25 Must Read YA Books with Diverse Characters
In recent years, the landscape of young adult literature has undergone a significant transformation. Authors are increasingly weaving narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of human experience, incorporating diverse characters that resonate with readers from all walks of life for young readers. These books not only entertain but also serve as mirrors, windows, doors, allowing readers to see themselves, understand others, and explore worlds beyond their own through the magical world of young adult fiction. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of diversity in young adult literature and highlight some notable books that feature diverse main character options.
Embracing Diversity in Young Adult Literature: A Kaleidoscope of Characters
Why Diversity Matters: Diversity in literature is a powerful tool for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters empathy and understanding by exposing readers to experiences different from their own. By encountering characters of diverse backgrounds, people of color, identities, and cultures, readers gain insight into the lives of others and develop a broader perspective of the world. Historically, the publishing industry has been monopolized by white authors and a lack of diversity.
Secondly, representation matters. For readers who belong to marginalized or underrepresented groups, seeing characters who look like them, share their experiences, or navigate similar challenges can be empowering and affirming. It validates their existence and helps combat feelings of invisibility or otherness.
Moreover, diverse books contribute to a more inclusive society by challenging stereotypes, dismantling prejudices, and promoting acceptance. They celebrate the richness of human diversity and affirm the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or background.
Notable Young Adult Books with Diverse Characters:
The best age for young adult (YA) books can vary depending on individual interests, reading level, and maturity. Generally, YA literature is targeted at readers between the ages of 12 to 18, but it's important to note that age is not the sole determinant of suitability. Some readers may be ready for YA books at a younger age, while others may prefer them well into adulthood.
Here's a breakdown of the typical age ranges and considerations for YA literature:
Early Teens (Ages 12-14):
Many readers in this age group are transitioning from middle grade to YA literature.
They may be drawn to YA books that feature relatable protagonists navigating themes such as friendship, self-discovery, and coming-of-age experiences.
Books with simpler language and less mature content may be preferred, though individual interests and reading abilities vary.
Mid-Teens (Ages 15-17):
This age group often gravitates toward more complex narratives and themes, including romance, identity, social issues, and personal growth.
YA books with diverse characters, thought-provoking storylines, and realistic portrayals of teenage life are popular.
Readers may explore a wider range of genres within YA literature, from contemporary and romance to fantasy, science fiction, and dystopian fiction.
Late Teens (Ages 18 and up):
While some readers may still enjoy YA literature during late adolescence, many may also begin transitioning to adult fiction.
YA books with mature themes and nuanced storytelling can appeal to older teens who appreciate deeper exploration of complex issues.
Genres such as young adult fantasy and science fiction may continue to hold appeal, especially if they offer rich world-building and sophisticated themes.
Ultimately, the best age for reading YA books is subjective and depends on individual preferences, reading habits, and maturity levels. Some readers may discover a lifelong love for YA literature in their teenage years, while others may revisit their favorite YA books well into adulthood. What's important is that readers find stories that resonate with them and offer opportunities for personal reflection, growth, and enjoyment, regardless of their age.
25 Young Adult Books with Diverse Characters
Clean Getaway
Set against the backdrop of the segregation history of the American South, take a trip with this New York Times bestseller and an eleven-year-old boy who is about to discover that the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem--his G'ma included. New York Times bestselling YA novel author Nic Stone comes a timely middle-grade road-trip story through landmarks of the Civil Rights movement and the map they lay for contemporary race relations.
New Kid
New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself? This is also a great read for young adults who love graphic novels!
Inside Out and Back Again
Inspired by the author's childhood experience as a refugee—fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama—this coming-of-age debut young adult novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and immigration.
Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing and make a impact on every reader.
It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
Born a Crime is the story of a mischievous young boy who grows into a restless young man as he struggles to find himself in a world where he was never supposed to exist. It is also the story of that young man’s relationship with his fearless, rebellious, and fervently religious mother—his teammate, a woman determined to save her son from the cycle of poverty, violence, and abuse that would ultimately threaten her own life.
We do horrible things to one another because we don’t see the person it affects. . . . We don’t see them as people.
Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, shares his remarkable story of growing up in South Africa with a black South African mother and a white European father at a time when it was against the law for a mixed-race child to exist. But he did exist--and from the beginning, the often-misbehaved Trevor used his keen smarts and humor to navigate a harsh life under a racist government.
From the Desk of Zoe Washington
A captivating story full of heart, as one courageous girl questions assumptions, searches for the truth, and does what she believes is right—even in the face of great opposition. Zoe Washington isn’t sure what to write. What does a girl say to the father she’s never met, hadn’t heard from until his letter arrived on her twelfth birthday, and who’s been in prison for a terrible crime? A crime he says he never committed. Could Marcus really be innocent? Zoe is determined to uncover the truth. This is a book your young adult wont be able to put down.
Clap When You Land
Bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives. Separated by distance—and Papi’s secrets—the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered. And then, when it seems like they’ve lost everything of their father, they learn of each other.
Tristan Strong
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Kwame Mbalia's epic fantasy, a middle-grade young adult American Gods set in a richly-imagined world populated with African American folk heroes and West African gods.
Seventh grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he's going to spend on his grandparents' farm in Alabama, where he's being sent to heal from the tragedy. This is such an amazing young adult fantasy novel that will leave you begging to start the next in the series.
The Magic In Changing Your Stars
Can you change your fate—and the fate of those you love—if you return to the past? Journey to 1939 Harlem in this time-travel adventure with an inspiring message about believing in yourself. Can Ailey help the 12-year-old version of Grampa face his fears? And, if Ailey changes the past, will he still be able to get home again?
Featuring an all-African-American cast of characters, and infused with references to black culture and history, this work of magical realism is sure to captivate and inspire young adult readers.
The Henna Wars
Nishat doesn’t want to lose her family, but she also doesn’t want to hide who she is, and it only gets harder once a childhood friend walks back into her life. In a fight to prove who is the best, their lives become more tangled―but Nishat can’t quite get rid of her crush, especially since Flávia seems to like her back. As the competition heats up, Nishat has a decision to make: stay in the closet for her family, or put aside her differences with Flávia and give their relationship a chance.
The Parker Inheritance
When Candice finds a letter in an old attic in Lambert, South Carolina, she isn't sure she should read it. It's addressed to her grandmother, who left the town in shame. But the letter describes a young woman. An injustice that happened decades ago. A mystery enfolding its writer. And the fortune that awaits the person who solves the puzzle.So with the help of Brandon, the quiet boy across the street, she begins to decipher the clues. The challenge will lead them deep into Lambert's history, full of ugly deeds, forgotten heroes, and one great love; and deeper into their own families, with their own unspoken secrets
Six of Crows
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price―and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction―if they don't kill each other first.
The Rest of Us Just Live Here
This story is about a boy with OCD, a girl with an eating disorder, and has both racial and LGBTQIA+ representation. What if you aren't the Chosen One? The one who's supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever the heck this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death? What if you're like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. Again. Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week's end of the world, and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life.
Something in Between
Jasmine de los Santos has always done what’s expected of her. She’s studied hard, made her Filipino immigrant parents proud and is ready to reap the rewards in the form of a full college scholarship to the school of her dreams. And then everything shatters. Her parents are forced to reveal the truth: their visas expired years ago. Her entire family is illegal. Jasmine will stop at nothing to protect her relationships, family and future, all while fighting the hard truths of being undocumented.
The Hate U Give
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
The Lines We Cross
Michael likes to hang out with his friends and play with the latest graphic design software. His parents drag him to rallies held by their anti-immigrant group, which rails against the tide of refugees flooding the country. And it all makes sense to Michael. Until Mina, a beautiful girl from the other side of the protest lines, shows up at his school, and turns out to be funny, smart -- and a Muslim refugee from Afghanistan. Suddenly, his parents' politics seem much more complicated. Michael has to decide where he stands. Mina has to protect herself and her family.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the reservation to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.
Merci Suárez Changes Gears
Merci Suárez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. For starters, as strong and thoughtful as Merci is, she has never been completely like the other kids at her private school in Florida, because she and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. They don’t have a big house or a fancy boat, and they have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. So when bossy Edna Santos sets her sights on the new boy who happens to be Merci’s school-assigned Sunshine Buddy, Merci becomes the target of Edna’s jealousy.
