When looking for diverse reads, it is important to consider intersectional perspectives within the stories we are reading. Throughout all of society, many identities intersect to create the unique composition that we live in today. For intersectional representation, we typically look for characters or narratives where more than one historically marginalized identity merges. For example, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, sexuality, ability, etc., are all examples of potential marginalized identities that could intersect. Below are some recommendations for great books that contain at least one intersectional character.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Probably one of the best-known YA fantasy books, Six of Crows follows six main characters Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Wylan, Nina, and Mattias, who are all outcasts thrown together to pull off an impossible heist that will make them rich beyond their wildest dreams — if they survive. Every character brings a unique skill or asset, and Bardugo incorporates many complex intersectional identities with naunce and care. While these intersectional experiences are important to their identities, it’s not the sole aspect of their character or the plot. Jesper is a queer and Black, something that never causes any contention within the plot. Nina is bisexual and plus-sized. Kaz suffers from chronic pain from an injury he sustained when he was younger, yet he avoids the pitfalls of “curing” his disability. Overall, this is a great cast and their diversity feels very natural.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
This YA historical romance is set in 1954 San Francisco’s Chinatown during the height of the Red Scare. Lily Hu knows she’s different, but she isn’t sure why. Not until she discovers the Telegraph Club, a sapphic safe haven. Even if she’s one of the few Asian faces there, it gives her the space to discover her own sexuality. It’s here she meets Kathleen Miller, and a tentative romance blossoms amidst the dangers of their interracial and same sex relationship. Lily’s father is also at risk of deportation, despite his citizenship. How can Lily navigate a world that is against her at every turn? The book features a lesbian woman of color — two intersectional identities that we need more of in fiction.
Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
Jack’s life seems to be on track. He’s about to graduate from high school when he meets Kate at a house party while visiting the college, where he is attending in the fall. Their fateful encounter starts a month-long romance. But as their romance blossoms, Kate’s life tragically ends, leaving Jack devastated. Her death sends Jack back to the moment it all started, when she’s still alive and healthy. Jack must navigate this new reality, even if it means believing in time-travel to save the woman he loves. Not only is this a great twist on a YA contemporary, but it also stars two Black characters. Additionally, Kate suffers from a chronic illness (sickle cell anemia).
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
Aoki turns sci-fi on its head in this joyful saphhic novel about aliens, donuts, devils, and love. The novel follows Shizuka Satomi, who made a deal with he devil to find seven violin prodigies and sacrifice their souls to escape eternal damnation. She already has six, and Katrina Nguyen, a trans girl running away from home, will be her seventh. When Shizuka meets Lan Tran, an interstellar refugee and retired pilot, she must rethink the value of a soul and ask herself if love is strong enough to break her curse. This story is equal parts heart and heartbreak featuring an amazing POC trans girl.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Yadriel is determined to prove to his traditional Latinx family that he is a real brujo. To do so, he, alongside his best friend and cousin Maritza, performs the ritual and finds the ghost of his murdered cousin and sets it free. Instead of summoning the ghost of his cousin, Julian Diaz emerges, the school’s “bad boy,” but he isn’t so eager to leave. Reluctantly, Yadriel decides to help him, but the more he gets to know, the more he wants Julian to stay. Again, this is another fantastic book with a trans protagonist steeped in Latinx culture and heritage.
Darius the Great is Not Okay Adib Khorram
Darius Kellner doesn’t feel American or Persian enough, but he’s about to take the first trip to Iran to meet with his mom’s side of the family. While he is there, he meets Sohrab, the boy next door, who could be his first real friend. He makes sure to speak English around Darius so he can understand what’s going on and get him a real Iranian National Football Team jersey. He also calls him Darioush, the person version of his name. But when it’s time to go home to America, he must find out how to be Darioush all on his own. Khorram expertly depicts the coming of age, embracing one’s heritage and family dynamics, all while struggling with mental health.
The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
Every city has a unique soul. But New York, she’s got five. Every borough has an avatar: Brooklyn, Bronca, Aisyln, Padmini, and Manny. All are varying races, identities, and creeds, and must come together as a one unified New York if they are to defeat the Lovecraftian xenophobic tentacle monsters that are infected New Yorkers. N.K. Jemisin is the author of the Broken Earth trilogy, among many others, and is one of the critical voices of the fantasy genre. Almost every character in The City We Became is a person of color and/or queer, reminding readers the power of diversity in the face of adversity and injustice.
Who are some of your favorite intersectional characters or books with intersectional characters? Have you read any of these? Let us know on our socials!
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Check out our Hispanic/Latinx Recommendations shelf on Bookshop!
