Alec Chunn

Mostly realistic fiction, these recent YA novels (and one picture book) cover first love, found family, and living authentically. Each shines a light on queer & trans stories in both past and present settings, proving that LGBTQIA+ youth have always been here—and are not going anywhere. 

With a range of grade levels (kindergarteners to high schoolers) and genres (fantasy and horror, among others), there’s something for everyone in these 17 comics picks.

From mysteries to summer adventures to first loves, these 12 titles validate queer youth, and youth in queer families, who are navigating those ever-­confusing years before young adulthood.