'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' is a great pick. It tells the story of Simon, a high - school student who is gay and trying to navigate his identity while also dealing with a blackmail situation related to his emails about his crush. It's a really relatable story for young adults.
'They Both Die at the End' by Adam Silvera has elements of gay love. The story focuses on two boys, Rufus and Mateo, who find out they are going to die on the same day. As they spend their last day together, a bond forms between them that has undertones of romantic love. It's a unique take on love within a rather dark premise.
'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' has elements of a realistic gay love story. Charlie's experiences in high school include his friendship with Patrick, who is gay. The book beautifully shows the complexity of their relationship, the acceptance, and the love that exists within their friendship circle. It's a story that touches on many aspects of growing up, not just the gay relationship but also mental health and self - acceptance.
I highly recommend 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell. It's a sweet love story set in the 1980s. The two main characters, Eleanor and Park, are from different backgrounds. Their relationship develops gradually as they share their love for music and comics. It's a simple yet touching story that captures the essence of first love and growing up.
Another good one is 'Speak' by Laurie Halse Anderson. It deals with the difficult topic of a high school girl who has been raped and her journey to find her voice again. It's very real and raw, and it shows how hard it can be for a young person to face such a trauma. The writing is powerful and it has helped many young adults who have gone through similar situations.
One characteristic is that they often deal with real - life issues relevant to young adults like friendship, first love, family problems, and school - related stress. For example, in 'Speak', it focuses on the protagonist's struggle in school after a bad experience. Another is that the characters are usually in their teens or early twenties, making it easy for young readers to relate to. They also tend to have a contemporary setting, reflecting the current world that young adults live in.
'The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue' also fits the bill. It has a historical setting and the main character, Monty, is on a journey with his best friend (who he has feelings for) and his sister. It has adventure, humor, and a lovely slow - burn gay love story.
Another great one is 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han. Lara Jean writes love letters to all the boys she has loved but never sent them. When the letters get out, her life, especially her love life, gets turned upside down in a really interesting way.
Some good non - realistic fiction books for young adults include 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. This book presents a dystopian society with a thought - provoking concept. 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle is also a classic. It takes readers on a journey through space and time, exploring themes of good vs. evil. 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green, while dealing with real - life issues like cancer, also has elements of non - realistic fiction in the way the characters' stories unfold and their relationships are portrayed.
One popular one is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. It's about two teenagers with cancer who fall in love. Another is 'Looking for Alaska' by the same author, which follows a boy's experiences at boarding school.
The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green is a popular one. It's a story about two teenagers with cancer falling in love. 'Thirteen Reasons Why' by Jay Asher is also good. It deals with issues like bullying and teen suicide.
'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell is also a wonderful choice. It tells the story of two misfit teenagers who fall in love on the school bus. The book beautifully captures the awkwardness, the first love, and the family issues that many young adults can relate to.