Heartstopper. TV-14. Netflix. Out now.
White British teenagers Charlie and Nick explore first love and their own sexuality in this heartwarming series adapted from Alice Oseman’s webcomic and graphic novels. Hand these books to all teens who are enjoying the show. 

Bloom by Kevin Panetta. First Second. 2019.
Gr 8 Up–Greek American Ari is desperate to escape working at the family bakery, but he begins to change his mind after he starts training a new baker, and sparks start to fly. This romantic graphic novel about blossoming love will please readers looking for the same kind of tender notes delivered by the show.

The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons. Dial. 2021.
Gr 8 Up–When biracial (Black and white) trans boy Spencer starts a new school after facing harassment at his old one, he immediately falls for a cute white boy from an ultraconversative family. This charming novel blends a sweet teen romance with heavier topics like trans students in sports and facing homophobia.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertali. Harper. 2015.
Gr 8 Up–A classmate blackmails Simon, a white gay boy, by threatening to expose his flirty emails with an anonymous boy at their school, leading Simon to worry about what coming out would mean to him. This sensitive novel, which has been made into a movie, Love, Simon,  and inspired the Hulu show Love, Victor, explores coming out just as deftly as Heartstopper.

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson. Scholastic. 2020.
Gr 8 Up–Liz, a Black gay teen, wouldn’t be caught dead campaigning for prom queen. But when her scholarship falls through, the competition becomes the only way to fund her college dreams. Along the way, she falls for a fellow competitor and explores her identity in this delightful, feel-good romance. Hand this one to readers looking for another dose of queer joy.