We’re to my final Pride post for the month! Today is all about nonbinary characters in young adult books. We definitely need more books in this area, but I think it’s starting to pick up a bit. At least, there have been a few that have come out in the last few years. Even in the middle grade realm. Hopefully, publishers will start to realize that readers want these books and this will change in the future!
Nonbinary means people that don’t fit on the gender binary. Meaning they don’t identify as a man or a woman. Someone who identifies as nonbinary might feel like both genders or no gender at all. It really all depends on the person!
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Books with Nonbinary Characters
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
After coming out at nonbinary to their parents, Ben finds safety at their sister’s house. Struggling with their parents’ rejection, they decide to not come out at school. But Ben’s goal to go through school unnoticed gets thwarted by Nathan, who takes an interest in Ben. This is such a sweet novel, and it’s one I definitely need to re-read.
Can’t Take That Away by Steven Salvatore
Casey dreams about being a performer. However, an incident from their past keeps them from pursuing their dreams. At least, until they meet Cris, and gets cast in the school musical as Elphaba. But not everyone at school wants them in that role, which sparks division in the student body. I wrote a review for this, and overall, it’s such a great read!
The Brilliant Death by A.R. Capetta
Teodora has been hiding her transformation abilities as a strega for as long as she can remember. But when she meets Cielo, everything she’s known about her abilities changes. If she could master her abilities, she could save her father’s business. And maybe even save the country. This is a fantasy that I first read last year, and it’s definitely immersive and unique!
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker
Working at her grandmother’s bookshop means that Nova knows more about witches than most teens. When she goes to investigate reports of a white wolf, she actually comes across her childhood crush, Tam, battling a demon. Tam needs Nova’s help in order to deal with dark magic haunting the wolves. A magical graphic novel that should be on everyone’s shelf!
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
This nonfiction graphic novel goes through Kobabe’s own journey to finding eir identity. What was started as a way to describe being nonbinary and asexual turned into a guide that many readers can use. It’s very informative and I definitely recommend it for anyone that might want to learn or might be questioning their own identity.