand, bestselling author David Yoon’s debut title, Frankly in Love, is a fresh, funny — and punny — take on the YA rom-com. On the other hand, it’s a spot-on exploration of the generational tensions that emerge when you fall for someone outside your parent’s cultural expectations. Frank Li is a second-generation Korean American high school senior whose love interest is — you guessed it — white. Unsurprisingly, Frank’s first-generation Korean parents don’t approve. Frank teams up with a childhood friend, Joy Song, who faces a similar dilemma, and together they hatch a plan to satisfy their parents while secretly pursuing their own interests. Each must confront their identities and uncover their values as the story unfolds.

9780593109441 Perfectly Parvin by Olivia Abtahi

Perfectly Parvin is a hilarious, heartfelt high school romance with a wonderfully diverse cast of characters. But Olivia Abtahi’s debut novel also explores self, culture, and family. Fourteen-year-old Parvin Mohammadi wants nothing more than to get a popular boy to ask her to homecoming to blunt the humiliation of being dumped by someone else. But as she tries to mold herself into someone she’s not, she must confront all the nuances of being Iranian and American.

9780593177082 Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo

In Home Is Not a Country, 14-year-old Nima is caught between two worlds like many first-generation immigrants. In her case, Sudan and post-9/11 suburban America. Sudanese American poet Safia Elhillo tells Nima’s story in verse, with a touch of magical realism. The result is a richly imagined yet unsettling place to be, full of related tensions — Nima’s absent father, single mother, poverty, Islamophobia, and violence.

9781524700515 I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

It’s all right there in the title — 15-year-old Julia Reyes isn’t who her first-generation, working-class Mexican parents want her to be. She’s decidedly not perfect. And everyone thought her older sister, Olga, was — until Olga died in an accident. As the family grapples with grief and discovers more about Olga, Julia embarks on a path to find herself and speak her truth.

9781984849397 The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon

In The Sun Is Also a Star, Natasha, an aspiring scientist, and Daniel, an aspiring Korean American poet, meet on the streets of New York City. But it’s Natasha’s last day — her family is scheduled to be deported to Jamaica. As the love story unfolds between the two teens, the complexities of their backstories emerge — the heavy expectations of Daniel’s Korean parents and the tenuousness of Natasha’s existence in the US. Yoon writes, “For most immigrants, moving to the new country is an act of faith. Even if you’ve heard stories of safety, opportunity, and prosperity, it’s still a leap to remove yourself from your own language, people, and country. Your own history. What if the stories weren’t true? What if you couldn’t adapt? What if you weren’t wanted in the new country?” Kirkus calls the novel “an authentic romance that’s also a meditation on family, immigration, and fate.”

9781524717827 Americanized by Sara Saedi

Simply put, Sara Saedi’s memoir is about what it took for one Iranian girl to become an American citizen. Saedi was two years old when her family fled Iran shortly after the Iranian Revolution. Thanks to a series of mishaps, it took nearly 18 years for Saedi to get her green card and several more before she became a citizen, even though her parents “did everything right.” Much of this funny, poignant book explores what it’s like managing the roller coaster of adolescence — acne, boys, sex — with the anxiety of being undocumented hanging over you.

9780593204986 Living Beyond Borders by Margarita Longoria

What does it mean to grow up Mexican in America? This anthology gives you 20 different answers to that question as short stories, personal essays, comics, and poems from a distinctly YA point of view. Margarita Longoria, who edited the anthology, wanted to highlight the complexity and beauty in Mexican culture to counteract the narratives put forth by anti-immigration politicians in the US. As she told Publishers Weekly, it was a way for “one little person to fight back through something she knows: books.”

The post What Does It Mean To Be First Generation? appeared first on Brightly.

But then my 15-year-old wanted to borrow my copy of Normal People, which I loved in a complicated, messy, adult kind of way. I paused. Did I want to explain consent? The power dynamics of sex and relationships? What abuse looks like? Or would I let her find her own way?

As with most big decisions, I gave it a day. And then I told her, “Hey, there’s some sexual stuff in there that might be a little intense. Just so you know.” She rolled her eyes and snatched the book from my bedside table. I’m pretty sure she read it in one sitting.

Later, she’d tell me that Normal People was nothing compared to a Colleen Hoover book she had just read. Well, OK!

I, for one, cannot judge. The book that turned me into a reader was Flowers in the Attic, full, as it was, of incest and other terrible, awful, unbelievable, gothic-y things. I tore through it, probably sometime in middle school. And it’s not like I was some lone weirdo. Flowers in the Attic was a viral sensation before #booktok was a thing — the old-fashioned way, by kids whispering, Oh my god, have you read that?! But my parents didn’t interrogate the books I read — something I always appreciated.

As it turns out, many tween and teen readers are turning to more mature books, like Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us. My not-easily-rattled (or impressed) 15-year-old didn’t enjoy the sex scenes and descriptions of abuse, and she made her own choice: This is not for me. She’s also talked to me about the difference in drug use in the streaming and book versions of Daisy Jones and the Six. I am not bothered by these conversations. In fact, I relish how we can chat about heavy topics in a tangential way — not some uber-intense family meeting-style discussion.

RELATED: What To Do If Your Child Is Interested in Books With Adult Themes

That’s the thing; when kids love reading, you don’t know where it will take them — or you. And maybe we have to be OK with that.

Because no two families are alike, I polled dozens of other book-minded moms about how they draw the line. And while book-banning headlines are evidence that some parents think reading about topics like sex, drugs, abuse, violence, gender identity, and the like is inherently dangerous for kids, plenty of parents believe otherwise. Some mothers of voracious young readers said they like to preview “adult” books beforehand by checking Common Sense Media. Another mom — an elementary school teacher — will hit pause until they and their child are ready to discuss any edgy subject matter.

“I’m a big believer that nothing is really ‘bad’ if she’s able to talk about it, contextualize it, and think critically about it,” says Ashely Austrew, a writer and mother in Omaha, Nebraska, of her 11-year-old daughter. “I’m more interested in her developing the tools to think and talk about and understand what she reads than I am about restricting access.”

Jamie Beth Cohen, an author and mother of a 10- and 13-year-old from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, also relishes the opportunity to talk about books. “My kids can read anything and everything they get their hands on. They often ask my husband or me to read a book after they’ve read it so we can talk about it. I love it when that happens.”

For Meg St-Esprit, a writer and mother of four from Pittsburgh, it’s not so much edgy content that she’s watching out for with her 11-year-old, an advanced reader. “He’s adopted, so I actually am more looking for those themes,” she says, adding that orphan tropes are very hard for him. Mostly, though, she echoes what many parents say, “I just want to know what he’s reading.”

Kids, however, aren’t always aware that parents are curious. Kim Jung, a therapist and mother of two in Los Angeles, says her 13-year-old daughter recently read It Ends with Us. When Jung asked about the iffy content, her daughter didn’t see any issue. “[She] just laughed at me and said, ‘Are you really paying attention to things like that?’”

Whether you’re the type of parent who is Googling every title on your child’s bedside table, one who feels that any book is a good book as long as they’re reading, or somewhere in between, the key, it seems, isn’t the book itself, but the ability to talk about the books we read, and to know other people — most especially our kids — as readers. And that’s one of the great pleasures of a reading life, regardless of age.

The post When Precocious Readers Want Mature Books: It’s Your Call, Parents appeared first on Brightly.