Skip to content

Top Navigation

EW.com EW.com
    • All TV
    • TV Reviews
    • TV Reunions
    • Recaps
    • What to Watch
    • Animated
    • Comedy
    • Crime
    • Drama
    • Family
    • Horror
    • Reality
    • Sci-fi
    • Thriller
    • All Movies
    • Movie Reviews
    • Trailers
    • Film Festivals
    • Movie Reunions
    • Movie Previews
    • All Music
    • Music Reviews
    • All What to Watch
    • What to Watch Podcast Episodes
    • TV Reviews
    • Movie Reviews
    • All BINGE
    • EW's Binge Podcast Episodes
    • Recaps
    • Survivor
    • This is Us
    • RuPaul's Drag Race
    • Stranger Things
    • The Boys
    • The Blacklist
    • The Walking Dead
    • Better Call Saul
    • All The Awardist
    • The Awardist Podcast Episodes
    • Oscars
    • Emmys
    • Golden Globes
    • SAG Awards
    • Grammys
    • Tony Awards
    • All Books
    • Book Reviews
    • Author Interviews
    • All Theater
    • Theater Reviews
  • Podcasts
  • Gaming
    • All Events
    • Comic-Con
  • Celebrity
  • Streaming

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe

Explore EW.com

EW.com EW.com
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Comic-Con 2022: Stars strike a pose in EW's photo studio

      Comic-Con 2022: Stars strike a pose in EW's photo studio

      From the casts of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever  and The Walking Dead  to Chris Pine and Regé Jean-Page, see who dropped by EW's Comic-Con headquarters at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego. Read More
    • Power players: Inside The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

      Power players: Inside The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

      Go behind the scenes of Amazon Prime Video’s ambitious fantasy epic, which hopes to introduce J.R.R. Tolkien to a new generation. Read More
    • Biggest bombshells in unsealed Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard court docs: Erectile dysfunction, nude photos, and Marilyn Manson

      Biggest bombshells in unsealed Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard court docs: Erectile dysfunction, nude photos, and Marilyn Manson

      Just when you thought there couldn't possibly be more to learn about the high-profile defamation trial, more than 6,000 pages of court docs were released over the weekend. Read More
  • TV

    TV

    See All TV
    • TV Reviews
    • TV Reunions
    • Recaps
    • What to Watch
    • Animated
    • Comedy
    • Crime
    • Drama
    • Family
    • Horror
    • Reality
    • Sci-fi
    • Thriller
  • Movies

    Movies

    See All Movies
    • Movie Reviews
    • Trailers
    • Film Festivals
    • Movie Reunions
    • Movie Previews
  • Music

    Music

    See All Music
    • Music Reviews
  • What to Watch

    What to Watch

    See All What to Watch
    • What to Watch Podcast Episodes
    • TV Reviews
    • Movie Reviews
  • BINGE

    BINGE

    See All BINGE
    • EW's Binge Podcast Episodes
    • Recaps
    • Survivor
    • This is Us
    • RuPaul's Drag Race
    • Stranger Things
    • The Boys
    • The Blacklist
    • The Walking Dead
    • Better Call Saul
  • The Awardist

    The Awardist

    See All The Awardist
    • The Awardist Podcast Episodes
    • Oscars
    • Emmys
    • Golden Globes
    • SAG Awards
    • Grammys
    • Tony Awards
  • Books

    Books

    See All Books
    • Book Reviews
    • Author Interviews
  • Theater

    Theater

    See All Theater
    • Theater Reviews
  • Podcasts
  • Gaming
  • Events

    Events

    See All Events
    • Comic-Con
  • Celebrity
  • Streaming

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Books
  3. 13 tender LGBTQ YA novels to read if you love Love, Simon

13 tender LGBTQ YA novels to read if you love Love, Simon

By Mary Kate Carr March 16, 2018 at 10:37 AM EDT
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
FB

1 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Loved Love, Simon? Try these Queer YA books next

BooksTout
Credit: Balzer + Bray; Flatiron Books; Ember; Dutton Books for Young Readers; Balzer + Bray

Love, Simon is now officially stealing hearts in theaters everywhere, but before there was Love, there was Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, the funny, romantic young adult novel by Becky Albertalli, upon which the film was based. Fans who loved Simon can re-enter his world through Albertalli's book, or find new ones on this list of 13 YA books with LGBTQ+ protaganists.

1 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

SimonVs hc c.JPG
Credit: Balzer + Bray

Sixteen-year-old Simon Spiers has managed to keep the truth of his sexuality a secret so far, but when an email falls into the wrong hands, Simon's secret – and those of his flirty pen-pal, Blue - are at risk. On top of the normal drama of high school, Simon has to take the truth in his own hands or be exploited by a blackmailer. Order a copy here.

2 of 14

3 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

71Ha8X7iAjL
Credit: Simon & Schuster

This book tells the story of when Ari, an angry and isolated young man, met Dante, his sensitive, emotional counterpart. From their first meeting at 15 years old through the hardships and joys of their teen years, Ari and Dante's friendship deepens in poignant and intimate ways. Order a copy here.

