Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Love. It’s one of the forces that drives and affects us throughout our lives, but especially when we are young. Love takes many forms. For a young person, the love of a caregiver and family is key. There’s the love between friends, as the idea of “found family” starts to form. For teens, there is often a first romantic love.

That first love can feel raw and all-consuming, especially when adults dismiss it. But romantic love in teens is powerful and can influence their outlook on romance for much of their lives. For Black teens, who are often bombarded with negative messages directed at or about them, the experience of first love can be a warm, happy place in a confusing world where they otherwise may feel the need to keep their guard up.

These 12 recent YA titles celebrate romantic Black love in many forms, in different periods of history, and in real and fantasy realms. They include humor, queer love, and paranormal/sci-fi encounters, expanding the much-needed diversity within the romance genre. Black YA romance books share not just stories of struggle but also stories of joy. These are tales of self-determination, resilience, empowerment, and connection. The characters and situations in these dozen novels are broad, but one theme unites them—love.

BOU-MONTES, Louangie. Till the Last Beat of My Heart. HarperCollins. 2024. ISBN 9780063296725.
Gr 8 Up–Jaxon, a gay Afro-Latine teen, has always lived right next to death in his family’s funeral home. And then one day, he accidentally resurrects his ex-best friend and first love, Christian. As Jaxon navigates his newfound necromantic abilities, he and Christian uncover secrets about his family’s dark powers while racing to keep Christian alive. A combo of supernatural intrigue with a heartfelt romance explores themes of love, heritage, and learning about one’s self. Perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of romance, magic, and mystery in a richly imagined setting.

BROPHY, Aislinn. Spells to Forget Us. Putnam. 2024. ISBN 9780593354551.
Gr 9 Up–In this enchanting urban fantasy, Luna, a powerful young witch destined to lead Boston’s Witch Council, meets Aoife, a non-magical girl seeking an escape from her influencer family’s spotlight. As their romance unfolds, a memory spell (meant to erase their connection if they part) goes awry, leaving them in a cycle of forgetting and rediscovering each other. Brophy weaves themes of love, identity, and fate in this inventive story, exploring how relationships shape us in ways even magic can’t alter. A spellbinding exploration of second chances and self-realization, for fans of teen romantasy.

BRYANT, Elise. Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray. 2023. ISBN 9780063212992.
Gr 8 Up–A heartwarming romance told through dual perspectives. Delilah, a biracial teen navigating a new private school, reluctantly finds herself the lead singer of a punk band, while Reggie, a thoughtful Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast, grapples with his own insecurities. Their paths cross on major holidays throughout the year, sparking a connection that grows with each encounter. During these two journeys of self-discovery, Delilah learns to embrace her own voice and Reggie confronts his self-doubt. With themes of identity, courage, and authenticity, this tender story celebrates young love’s messy, beautiful complexity.

CLAYTON, Dhonielle, Tiffany Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk & Nicola Yoon. Whiteout. HarperCollins/Quill Tree. 2022. ISBN 9780063088146.
Gr 8 Up–Set amid a rare Atlanta snowstorm, this story follows Stevie, a young scientist whose theory on love threatens her relationship with her girlfriend, Sola. To win her back, Stevie enlists friends to help pull off a grand romantic gesture, with each of them navigating their own romantic journeys. Crafted by an all-star team of YA authors, this novel brings together laughter, heartfelt confessions, and the warmth of Black teen love. Complete with vibrant characters and interwoven tales of connection, it’s a cozy, feel-good romance celebrating friendship, self-realization, and enduring love.

FOLLMUTH, Alexene Farol. Twelfth Knight. Tor Teen. 2024. ISBN 9781250884893.
Gr 9 Up–A lively modern twist on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Viola “Vi” Reyes, student vice president and gamer, finds solace in her MMORPG, Twelfth Knight, where she plays under a male persona. But when student body president and football star Jack “Duke” Orsino, sidelined by an injury, unknowingly befriends Vi’s online character, things get a little complicated. As their virtual bond deepens, Vi contemplates revealing her identity. Follmuth’s novel explores gender dynamics in gaming, identity, and vulnerability, weaving a narrative of connection, self-acceptance, and navigating real-life relationships. A fresh, relatable retelling perfect for teens drawn to romance and online worlds.

HIBBERT, Talia. Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute. Random/Joy Revolution. 2023. ISBN 9780593482339.
Gr 9 Up–A charming enemies-to-lovers story between former friends Celine, a conspiracy theory enthusiast, and Bradley, a popular football player managing OCD. Paired in a wilderness survival course for a university scholarship, Celine and Bradley are forced to confront old misunderstandings and rediscover their connection. Filled with humor and sensitivity, this novel explores mental health, personal growth, and the joy and rewards of rekindled friendships. A witty, heartfelt read perfect for fans of nuanced romance and authentic character development.

