Which Mermaid YA Books Have LGBTQ+ Representation?

I’ve been thrilled by the growing LGBTQ+ representation in recent releases. One standout is 'The Girl from the Sea' by Molly Knox Ostertag, a graphic novel with a heartwarming sapphic romance set against a mystical coastal backdrop. Another gem is 'The Darkness Outside Us' by Eliot Schrefer, a sci-fi thriller with a gripping m/m romance that explores isolation and connection in deep space. For contemporary fans, 'The Passing Playbook' by Isaac Fitzsimons delivers a touching story about a transgender soccer player navigating identity and first love. 'Cemetery Boys' by Aiden Thomas remains a favorite, blending Latinx culture, ghostly magic, and a tender trans love story. These books not only entertain but also validate diverse experiences, making them essential reads for 2024.

The allure of mermaids in YA literature is irresistible, and I've devoured so many over the years! One standout is 'The Siren' by Kiera Cass, which blends romance and mythology with a hauntingly beautiful underwater world. The protagonist’s struggle between duty and desire feels achingly real, and Cass’s lyrical prose makes every page shimmer like sunlight on waves. Another gem is 'Deep Blue' by Jennifer Donnelly, the first in the 'Waterfire Saga.' It’s packed with political intrigue, sisterhood, and epic underwater battles. The world-building is lush—think Atlantis meets 'Game of Thrones,' but with mermaids. Donnelly doesn’t shy away from darker themes, which adds depth to the glittering scales and coral palaces. If you crave something darker, 'To Kill a Kingdom' by Alexandra Christo offers a twisted Little Mermaid retelling where the 'princess' is a killer siren. The enemies-to-lovers arc is deliciously tense, and the oceanic lore feels fresh despite its roots in familiar tales.

Hah, this thread got deep fast. I came for book recs and now I'm contemplating the nature of authentic human experience. Typical fandom rabbit hole.

I recently stumbled upon a vibrant discussion about diverse YA fantasy, and it got me digging into mermaid-themed books featuring Black protagonists. One standout is 'A Song Below Water' by Bethany C. Morrow—it blends contemporary fantasy with mermaid lore (sirens, technically) through the eyes of Tavia, a Black teen navigating identity and power in a world where mythical beings are real but marginalized. The magical realism and social commentary hit hard, and Tavia's voice feels so fresh and urgent. Another gem is 'The Deep' by Rivers Solomon, which reimagines mermaid mythology through the lens of underwater descendants of enslaved African women. It's poetic, haunting, and unlike anything else I've read. For lighter fare, 'Of Salt and Shore' by Annet Schaap has a biracial protagonist (though not strictly a mermaid) in a seaside fantasy with strong aquatic themes. I love how these stories weave cultural heritage into the lore—like how 'The Deep' draws from the historical Middle Passage. It’s thrilling to see Black girls centered in tales where the ocean isn’t just a backdrop but a source of ancestral strength. If you’re into audiobooks, the narration for 'A Song Below Water' is phenomenal—full of emotional grit and humor.

I’ve come across several YA novels with LGBTQ+ representation that left a lasting impression. One that stands out is 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli. It’s a heartwarming and humorous story about Simon, a closeted gay teenager, navigating high school while secretly exchanging emails with an anonymous classmate. The novel captures the anxiety and excitement of first love, as well as the challenges of coming out. The characters feel authentic, and the dialogue is sharp and relatable, making it a standout in contemporary YA. Another gem is 'Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe' by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. This beautifully written novel follows Aristotle, a loner, and Dante, a boy with a unique perspective on life, as they form an unlikely friendship that blossoms into something deeper. The prose is poetic, and the emotional depth of the story is staggering. It explores themes of identity, family, and love with a tenderness that’s rare in YA literature. The slow burn of their relationship feels incredibly real, and the ending is both satisfying and poignant. For those who enjoy fantasy, 'Cemetery Boys' by Aiden Thomas is a must-read. The story centers on Yadriel, a trans boy determined to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family by summoning a ghost. Instead, he accidentally summons Julian, a bad boy who refuses to leave until he solves the mystery of his death. The book blends humor, romance, and supernatural elements seamlessly, while also tackling serious themes like acceptance and self-discovery. The chemistry between Yadriel and Julian is electric, and the cultural representation adds richness to the narrative. If you’re into darker, more atmospheric stories, 'The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue' by Mackenzi Lee is a fantastic choice. Set in 18th-century Europe, it follows Monty, a bisexual lord, on a grand tour that turns into a wild adventure. The book is packed with wit, historical intrigue, and a slow-burn romance between Monty and his best friend, Percy. The exploration of race, disability, and sexuality in a historical context is handled with nuance, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Lastly, 'Felix Ever After' by Kacen Callender is a powerful coming-of-age story about Felix, a Black trans boy grappling with identity and love. When he becomes the target of transphobic harassment, he sets out for revenge but ends up discovering more about himself than he expected. The book is raw, emotional, and ultimately uplifting, with a romance that feels earned and authentic. It’s a story about self-acceptance and the messy, beautiful journey of figuring out who you are.

Ever since I was a kid, the idea of mermaids felt weirdly limiting—all that ocean, but so many stories just had them sitting on rocks combing their hair. It's why 'The Girl from the Sea' by Molly Knox Ostertag hit me so hard. It's a graphic novel about a selkie, technically, but the coastal magic and the need to hide a true self felt like the mermaid narrative I'd been craving. The protagonist, Morgan, is trying to figure out her own identity and her first queer relationship, and the selkie girl, Keltie, literally holds the key to her freedom. The strength here is quiet, internal, and about choosing your own family. On the complete other end of the spectrum, there's 'Deep Blue' by Jennifer Donnelly. It's the start of a series with a full-on underwater empire, political intrigue, and a prophecy. The protagonist, Serafina, is a princess who has to become a leader overnight when her kingdom is attacked. It's packed with action and world-building—think magical talismans and sisterhoods of warriors. The strength is in her resilience and her willingness to learn how to fight, both politically and physically, to protect her people. It's definitely more plot-heavy and adventurous than the quieter, coming-of-age stories.

I just finished rereading the 'Waterfire Saga' by Jennifer Donnelly and it's such a solid bet for this. The world-building is surprisingly political, with different undersea realms at war, which gives it more weight than a simple romance. The main character, Serafina, starts off pretty sheltered and has to grow into her power, which really works for the coming-of-age feel. It's got that classic quest structure but underwater, and the magic system tied to song spells is genuinely clever. I liked that the romance was present but didn't completely overshadow the plot about stopping an ancient evil. The series is complete too, which is a plus—no waiting years for a finale that might disappoint. Another one I'd throw in is 'The Lost Voices' trilogy by Sarah Porter. This one is darker. The mermaids here are girls who have suffered and been transformed, and they're kind of vengeful, luring ships to crash. The moral ambiguity of the protagonist, Luce, torn between her new family and her human past, makes it a more complex read. It's less about glittery tails and more about the haunting, almost monstrous side of the mythology. It's not a comfortable read, but it's memorable and different from the pack.