YA books by BIPOC authors are bringing fresh perspectives, rich cultures, and unforgettable stories to the genre. From contemporary romances to epic fantasies, these books aren’t just hype—they’re the heart of why YA continues to thrive. Let’s dive into the ones you have to read (and the ones you should’ve read by now).
YA Fantasy That Redefines the Genre
1. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Set in a West African-inspired world, Adeyemi’s debut swept readers into a land of lost magic, rebellion, and richly detailed mythology. Zélie’s journey to restore magic is as powerful as it is heartbreaking, tackling themes of systemic oppression with stunning prose and relentless action.
2. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Arthurian legend meets Southern Black culture in this breathtaking urban fantasy. Bree Matthews discovers a secret society tied to King Arthur, but it’s her personal journey—grappling with grief, identity, and systemic racism—that truly sets this book apart.
3. The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
Think National Treasure, but with a diverse crew of treasure hunters navigating Belle Époque Paris. Chokshi’s lush writing, intricate heist plot, and nuanced characters make this a standout in YA fantasy.
Contemporary YA Books That Hit Hard
1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Thomas’ debut follows Starr Carter as she witnesses the police shooting of her best friend. With unflinching honesty and a voice that demands to be heard, this book remains a cornerstone of modern YA.
2. You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson
Liz Lighty’s story of running for prom queen—and falling for her competition—is brimming with humor, heart, and queer joy. It’s a rom-com with a sharp message about belonging and self-acceptance.
3. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
Julia grapples with her sister’s death, her family’s expectations, and her own dreams in this searing contemporary novel. It’s a raw, heartfelt exploration of grief, identity, and what it means to be the “perfect” daughter.
YA Romance with Heart and Depth
1. The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Yoon’s one-day romance between Natasha and Daniel is a perfect mix of fate, science, and swoony moments. It’s also a sharp exploration of immigration, identity, and the tension between family expectations and personal dreams.
2. Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon
Yes, Yoon is here twice—and for good reason. This magical realist romance about a girl who can see how relationships end is as enchanting as it is bittersweet.
3. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Felix Love is Black, queer, transgender—and unapologetically himself. This story of identity, self-love, and messy relationships is as empowering as it is emotional.
YA That Doesn’t Fit in a Box
1. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
In a utopian world where monsters are supposedly eradicated, Pet—a creature pulled from a painting—forces protagonist Jam to confront hard truths. This surreal, unforgettable book explores justice, identity, and the cost of looking away.
2. A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
Mermaids, Black girl magic, and an incisive critique of systemic racism make this urban fantasy a standout. Tavia and Effie’s journey is packed with heart, danger, and moments that will leave you speechless.
3. Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao
This Snow White retelling, set in an East Asian-inspired world, centers on Xifeng, an antiheroine destined to become the Evil Queen. Dao’s richly imagined world and morally complex protagonist make this one unforgettable.
Why BIPOC YA Authors Are Thriving
- Fresh Voices:
Books like Legendborn and The Gilded Wolves prove that when we embrace diverse voices, we get stories that feel richer, fresher, and infinitely more layered. - Unapologetic Themes:
From systemic racism (The Hate U Give) to generational trauma (I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter), these books don’t shy away from hard conversations. - Cultural Representation:
Whether it’s Zélie fighting for magic in Orïsha or Natasha and Daniel navigating love in New York, these stories showcase the beauty and complexity of cultures often underrepresented in YA.
Honorable Mentions
- Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton and others: A collaborative love story set during a blackout in NYC.
- This Is My America by Kim Johnson: A gripping mystery that tackles racial injustice.
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang: While more adult than YA, its themes of war and identity resonate deeply with younger audiences.
- American Betiya by Anuradha D. Rajurkar: A nuanced exploration of love, race, and cultural clashes.
The Verdict on BIPOC YA Books
These authors aren’t just writing amazing stories—they’re reshaping the YA landscape. By centering diverse voices and experiences, they’ve shown that the genre is at its best when it’s inclusive, bold, and unafraid to tackle the big stuff.
So, if you haven’t added these books to your TBR yet, what are you waiting for? Dive into these worlds and let them change the way you see YA—and the world itself.
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