Celebrate magical, joyful, and romantic stories of trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people this March 31, on International Transgender Day of Visibility. These four recent YA novels open a window into authentic, diverse, and empathetic stories about trans youth that will appeal to all sorts of readers.
Infinity Alchemist, by Kacen Callender
For Ash Woods, practicing alchemy is a crime. Only an elite few are legally permitted to study the science of magic, so when Ash is rejected by the Lancaster Mage's College, he takes a job as the school's groundskeeper instead, forced to learn alchemy in secret. When he's discovered by the condescending and brilliant apprentice Ramsay Thorne, Ash is sure he's about to be arrested, but instead of calling the authorities, Ramsay surprises Ash by making him an offer: Ramsay will keep Ash's secret if he helps her find the legendary Book of Source, a sacred text that gives its reader extraordinary power. As Ash and Ramsay work together and their feelings for each other grow, Ash discovers their mission is more dangerous than he imagined, pitting them against influential and powerful alchemists, Ash's estranged father included. Ash's journey takes him through the cities and wilds across New Anglia, forcing him to discover his own definition of true power and how far he and other alchemists will go to seize it.
Okay, Cupid, by Mason Deaver
As a cupid, Jude thinks they understand love a little bit more than the average human. It makes sense — Jude's been studying love their whole teen life. And, yes, there have been some bumps in the road, and they're currently on probation for doing something that they absolutely, definitely shouldn't have done... but they're ready to prove they can make matches without ever getting involved. Only... Jude's next assignment isn't about setting up two adults. No, this time Jude has to go to high school, with kids their own age. And the assignment is a tough one: two best friends who are meant to be more than just best friends... but who aren't currently speaking to each other after a huge falling out. Jude thinks they've got this one all under control, and that they won't get involved whatsoever. Which proves that maybe Jude hasn't learned the first lesson of humans and love... It's complicated.
The Queer Girl is Going to be Okay, by Dale Walls
Queer Love. Something Dawn wants, desperately, but does not have. But maybe, if she can capture it, film it, interview the people who have it, queer love will be hers someday. Or, at least, she'll have made a documentary about it. A documentary that, hopefully, will win Dawn a scholarship to film school. Many obstacles stand in the way of completing her film, but her best friends Edie and Georgia are there to help her reach her goal, no matter what it takes.
Transmogrify: 14 Fantastical Tales of Trans Magic, edited by G. Haron Davis
Transness is as varied and colorful as magic can be. You’ll embark on fourteen different adventures alongside unforgettable characters who embody many different genders and expressions and experiences—because magic is for everyone, and that is cause for celebration. Authors include A.R. Capetta, Cory McCarthy, Emery Lee, Sonora Reyes, and more!