LADELLE, Ebony. Love Radio. S. & S. 2022. ISBN 9781665908153.
Gr 9 Up–Set in Detroit, this story follows Prince Jones, a high school DJ known for his love advice on air, and Dani Ford, an aspiring writer healing from past trauma. Prince is determined to win Dani’s heart, saying he can make her fall for him in just three dates. As they navigate these dates, the teens explore love, family, and self-fulfillment, with Dani confronting her struggles and Prince balancing his family responsibilities. LaDelle’s debut is a heartfelt celebration of Black love, resilience, and ambition, drawing readers into an authentic portrayal of young romance, community, and creative dreams.

MCKINNEY, L.L. Escaping Mr. Rochester. HarperTeen. 2024. ISBN 9780062986269.
Gr. 9 Up–In this bold reimagining of Jane Eyre, McKinney places queer Black protagonists at the heart of the Gothic romance. Jane Eyre, 19 and newly hired as a governess at Thornfield Hall, soon finds herself intrigued by the brooding Mr. Rochester—unaware of his hidden imprisoned wife, Bertha Mason. Told through alternating perspectives, the story captures Jane and Bertha’s growing bond as they conspire to escape Rochester’s control. With its eerie setting, themes of resilience, and fiery female camaraderie, McKinney’s novel delivers an empowering sapphic twist on a classic.

MARQUIS, Krystal. The Davenports: More Than This. Dial. 2024. ISBN 9780593463369.
Gr 8 Up–Set in 1910s Chicago, this book continues the captivating story begun with The Davenports, as a wealthy Black family navigates love, ambition, and social expectations. Ruby Tremaine’s engagement is threatened by scandal, Olivia Davenport is torn between social justice and family pressures, Amy-Rose Shepherd dreams of opening her own salon while grappling with her love for John Davenport, and Helen Davenport finds herself drawn to an unlikely ally in a daring race-car driver. Inspired by the real-life Patterson family, Marquis’s novel richly portrays the complexities of early 20th-century Black society and the determination of young women redefining their futures.

MILLER, Keith F., Jr. Pritty. HarperCollins. 2023. ISBN 9780063264922.
Gr 10 Up–In Savannah, GA, Jay, a romantically inclined aspiring college student, feels invisible until he forms a connection with Leroy, whose family is entangled with the Black Diamonds—a gang dedicated to protecting their community. Jay and Leroy are navigating both family expectations and the pressures of identity. Their relationship grows as they face gang violence, systemic challenges, and personal insecurities. Miller’s powerful debut captures the complexities of Black queer boyhood, balancing suspense and heartfelt moments as the young men discover resilience and love amid community struggle. This is quite a thought-provoking exploration of friendship, family, and self for readers seeking a rich, nuanced portrayal of young love and social realities.

REYNOLDS, Jason. Twenty-Four Seconds from Now...: A LOVE Story. Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy. 2024. ISBN 9781665961271.
Gr 9 Up–Reynolds’s latest follows Neon, a Black teen who’s 24 seconds away from a big first with his girlfriend, Aria. As nerves and self-doubt kick in, Neon finds himself locked in her bathroom, revisiting the highs and lows of their two-year relationship. A story told in reverse, this heartfelt, humorous narrative explores intimacy, vulnerability, and respect, as Neon seeks cues from family, friends, and his own conscience. With Reynolds’s signature warmth and authenticity, this work delivers a refreshing, relatable portrayal of young Black love, emphasizing open communication, self-acceptance, and the importance of consent. An affirming novel for teens navigating relationships and self-discovery.

STONE, Nic. Chaos Theory. Crown. 2023. ISBN 9780593307700.
Gr 10 Up–In this deeply moving story, Shelbi, a brilliant teen managing bipolar disorder, and Andy, the son of a politician struggling with alcoholism and grief, are brought together. Their unexpected friendship provides a lifeline as each grapples with mental health and loss. With empathy and realism, this story navigates the challenges and stigma surrounding mental health, creating a powerful narrative of resilience, vulnerability, and hope. Stone’s honest portrayal of complex issues invites readers to reflect on the importance of connection and self-acceptance. An essential read for those seeking a heartfelt exploration of healing.

Ellen Williams is a doctoral student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a former children’s librarian. Florence Simmons is an associate editor at SLJ.