Elf Defence by Lisa Henry & Sarah Honey

The two elves in this book were hilarious and extra AF. I couldn’t think of any better characters to fill this prompt. They were constantly thinking about boning each other and came up with so many ridiculous quests and plans for social revolution. They were unabashedly queer and anti-establishment.

This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves

This book was so cathartic because I felt seen and a little less alone while reading it. The bi and mental health rep were both fantastic.

The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic by F.T. Lukens

The cover tells you everything you need to know about this book. It was funny and witty. I laughed so much while reading it.

The Thirteenth Hour by Trudie Skies

This gaslamp/portal fantasy had great characters and fascinating world-building. I really need to get around to reading the sequel.

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian

All of the main characters had to come to terms with difficult truths about themselves and each other. I loved how the author weaved this inter-generational story to show how each of the three boys’ decisions reached through time to impact the others. This is my favorite read of the year so far!

Into the Light by Mark Oshiro

This was a very uncomfortable read for me. It explored the horrors queer kids face when raised in Christian fundamentalist environments, as well as the challenges faced by homeless youth. It was also a beautiful story of found family, though, and it presented a timely and important message given the contemporary backlash against queer people and literature.