3 of 14

Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

4 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

We Are Okay2017Nina LaCour
Credit: Dutton Books for Young Readers

After dealing with tragedy, Marin has retreated into her first semester of college, alone and estranged from her former life. She's forced to confront her past when Mabel, her best friend and former girlfriend, comes to visit, stirring up Marin's feelings of loss, heartbreak, and loneliness that leave her unable to move forward. Order a copy here.

4 of 14

Advertisement

5 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

20a2d14297da417cb0945c5a7b3ee038
Credit: Flatiron Books

Amanda Hardy faces the same challenges any new kid in school would face, finding her place in the social hierarchy. But as a trans girl, Amanda is excited to make a new start and close the book on her old life. When she meets Grant, she finds someone with whom she wants to share all of herself – including the past she wanted to leave behind. Order a copy here.

5 of 14

6 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I'll Give You the Sun (9/16/14)by Jandy Nelson
Credit: Penguin Random House

I'll Give You the Sun is told from dual perspectives of twins Noah and Jude, and the dual timelines of the years when the twins were inseparable, and the years where their relationship has fallen apart. Noah narrates age 13, falling in love for the first time with the boy next door, while at age 16, Jude picks up the pieces in the aftermath of tragedy. Order a copy here.

6 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

7 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

9780307931917
Credit: Ember

Based on a true story, Two Boys Kissing is the story of Harry and Craig, who attempt to set a new Guinness World Record by kissing for 32 hours straight. The tale of their amazing feat is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS. From David Levithan, a prolific writer for LGBTQ+ stories, whose novel Every Day was recently adapted as a film. Order a copy here.

7 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

8 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters

919dq1EHLRL
Credit: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Julie Anne Peters has written many young adult novels featuring a variety of LGBTQ+ perspectives, including Keeping You a Secret. The novel is about Holland Jaeger, a girl whose average high school career is turned on its head by new girl Cece Goddard and their growing feelings for one another. Order a copy here.

8 of 14

Advertisement

9 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

y648 (11)
Credit: HarperTeen

They Both Die at the End is a whirlwind love story with a sci-fi twist. Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio are both contacted by Death-Cast and told they're going to die. Through an app called Last Friend, Mateo and Rufus find each other and spend their final day living life as fully as they can. Order a copy here.

9 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

10 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (6/27/2017)by Mackenzi Lee
Credit: HarperCollins

Henry "Monty" Montague is a young British lord in the 18th century, embarking on a Grand Tour of Europe with his best friend and secret crush, Percy. He plans to spend the year avoiding responsibility and flirting with his friend, but when the trip takes a turn, he and his relationship might be in danger. Order a copy here.

10 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

11 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan

1484736672
Credit: Disney-Hyperion

The Trials of Apollo is the latest series set at Riordan's wildly popular Camp Half-Blood, where Percy Jackson got his start. This time, however, it's the god Apollo who is punished by Zeus, stripped of his power and sent to Earth. Not for the first time, Riordan populates his fantastical world with characters of diverse ethnicities and sexualities, including the sexually-fluid Apollo. Order a copy here.

11 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

12 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore  CR: St. Martin's Press
Credit: St. Martin's Press

Against a backdrop of magical realism, Miel and her boyfriend Sam, who is trans, go head to head with the infamous Bonner sisters, rumored to be witches. When the Bonner sisters want the roses that bloom from Miel's wrists, she and Sam are confronted by questions of love and identity. Order a copy here.

12 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Continued on next slide.
Advertisement

13 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio

NoneOfTheAbove-pb
Credit: Balzer + Bray

Kristen Lattimer has everything going for her in high school – popularity, college scholarships, and an amazing boyfriend. But when a doctor unexpectedly reveals that Kristin is intersex, her world is turned upside down, and her perfect high school experience begins to crumble. Order here.

13 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

14 of 14

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message

Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

symptomsofbeinghuman
Credit: Harper Collins

Riley Cavanaugh, a gender fluid teen, is trying to blend in at a new school, using an anonymous blog as an outlet to discuss identity and experiences that they can't share in real life. But when their blog goes viral, Riley's secret is at risk, and their life upended. Order a copy here.

14 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Mary Kate Carr

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 14 Loved Love, Simon? Try these Queer YA books next
    2 of 14 Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
    3 of 14 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
    4 of 14 We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
    5 of 14 If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
    6 of 14 I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
    7 of 14 Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
    8 of 14 Keeping You a Secret by Julie Anne Peters
    9 of 14 They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
    10 of 14 The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
    11 of 14 The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
    12 of 14 When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore
    13 of 14 None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio
    14 of 14 Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message
    EW.com

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Meredith© Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Entertainment Weekly is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. Entertainment Weekly may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EW.com. All rights reserved. Printed from https://ew.com

    View image

    13 tender LGBTQ YA novels to read if you love Love, Simon
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.