Young adult literature has been evolving over the years, and the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in adventure novels has become more prevalent. Here are ten must-read LGBT adventure novels for young adults that will take you on a thrilling journey.
1. Dark Rise by C. S. Pacat
Dark Rise is a gripping fantasy novel that follows two boys, one of whom is gay, as they uncover the secrets of their town and fight against an evil force.
2. Crier’s War by Nina Varela
Crier’s War is a sci-fi novel set in a world where humans and automae coexist. The book features a lesbian romance between two main characters who come from opposing sides.
3. Infinity Son by Adam Silvera
Infinity Son is an action-packed fantasy novel that follows two brothers, one of whom is gay, as they discover their powers and fight against evil forces threatening their city.
4. The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
The Darkness Outside Us is a sci-fi novel about two boys stranded in space who must work together to survive and find their way back home. One of the boys is gay.
5. The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
When 15-year-old Morgan almost drowns, Keltie saves her and Morgan discovers that the local boat tours are putting Keltie’s family at risk. Morgan and Keltie grow closer as they save one another and fall in love in this cute mermaid adventure.
6. The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez
The Gilda Stories follows a black lesbian vampire as she navigates through different periods in American history while dealing with her own identity struggles.
7. Dreadnought by April Daniels
Dreadnought is a superhero novel about a transgender girl who gains superpowers and fights against villains while also dealing with transphobia from those around her.
8. Ash by Malinda Lo
Ash is a retelling of Cinderella set in a fantasy world where magic exists. The book features a lesbian romance between the main character Ash and another woman named Kaisa.
9. We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
We Set the Dark on Fire takes place in a dystopian society where girls are trained to become wives for wealthy men. The book features a bisexual protagonist who becomes involved in a rebellion against this oppressive system.
10. Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
Labyrinth Lost follows Alex, a bruja (witch) who accidentally banishes her family to another dimension during her Deathday celebration ritual. She embarks on an adventure to rescue them with help from her best friend Rishi, whom she develops feelings for along the way.
These ten LGBT adventure novels for young adults offer diverse representation and exciting stories that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.