Books Like...

Stay Gold by Tobly McSmith is a sensitive and unflinching tale of a transgender boy named Pony who starts at a new high school where no one knows he's transgender. Pony explores new friendships and develops a crush on cheerleader Georgia. The book delves into the challenges Pony faces as he navigates his trans identity and relationships, while also highlighting the pressures and struggles of high school life. The writing style is emotionally charged and explores trans issues with authenticity and depth, capturing the turmoil and growth of the characters.

In Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore, readers are taken on a journey of acceptance and love as two teenagers, Bastín and Lore, navigate a magical underwater world and explore their own identities. Bastín, a transmasculine nonbinary teen with ADHD, copes by creating alebrijes that come alive underwater, while Lore, a genderfluid and nonbinary newcomer, tries to leave their past behind. As the colorful underwater world starts to affect the real world, Bastín and Lore must confront their hidden truths and struggles with transphobia and ableism. McLemore's writing style is described as beautifully lyrical and full of gorgeous imagery, focusing on the emotional states and mental health of the characters.

Dead Collections by Isaac Fellman is a unique take on vampires, focusing on the life of Sol, a trans vampire archivist who meets Elsie, a widow with whom he forms a deep connection. The book delves into themes of grief, bodies, and mental health, while also exploring gender and sexuality in a nuanced and dynamic way. The plot intertwines a charming love story with a mystery surrounding the decaying archives, creating a compelling narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. The writing style of the book is described as quiet, subtle, and focused on character growth, with elements of supernatural romance and gender nuance that set it apart from traditional vampire stories.

'The Art of Being Normal' by Lisa Williamson is a sensitive and honest look at the life of transgender teenagers in contemporary Britain. The story follows David, a teenager struggling with his gender identity and desire to become the girl he has always wanted to be, while facing bullying and challenges at school. When Leo, a mysterious new boy, enters David's life, their friendship sparks change and reveals both of their complicated lives. The book addresses themes of identity, friendship, and acceptance, portraying the struggles and experiences of transgender youth with realism and empathy.

The writing style of 'The Art of Being Normal' is described as vivid and immersive, with the author, Lisa Williamson, showcasing a deep understanding and empathy towards transgender characters. The plot unfolds with a mix of predictability and unexpected twists, offering a unique perspective on the transgender experience through the parallel journeys of David and Leo. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making the story engaging and thought-provoking for readers.

Future Feeling by Joss Lake is a unique genre-bending novel that intertwines elements of sci-fi, satire, and magical realism, focusing on the lives of three trans men navigating their identities. The plot follows Penfield, a dog walker in New York, who feels haunted by his past and the perfect life portrayed by a trans super influencer named Aiden. When complicating events unfold, including a hex and a mythical organization, Penfield and Aiden must work together to confront their challenges, underscoring themes of trans brotherhood and emotional turmoil.

The writing style is whimsical yet deeply engaging, offering honest reflections on identity and social media's impact on self-image. The prose can be layered, fooling readers with its simplicity while addressing profound issues. It's set in a familiar world with slightly advanced technology, blending everyday life with fantastical elements seamlessly. This makes it both relatable and imaginative, providing insight into the trans experience, making it compelling reading for everyone, regardless of their background.

The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore is a captivating tale of two rival traveling performing families, the Palomas and the Corbeaus, who are locked in a feud filled with superstition, lies, and sabotage. Set in a contemporary setting with elements of magical realism, the story follows the blossoming romance between Lace Paloma and Cluck Corbeau, two teenagers from the opposing families, as they navigate forbidden love amidst family secrets and past tragedies. McLemore's writing seamlessly weaves together themes of family rivalry, love, and magic, creating a beautifully intricate fantasy world reminiscent of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novels.

The novel explores themes of forbidden love, family secrets, and the power of overcoming longstanding feuds. Through alternating points of view between Cluck and Lace, the story delves into the complexities of their relationship, the dark magic and superstitions that govern their families, and the repercussions of their love in a world filled with animosity and mistrust. McLemore's lyrical and vivid writing style adds depth to the narrative, drawing readers into a world where love transcends boundaries and challenges the legacy of hatred and misunderstandings passed down through generations.

"Felix Ever After" by Kacen Callender is a young adult contemporary novel that follows the story of Felix, a black, queer, and transgender protagonist navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and self-discovery. Set in modern-day NYC, the book delves into themes of gender and sexual identity, cyberbullying, and family acceptance. The writing style is described as endearing, engaging, and quick-paced, making it a compelling and relatable read for young adult readers.

"Confessions of the Fox" by Jordy Rosenberg is a complex narrative that intertwines a retelling of the life of Jack Sheppard, a notorious 18th-century footpad, and his lover Bess with the story of Dr. Voth, a transgender academic who discovers and annotates the manuscript. Set in London in 1724, the book delves into themes of gender identity, marginalized communities, and historical reimagining, all while exploring political agendas and personal narratives. The writing style includes copious footnotes that provide additional layers to the storytelling, creating a multi-faceted reading experience.

When the superhero Dreadnought is killed by a villain, he passes on his powers to Danny. Part of Dreadnought's abilities is giving its user their ideal body, shaping them into what they wished they looked like. The book focuses heavily on Danny's gender identity and the issues that pose with her taking up Dreadnought's superhero mantle, as well as her parents' opinions of her. Danny and another girl she meets who also has superpowers start to hunt down the person who killed Dreadnought, without informing anyone about what they've been up to, leading to dangerous situations. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of relatable struggles, superhero battles, and a hint of darkness, making it a compelling read for fans of YA superhero fiction.

In the book 'Pet' by Akwaeke Emezi, the story follows Jam, a black trans girl living in Lucille, a seemingly utopian town in a future version of America. The town is free from monsters and fear, thanks to the angels who rid it of evil. However, when Jam accidentally brings to life a creature named Pet from her mother's painting, she discovers that not all monsters are gone. The narrative explores themes of angels, monsters, and the blurred lines between utopia and dystopia, all told in a beautifully unique way. Through the characters, the story delves into identity, diversity, and the importance of seeing the unseen truths in the world.