How Young Adult Writing Tackles Tough Topics
Books and writers who address being queer, lonely, grieving, and more.
The art of Young Adult (YA) fiction has been one of growing impact over the years, covering vast topics of conversation and morphing the writing genre. It’s one that may have been designed for teens, but has since been read by many adults as the plots it crafts are ones relatable across the spectrum. YA has books that not only share problems many young people face and address formerly taboo topics head-on, but also allow adult who missed these readings to go back and be comforted that they were never alone. One topic that used to be sorely neglected was sexuality, namely queer lit.
In the spirit of open and accessible conversation, we invite you to join the free event, Young, Queer, and Lit on Monday, October 16, as our panel of writers examine the hushed topics that YA embraces.
Featured Panelist
Boy Meets Boy author David Levithan
Paul has grown up in an accepting community that doesn’t shun him for being gay, but that doesn’t make dating any easier.
The Adventurers Guild authors Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos
This D&D inspired adventure follow two young boys on a quest of unimaginable adventure.
Vanilla author Billy Merrell
Hunter and Vanilla came out together in middle school and became a couple in high school, but will their relationship change and grow as they do as individuals?
Top Elf author Caleb Zane Huett
Santa is ready to retire, and his job is up for grabs. Follow elves Ollie and Celia as they compete in a series of tasks for their chance to fill the the big, red suit.
Sparrow author Sarah Moon
When school librarian Mrs. Wexler dies in a freak accident, Sparrow loses one of her only confidants and finds herself on the edge of the school’s roof. Follow her journey from attempted suicide to finding inner life.
The Stars Beneath Our Feet author David Barclay Moore
Lolly is teetering on the edge after the loss of his older brother in a gang-related shooting, but starts to find his way back from grief as he builds a fantastic Lego city.
More Books That Help Us Through
We Are Okay by Nina Lacour
Marin is trying to outrun tragedy, and won’t talk to anyone about what has happened, but when her best friend Mabel comes to visit her for the first time in college, she knows it’s time to face down the loneliness that has taken up inside her.
Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy
Ramona is the adult of her family, and tries to care of distracted mom, ineffectual dad, and pregnant younger sister in the heart of Mississippi while juggling multiple jobs, her own sexual identity, and desire to be someone greater.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Ari and Dante meet at the pool, and being loners seems to be the only thing they have in common. But through their budding friendship, they begin to learn the deepest truths about themselves.
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Part ghost story, part love story, and a heavy dose of monsters round out this romance that is really hard to put down!
History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
Follow Griffin through one of the toughest years of his young life as he balances losing his first ex-boyfriend and first love in a drowning accident with his increasingly present OCD.
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