The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

This captivating Young Adult novel in verse explores the inner life of Xiomara Batista—the Poet X—a Latinx teen living in Harlem whose tough exterior hides her creativity and love of slam poetry. She lets her feelings out only into her leather-bound journal, where she writes beautiful verses that express her feelings about her controlling parents, her complicated relationship with her twin brother, and her growing feelings for Aman, a boy from school.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Cece is starting school as the only hearing-impaired kid in her class. She feels even more out-of-place with her giant hearing aid, the Phonic Ear, strapped to her chest. The Phonic Ear helps Cece hear her teacher during class—and also after class, in the teacher’s breakroom, all over school! Cece navigates making friends while feeling different in this funny, touching graphic novel.

American Panda by Gloria Chao

Mei is a freshman at MIT and is struggling with her parents’ expectations of what her future should hold—become a doctor, marry the “perfect” Taiwanese boy, and have many grandchildren. Meanwhile, Mei hates germs and biology, and is falling for a boy her parents would NOT think is “perfect”. This hilarious and heartfelt Young Adult novel explores family relationships, self-identity, and the journey to find your own truth.