The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

Through the archive, you’ll find monthly new release articles, themed lists, and more. To explore this year’s YA releases in greater depth, visit the Young Adult Literature archives here on Book Riot.

While this list can’t capture every YA book released this year worth checking out - and there are so many worth reading - Book Riot has plenty more resources. You’ll find plenty here to read and recommend. Included in this list are books from a variety of genres including contemporary, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and post-apocalyptic. And for books you have read this year, now’s an excellent time to revisit them. For those you haven’t read before, look for them at your local library or bookstore. This list rounds up 15 notable YA releases from this past year.

2022 has been a year full of remarkable book releases, with plenty by debut as well as established authors to check out. Until, that is, looking back on the books released this year. Agent: Alexandra Levick, Writers House.It’s hard to believe that 2022 is coming to a close. As the narrative vulnerably tackles difficult subjects such as intolerant religious institutions and living with mental illness, Yami’s sardonic voice adds levity and heart. Reyes’s hopeful debut excels in its honest depiction of family dynamics, highlighting Yami’s sense of responsibility for Cesar and her loving but tense relationship with her mother. But if Yami wants to maintain her relationship with her mother, getting to know another lesbian, let alone dating one, isn’t an option.

Slayton’s only bright spot is outspoken Chinese American lesbian Bo Taylor, the only openly queer person at school. But Slayton Catholic presents new problems: her mother expects Yami to watch over her younger brother Cesar, who is navigating depression the student body is overwhelmingly white and it’s difficult to keep her re-closeted mouth shut around the homophobia that’s seemingly baked into the curriculum. Luckily, her mother didn’t find out, and since no one at her new school knows she’s queer, Yami plans to keep it that way. Transferring to a new school should mean a fresh start for 16-year-old Mexican American lesbian Yamilet Flores, one that she desperately needs after being outed at her old school by her crush and ex-best-friend.

The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes