Markus Harwood-Jones
Confessions of a Teenage Drag King
A vibrant, funny, and affirming debut that captures the specific joy of finding your tribe in a world that doesn't quite get you.
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The Field Guide to the North American Teenager
by Ben Philippe
Young adult · ages 14–18 · 820L · 2019
A genuinely funny coming-of-age novel that uses humor to make immigrant alienation feel lived-in, not preachy—and the voice is so specific it'll probably reach kids who've never felt like outsiders.
Kings of B'more
by R. Eric Thomas
Young adult · ages 14–18 · 850L · 2022
Funny, smart, and emotionally generous—Thomas gives queer Black teens a protagonist who feels like a real person, not a representation, with a Baltimore neighborhood that's as vivid as the characters.
Tokyo Ever After
by Emiko Jean
Young adult · ages 14–18 · 840L · 2021
A genuine YA page-turner that treats Japanese culture and identity with respect while delivering genuine warmth and humor — the romance is earned, not rushed.