Aiden Thomas, author of Cemetery Boys, received their MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College. Born in Oakland, California, Aiden often haunted Mountain View Cemetery like a second home during their misspent youth. As a queer, trans Latinx, Aiden advocates strongly for diverse representation in all media. Aiden is notorious among their friends for always being surprised by twist endings to books/movies and organizing their bookshelves by color. When not writing, Aiden enjoys exploring the outdoors with their dog, Ronan. Their cat, Figaro, prefers to support their indoor hobbies, like reading and drinking too much coffee.
Dear Wendy (2024) Ann Zhao "Heartfelt and hilarious, DEAR WENDY shows how powerful and life-changing platonic love can be. Ann Zhao tenderly explores the importance of found family, queer platonic love, and the joy and comfort that comes with finding people who get you better than anyone else."
Darker by Four (2024) June CL Tan "With a brilliant mix of Chinese mythology, action, humor, and slow-burn romance, Darker By Four is a thrilling contemporary fantasy that breathes new life to the fantasy genre. If you're ready for an epic journey into a world where dark secrets unfold and the line between monsters and humanity blurs, Darker By Four awaits you!"
Icarus (2024) K Ancrum "Beautiful, brilliant, and bold, K. Ancrum proves once again that not only is she one of the best storytellers of this generation, but a true poet, as well. Icarus is the perfect blend of an exciting heist, poetic prose, and an aching romance between two star-crossed lovers. Absolutely unputdownable!"
Infinity Alchemist (2024) (Infinity Alchemist, book 1) Kacen Callender "Infinity Alchemist is a spellbinding, fast-paced and deeply romantic fantasy that thoughtfully explores the meaning of power, who is worthy of it, and what people are willing to do in its pursuit. Kacen Callender's diverse cast of queer and polyamorous characters provides some much-needed representation to the YA fantasy genre."
So Let Them Burn (2024) (Divine Traitors, book 1) Kamilah Cole "Dragons and gods, magic and power, So Let Them Burn is a thrilling epic about family, strength, and the real costs of war. Masterfully told, this exceptional debut is destined to be an instant classic for all adventure-filled fantasy fans. Truly DAZZLING, I am OBSESSED."
The Forest Demands Its Due (2023) Kosoko Jackson "An atmospheric horror mystery about refusing to be prey to the powerful monsters that are determined to swallow you whole. Jackson deftly explores what it means to truly end cycles of suffering and how the cruelest monsters are often not monsters at all."
Your Lonely Nights Are Over (2023) Adam Sass "Filled with high jinks both terrorizing and hilarious, Your Lonely Nights Are Over is the ultimate modern take on Scream but somehow gayer. Adam Sass combines a cutting teen voice with a grimly funny slasher that's somehow still heart-felt and touching. This book will have you laughing and hiding under the covers!"
I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me (2023) Jamison Shea "Cut-throat competition and eldritch horrors - of both the human and monstrous kind - collide headfirst in I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me. Gloriously haunting and darkly thrilling, Jamison Shea's words will leave you breathless."
Give Me a Sign (2023) Anna Sortino "Give Me a Sign is a charming story about fitting in, finding your community, and falling in love at summer camp. This heartwarming debut is a beautifully nuanced representation of Deaf culture and what it means to find your voice in a society that doesn't want to listen."
A Ruinous Fate (2023) (Witch's Dice, book 1) Kaylie Smith "A Ruinous Fate is filled with fantasy tropes you know and love, made all the richer with a diverse cast of magical beings. A story about the power of defying fate and fighting for the ones you love, this action-packed fantasy adventure and high stakes roll of the dice is like playing Dungeons Dragons with your best friends! I'm at the edge of my seat until book two!"
This Is Why They Hate Us (2022) Aaron H Aceves "Aceves is a breakout new voice in YA that's equal parts lyrical and hilarious. THIS IS WHY THEY HATE US is an earnest story full of heart and heartache that explores how terrifying it is to share every part of yourself with someone and the complexity of juggling multiple identities. THIS IS WHY THEY HATE US shows us how even though we may feel unlovable, we're all are deserving of love, without stipulations or needing to earn it."
Dauntless (2022) Elisa A Bonnin "An epic fantasy mixed with heart-pounding action and a touch of romance, Dauntless will ensnare readers until the very last page. Elisa A. Bonnin's rich world building and gorgeous prose will leave you tearing through chapters. The rich magic, thrilling action and jolting twists will leave you craving more!"
Bad at Love (2022) Gabriela Martins "An open-hearted exploration of loneliness and love, in both platonic and romantic relationships. Gabriela Martins does a wonderful job of balancing humor, turmoil and an achingly sincere romance against the backdrop of the vibrant LA music scene."
The Witchery (2022) (Witchery , book 1) S Isabelle "Meet your new favorite squad of witches! The Witchery by S. Isabelle is filled with dark magic, bewitching prose, and enchanting characters. It has everything I love in a book -- badass witches, a kiss of romance, and a touch of horror. Isabelle is powerful new voice in young adult fantasy and this is a debut you do not want to miss!"
We All Fall Down (2022) (River City Duology, book 1) Rose Szabo "We All Fall Down by Rose Szabo is a unique dark fantasy where science and magic coexist in an intricate game of cat and mouse. With a diverse cast of characters and prose that is equally gorgeous and haunting, We All Fall Down doesn't shy away from exploring the dark underbelly of society, humans, and creatures alike."
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School (2022) Sonora Reyes "The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes is a story about bravery, love, and so much more. It's about discovering what makes you feel most at home within yourself, and the comfort that comes with sharing those parts with the people you love, even when it's scary. With a sweet sapphic romance and fiercely loyal friends, this book is a warm, protective hug for teens who are fighting to be seen as themselves in a world that wants them to hide."
The Passing Playbook (2021) Isaac Fitzsimons "A big heart of a book about how acts of courage -- both small and large -- can be so empowering. It'll leave readers feeling both loved and hopeful."
Jay's Gay Agenda (2021) Jason June "The charming, funny, sex-positive book I wish I had read growing up."
Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun (2021) Jonny Garza Villa "Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun is the gay happily-ever-after romance I longed for as a teen! With its fun and refreshing voice, the book depicts a long-distance relationship that is sweet and incredibly authentic for teens nowadays. This book tackles the intense, nuanced struggles queer Latinx kids face with care and compassion. It’s a story of love, hope, and healing that we all need right now."
Blood Like Magic (2021) (Blood Like Magic, book 1) Liselle Sambury "With high stakes, big heart, and lots of Black Girl Magic, Blood Like Magic is everything you love about paranormal fantasy. The fast pace, painfully relatable characters, and incredible generational magic system makes Blood Like Magic unputdownable. Liselle Sambury left me with a massive book hangover that won’t be cured until I get the sequel!"
She's Too Pretty to Burn (2021) Wendy Heard "An anxiety-ridden ride as two girls' lives crash together through secrets, love and danger. There is masterful tension throughout the story as Mick and Veronica's lives pull and tangle together and they find themselves in over their heads and fighting for their lives. I burned through the final 50 pages, desperate to see how it ended and was left with literal goosebumps at the final lines. Captivating and stunningly visual, fans of Lauren Oliver's Panic will love this book and be hungry for more by Wendy Heard."
