'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This book has literally changed my life. The writing is so simplistic, yet so utterly beautiful. It's a story about two Mexican- American boys (Ari and Dante) set in the late 1980s. It's about their journey to learning more about themselves and their identities. The story struck such a nerve with me and, if you were to pick up any books on this list, I strongly suggest getting this one.
'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas
Another beautiful, beautiful story with such an important message. Starr, the main character, goes to a party one night until they hear gunshots. Her childhood best friend, Kahlil, offers her a ride home. They catch up on the drive until they are pulled over by a cop who then unrightfully shoots Khalil just because he's black. This book tells the story of Starr finding her voice and speaking up about this injustice. Not just for Khalil, but for everyone like Khalil. And for everyone like her. And for all minority groups who have been silenced by fear. It is such an amazing, empowering story that everyone needs to read. Plus, the movie is coming out soon (October 19, 2018).
'Leah on the Offbeat' by Becky Albertalli
You might have heard of the film Love, Simon which is based off of the book Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda also by Becky Albertalli. This book is the sequel to that. A lot of people don't like this book, but I disagree. One, you have all your favorite characters from the first book back and you get so see how their lives have changed from the events that occurred in Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda. Two, it has wlw representation, which is hardly ever shown in YA literally lest it be a heartbreaking story or overtly sexualized. Three, happy endings! Is that a spoiler? If it is, it's a good one because who doesn't love a happy ending? I highly, highly suggest you pick this up (especially if you read and loved Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda.)
'The Inexplicable Logic of My Life' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Ending off the list with another Benjamin Alire Sáenz book because he's my favorite author of all time and the books he writes are so incredible and important. This one is set in the modern day and focuses on a boy named Sal. He was adopted into a very Mexican family by his father and it's about him growing up and learning more about himself as a person. It deals with grief and loss while also being quite lighthearted at certain points. One of my favorite aspects is, while Sal is the main character, it also focuses in on the lives of people around him. How his father deals with being a gay man who is raising a child on his own. How his best friend, Sam, deals with her home life. How his grandmother deals with her cancer coming back. It's so beautifully written and has some great life lessons scattered throughout the story.
If you are looking for a new book to read then I highly, highly recommend picking one of these up. They all have extremely important messages that are very relevant to this day and age. It doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, gay, straight; everyone should read these books and everyone should partake in the wisdom they have to offer us. I wholeheartedly believe that someday in the future these books will be considered classics. The messages they give don’t even begin to compare to any other book I’ve ever read. I hope they change your life as they have changed mine.
About the Creator
king alex
hello! I write book reviews, recommendations, and the occasional short story
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