In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, and in recognition of National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11), we’ve put together a list of books written by LGBTQ+ identifying Hispanic authors.
Our list includes “Cemetery Boys” by Aiden Thomas, the first openly transgender author to make the New York Times bestseller list. There are stories about acceptance, learning life lessons and finding love in “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” and “They Both Die at the End.” Meanwhile, Carmen Maria Machado’s memoir, “In the Dream House,” and “Born Both: An Intersex Life” by Hida Viloria provide personal perspectives.
If you’re into mystery, adventure, romance or coming-of-age stories, our list may have the perfect book for you.
Credit: Courtesy Swoon Reads
Credit: Courtesy Swoon Reads
‘Cemetery Boys’ by Aiden Thomas
Yadreil sets out to prove himself as a “brujo,” witch, after his family refuses to accept his true gender. The gay transgender teen teams up with his cousin, Maritza, to perform a ritual to call upon a family member who had been murdered. However, something goes wrong, and the ghost of a former classmate, Julian Diaz, is summoned. Despite his best efforts, Yadreil can’t get rid of the ghost, and sets out to figure out the mystery behind his death. (Swoon Reads, $17.99)
Credit: Courtesy of Penguin Random House
Credit: Courtesy of Penguin Random House
‘Juliet Takes a Breath’ by Gabby Rivera
Juliet Milagros Palante comes out to her family just as she’s leaving the Bronx to start an internship in Portland, Oregon, with the author of her favorite book. Not sure what the future holds, Juliet heads to the West Coast, eager to learn more about her identity as a Puerto Rican lesbian. The summer turns out to be a series of adventures for Juliet, who winds up learning about herself, and her capacity to embrace the world around her. (Penguin Random House, $10.99)
Credit: Courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers
Credit: Courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers
‘They Both Die at the End’ by Adam Silvera
Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio find out they are going to die on Sept. 5, and don’t want to experience their last day alone. The two strangers find each other on an app called Last Friends and decide to meet up for one last adventure. (HarperCollins Publishers, $10.39)
Credit: Courtesy of Graywolf Press
Credit: Courtesy of Graywolf Press
‘In the Dream House’ by Carmen Maria Machado
In her memoir, author Carmen Maria Machado details her experience surviving an abusive same-sex relationship. Machado gives readers a glimpse into her life and religious upbringing and discusses stereotypes surrounding lesbian relationships. (Graywolf Press, $26)
Credit: Courtesy: Simon & Schuster
Credit: Courtesy: Simon & Schuster
‘Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe’ by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Two Mexican American teens, Aristotle and Dante, don’t have much in common when they meet at a swimming pool in El Paso, Texas, but that changes with time. Aristotle is a loner who is dealing with anger issues after his brother goes to prison, while Dante is a bit of a know-it-all. The two slowly form a close friendship and a close bond that leads them on a journey of self-discovery. (Simon & Schuster, $14.99)
Credit: Courtesy: HarperCollins Publishers
Credit: Courtesy: HarperCollins Publishers
‘We Set the Dark on Fire’ by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Daniela Vargas has two career paths to choose from when she graduates from Medio School for Girls: She can run a household or raise children. Both paths offer protection from a brewing uprising of the lower classes. However, after graduation, Daniela gets presented with a third option: She can spy for a resistance group and help bring equality to her community. (HarperCollins Publishers, $10.99)
Credit: Courtesy: Hachette Books
Credit: Courtesy: Hachette Books
‘Born Both: An Intersex Life’ by Hida Viloria
Hida Viloria was born intersex, and grew up in a turbulent household as a girl. At 26, Viloria learns the term “intersex” while reading a newspaper. (The term describes people born with genitalia, chromosomes or reproductive organs that don’t fit typical definitions for males or females.) Soon after, Viloria became an activist, and begins working to shine a light on the intersex community. In this autobiography, Viloria explores themes of gender identity, gender fluidity and self-love. (Hachette Books, $29)
Credit: Courtesy: The Feminist Press at CUNY
Credit: Courtesy: The Feminist Press at CUNY
‘Fiebre Tropical’ by Julián Delgado Lopera
Francisca is a 15-year-old Colombian girl who moves to Miami with her mom, and she is miserable adjusting to life in a new city. Things start to turn around for Francisca when she meets Carmen, the pastor’s daughter at an evangelical church her mom attends. As the pair gets closer, Francisca starts falling in love with Carmen, as she tries to cope with her mom’s failing mental state and grandmother’s alcoholism. (The Feminist Press at CUNY, $17.95)
Paradise Afshar is a Report for America corps member covering metro Atlanta’s immigrant communities.
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