This Valentine’s Day, ally yourself with coming-of-age novels that celebrate young love in all its forms. M. E. Kerr and Tom Lennon, crusaders in LGBT young adult fiction, portray teen romance across decades, continents, and cultures. They explore both gay and straight relationships, as well as the platonic and familial ones that exist alongside them. Kerr and Lennon capture the joy, turmoil, and heartache of youthful lust and affection. Check out our recommendations below and fall for compelling depictions of teen love this Valentine’s Day.
When Love Comes to Town by Tom Lennon
Neil Byrne struggles with coming out in Dublin, Ireland, in the 1990s. A rugby player with plenty of friends, he navigates when and with whom to share his true self. With the support of his sister, his friend Becky, and some new friends and love interests, he begins the difficult journey of becoming comfortable in his own skin for the first time.
Deliver Us from Evie by M. E. Kerr
Parr Burrman is a teen growing up on a farm in Missouri. He grapples with the discovery of his older sister’s relationship with the wealthy Patsy Duff, the gossip among his peers, and his crush’s homophobic family. Kerr’s novel follows Parr’s path to supporting his sister, including both his shameful and courageous moments.
The romantic life of Erick Rudd is tumultuous: He’s dating the perfect girl but is also involved with his best friend’s girlfriend, the gorgeous Nicki Marr. Then, his world is turned upside down when he discovers that his brother is living with AIDS in New York. Erick must cope with Pete’s illness, the reactions of his parents, and his own relationships in Night Kites.
Someone Like Summer by M. E. Kerr
In a resort town in Long Island, Annabel and Esteban find forbidden love during the time of the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina. Esteban is an illegal immigrant from Colombia, hired by Annabel’s father. Both families object to the teenagers’ romance as the two test love against class status and prejudice.
Lang Penner spends a summer in the Hamptons missing his boyfriend, Alex, and becoming infatuated with a French girl named Huguette. While his mother works for a legendary rock star, Lang discovers new versions of love as he builds on his relationships with those around him.