It’s Not Like It’s a Secret
This charming and bittersweet coming-of-age story featuring two girls of color falling in love. Sixteen-year-old Sana Kiyohara has too many secrets. Some are small, like how it bothers her when her friends don’t invite her to parties. Some are big, like the fact that her father may be having an affair. And then there’s the one that she can barely even admit to herself—the one about how she might have a crush on her best friend. Sana always figured that the hardest thing would be to tell people that she wants to date a girl, but as she quickly learns, telling the truth is easy…what comes after it, though, is a whole lot more complicated. If your teen is looking to read about true love and a romance novels set for YA, this one of you will want to check out!
Dear Martin
After a traffic stop turns violent at the hands of the police, a young Black teen grapples with racism—and what it means for his future. Critically acclaimed author Nic Stone boldly tackles America’s troubled history with race relations in her gripping debut novel. Justyce is a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs without cause. When faced with injustice, Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out. This diverse young adult book is one of the best books I have ever read, and highly recommend this as a must read.
All American Boys
Two teens—one black, one white—grapple with the repercussions of a single violent act that leaves their school, their community, and, ultimately, the country bitterly divided by racial tension and different cultures.
A bag of chips. That’s all sixteen-year-old Rashad is looking for at the corner bodega. What he finds instead is a fist-happy cop, Paul Galluzzo, who mistakes Rashad for a shoplifter, mistakes Rashad’s pleadings that he’s stolen nothing for belligerence, mistakes Rashad’s resistance to leave the bodega as resisting arrest, mistakes Rashad’s every flinch at every punch the cop throws as further resistance and refusal to STAY STILL as ordered. But how can you stay still when someone is pounding your face into the concrete pavement?
Dreamland Burning
When seventeen-year-old Rowan Chase finds a skeleton on her family's property, she has no idea that investigating the brutal century-old murder will lead to a summer of painful discoveries about the present and the past. Jennifer Latham's lightning-paced page-turner brings the Tulsa race riot of 1921 to blazing life and raises important questions about the complex state of US race relations--both yesterday and today.
The Sun is Also A Star
This book will have you falling in love with Natasha and Daniel as they fall in love with each other! Natasha’s family is hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Daniel is a good student and never defies his parents but when he sees Natasha he believes fate has something more in store.
The Black Kids
This binge worthy novel perfect for young adult readers explores issues of race, diversity, class, and violence through the eyes of a wealthy black teenager whose family gets caught in the vortex of the 1992 Rodney King Riots.
You Should See Me in A Crown
Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. Liz has a plan to get her out of the town to study to become a doctor. But when her financial aid doesn’t come through she has to try to win her school’s prom queen race to get a scholarship.
We Are Not Free
The collective account of a tight-knit group of young Nisei, second-generation Japanese American citizens, whose lives are irrevocably changed by the mass U.S. incarcerations of World War II. Fourteen teens who have grown up together in Japantown, San Francisco. Fourteen teens who form a community and a family, as interconnected as they are conflicted. Fourteen teens whose lives are turned upside down when over 100,000 people of Japanese ancestry are removed from their homes and forced into desolate incarceration camps.
In a world that seems determined to hate them, these young Nisei must rally together as racism and injustice threaten to pull them apart.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by benjamin alire sáenz
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be. This one of those award-winning books turned movie that you will be talking about for years after reading.
Where Should I Buy Young Adult Diverse Books?
There are so many young adult book purchasing options but I love nothing more than supporting a local or minority owned book shop. I am also a huge fan of checking my local library for these titles to see if they are available to save money since my family reads a ton every week!
These books may rank as 25 of the best young adult books with diverse characters but they are equally as amazing for adults as well. Read with your teen, grab your book club, whatever you do read these books as soon as possible. If you are looking for diverse picture books for your small children, check out this list too! This list of books for children with diversity is a great list of amazing titles as well.
Diverse characters enrich the tapestry of young adult literature, offering readers the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories they read and to walk in the shoes of others. By embracing diversity in literature, we foster empathy, promote inclusion, and celebrate the myriad of human experiences that make our world vibrant and complex. As your avid reader searches through this list and beyond, let us seek out and champion books that amplify diverse voices and narratives, for in doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society.
