Centering Diverse Stories and Storytellers

Books have always been a refuge for me, but for a long time, the stories I read didn’t reflect the world I knew. I craved books that centered queer, BIPOC, and disabled characters—not as sidekicks, not as background diversity points, but as fully realized people with rich, complex lives. Thankfully, more and more of these stories are being written, and I want to shout about them from the rooftops.

Here are nine of my favorites—books that left a lasting impact on me and that I’ll recommend until the end of time.

1. Like Water by Rebecca Podos

This book has stayed with me in a way that few others have. Like Water follows Savannah, a bisexual Latina teen struggling with her future, her father’s degenerative illness, and the weight of expectations in her small town. She’s stuck, unsure of what comes next, until she meets Leigh, a gender-nonconforming performer who shifts her entire world. The romance between Savannah and Leigh is tender, messy, and beautifully real, and Podos writes with a lyrical style that makes every sentence feel deliberate and heartfelt.

What makes Like Water stand out is how deeply it understands identity—not just sexual identity, but the struggle of figuring out who you are beyond the labels others give you. It’s a book about love, family, and the complicated process of breaking free from what’s expected of you. If you’re looking for a novel that will break your heart and then stitch it back together with hope, this one’s for you.

2. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Felix Love has never been in love, and he’s starting to wonder if he ever will be. A Black, trans teen navigating the complexities of identity, relationships, and self-worth, Felix is confident in some ways and deeply insecure in others. When someone at his school outs him by posting pictures of his deadname, he embarks on a quest for revenge that turns into something far more profound—an exploration of love, self-acceptance, and the ways we define ourselves.

What I love about Felix Ever After is its raw, honest portrayal of being young, queer, and still figuring yourself out. Felix isn’t perfect—he makes mistakes, lashes out, and questions everything—but that’s what makes him feel so real. Callender writes with so much heart and vulnerability that it’s impossible not to connect with Felix’s journey. This book is messy, emotional, and ultimately uplifting, and it’s one I recommend to everyone.

3. The Deep by Rivers Solomon

This book is unlike anything else I’ve ever read. Inspired by the song from Clipping, The Deep reimagines the history of the Middle Passage, asking: What if the children of enslaved African women thrown overboard survived—becoming merfolk who built an entirely new world beneath the sea? The story follows Yetu, the historian of her people, who carries the burden of remembering their traumatic past so that the others don’t have to. When the weight of that memory becomes too much, she flees, setting off a journey of self-discovery that challenges everything she thought she knew.

Solomon’s writing is hauntingly beautiful, lyrical, and deeply evocative. The Deep explores themes of generational trauma, identity, and the ways in which history shapes us, all within a stunning, speculative world. This book isn’t just a story—it’s an experience, one that lingers long after you turn the last page. If you love books that challenge traditional narratives and offer something entirely new, this one is a must-read.

4. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

In a world where monsters are supposedly extinct, Jam, a selectively mute, Black trans girl, learns that isn’t true. When a mysterious creature named Pet emerges from one of her mother’s paintings, Jam is forced to confront the reality that evil still exists, even when people refuse to see it. As she and Pet search for a hidden monster in her best friend’s home, she must challenge the very foundation of the world she’s been taught to believe in.

Emezi’s writing is both simple and deeply poetic, weaving a story that feels like a modern fairy tale with a razor-sharp edge. Pet is a book about justice, truth, and the importance of believing children when they say something is wrong. It’s unsettling, thought-provoking, and incredibly powerful. This is the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you finish it, forcing you to question the things society tells us to accept.

5. Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Imagine a world where ghosts, magic, and supernatural creatures are real—but treated as everyday occurrences. That’s the setting of Elatsoe, a novel that blends Indigenous storytelling with a contemporary fantasy mystery. Elatsoe, an asexual Lipan Apache teen, has the ability to raise the spirits of dead animals, a skill passed down through her family. When her cousin is murdered, she sets out to uncover the truth, navigating a world where the supernatural and the real intertwine.

What makes Elatsoe so special is how seamlessly it weaves folklore, magic, and modern life together. The world-building is phenomenal, and Elatsoe herself is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in a long time. Her story is one of grief, resilience, and uncovering hidden truths, all while staying deeply connected to her heritage. This book is rich, immersive, and unlike anything else in the YA fantasy genre.

6. Disability Visibility edited by Alice Wong

This isn’t a novel, but it’s one of the most important books I’ve ever read. Disability Visibility is a collection of essays from disabled activists, writers, and artists, each offering insight into different aspects of the disabled experience. From discussions about pop culture and accessibility to deeply personal stories of navigating the world, this book is a powerful, necessary read.

What makes this collection so impactful is its range—each essay brings a unique perspective, showing just how diverse the disabled community is. Alice Wong has curated a book that challenges stereotypes, pushes for change, and ultimately celebrates the resilience and brilliance of disabled individuals. If you want to expand your understanding of disability and why representation matters, start here.

7. The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

Told in verse, The Black Flamingo follows Michael, a Black, gay teen who finds his voice through drag. Michael has always felt caught between identities—too Black for some spaces, not Black enough for others; too gay in some circles, not gay enough in others. When he discovers drag, he finally finds a place where he can be fully himself.

Atta’s writing is stunning, lyrical, and deeply personal. This book captures the joy, pain, and beauty of self-discovery, offering a story that feels both deeply specific and universally relatable. Michael’s journey is one of self-acceptance, and his voice is one that will stay with you long after you finish the book.

8. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

A trans Latinx boy proving himself as a brujo, a stubborn ghost who won’t move on, and a story packed with magic, mystery, and heart—what’s not to love? Cemetery Boys follows Yadriel, who is determined to prove his identity to his traditional family by summoning a spirit. But when he accidentally summons Julian, a recently deceased classmate, things get complicated.

This book is pure magic, from its rich cultural elements to its vibrant characters. Thomas writes with warmth and humor, making you fall in love with Yadriel and Julian’s dynamic. The romance is sweet, the mystery is engaging, and the representation is everything. It’s the kind of book that feels like a warm hug, even as it tackles serious themes of identity, family, and acceptance.

9. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

Liz Lighty never thought she’d run for prom queen, but when a scholarship opportunity depends on it, she’s forced to enter the competition. As a Black, queer girl in a predominantly white, conservative town, Liz has always felt like an outsider. But as the competition heats up, she starts to realize that she deserves to take up space—and maybe even win.

This book is joyful, hilarious, and full of heart. Liz’s journey is one of self-love, friendship, and realizing that she doesn’t have to change to fit anyone’s expectations. If you’re looking for a book that will make you smile from start to finish, this is it.

What are your favorite books that center queer, BIPOC, or disabled characters? Let’s talk!

Until next time,

Oregon J. Sinclair