Like A Love Story by Abdi Nazemian is set in 1989 New York City as three diverse teen friends come of age and come to terms with the AIDS crisis. Reza is a closeted Iranian immigrant fearful of having his sexuality discovered by his traditional family. Susan is an aspiring fashion designer. Art is the only out and proud kid at their school. Reza falls for Art but starts dating Susan instead, with predictable results. Can Reza break up without losing his friend in the process? Susan's gay uncle provides a connection to the crisis unfolding around them, as he takes to the streets in a desperate fight against the disease that's killing him, yet still managing to mentor the kids. Award-winning author Nazemian is an immigrant, and he captures Reza's struggles as a young man trying to find acceptance at the intersection of culture and sexuality. (HarperCollins)
Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan is about a girl in a dancing hot dog suit who is trying to find the pirate -- or is it princess? -- of her dreams. Elouise "Lou" Parker got a job at the Magic Castle Playground to get closer to Nick, the diving pirate. But Nick is dating another coworker, the princess. Eventually, Lou realizes she's stopped crushing on the pirate and started crushing on the princess in his arms. Author Dugan is pansexual and pens the type of books that would have helped her come to terms with her own sexuality. Her characters never lay flat on the page. They are imperfect, but only because they are trying to deal with messy issues of trust and past trauma. Dugan has written a rom-com with depth that will help bi and questioning readers understand they are not alone. (Penguin Young Reader)
Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand takes a murder mystery and suspense thriller and throws in a little romance. The town of Sawrock Island is a dangerous place for young girls of color who disappear, their bodies never discovered. The locals blame a serial killer, The Collector, but is the town hiding something more sinister? Mariah is an awkward new girl weighed down by personal tragedy. Zoey is a lonely social pariah. Val is a beautiful, ruthless, and privileged queen bee. Together, they team up to solve the mystery everyone fears but nobody addresses. Sawkill Girls is unflinching (and includes assault, abuse, self-harm). Legrand is just as honest in her portrayals of her characters dealing with issues of trust, perception, and identity. Sawkill Girls keeps readers on the edge of their seats from first page to the last. (HarperCollins)
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is the story of hidden love at the highest levels of power and society. Alex goes to Georgetown University but still lives at home with his mother -- who happens to be President of the United States. As the centuries-old relationship between the U.S. and U.K. is thrown into question, the country's first son has to make nice with his nemesis, Prince Henry. As the pair are forced together for the cameras, they find themselves becoming far closer than they would ever have anticipated. Alex had always dreamed of a fairy tale romance, but what will the tabloids say if they ever find out -- and how will that impact his mother's reelection bid? McQuiston's penned a winning debut that rings of authenticity around the trappings of power and the love that can hit when least expected. (St. Martin's Press)
