13 Must-Read Young Adult Novels by Latinx Authors

It doesn't really matter how old you are: young adult novels are a whole lot of fun to read. The genre has come a very long way since many of us were preteens and teens. In fact, many Latinx authors are taking advantage of the moment and telling their stories through a lens geared towards a younger audience, but that's often as impactful and entertaining for full-fledged grown-ups as well. We've found ourselves endlessly impressed with the literature coming from authors like Elizabeth Acevedo and Elisabet Velasquez, and we're so thankful that there's a huge space in the genre for both established and up-and-coming Latinx authors. These stories not only have the power to help us feel seen, but they also have the power to expose individuals who aren't Latinx to our unique perspectives from a young age, and that's what representation is all about.

So here, we're sharing 13 must-read books by Latinx authors from the young adult genre that we think should be on every Latinx book nerd's to-read list. Some are a few years old while others are new in 2021, but they all have an interesting story to tell: from those that echo real life to the most fantastical tales. So, take a peek and then head to your local bookstore, a public library, or your favorite online retailer to support these talented Latinx authors.