10 Queer YA Books That Need To Be Made Into Movies

These queer books need to be turned into movies ASAP!

More YA novels and movies are starting to bring more queer representation to the forefront, and we love to see it! That said, there is such a huge list of YA novels that have yet to see an on-screen adaptation, and we want more!

Here are 10 YA LGBT books that need movie adaptations of their own.

What If It's Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli

What If It’s Us is a novel by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli that gives off some serious Heartstopper vibes. It follows Arthur, who’s interning for his mom’s law firm in New York City, and Ben, who’s navigating his life post breakup. The two randomly meet at a post office one day and don’t exchange information, leaving them to search for each other in one of the world’s most popular cities. There’s also two books in this series, followed by Here’s to Us, and each would make for a fantastic on-screen rom-com — especially because it was already supposed to.

If I Can Give You That by Michael Gray Bulla

Author Michael Gray Bulla brings trans representation to the forefront in his 2003 novel, If I Can Give You That. It follows Gael Adams, a trans boy at a conservative Tennessean high school who’s welcomed into a new circle of open-minded friends by Declan O’Connor. As their friendship develops, Gael is caught between his burgeoning love, his mother’s declining mental health, and his father’s repeated attempts at suicide. Although this is a bit of a heavier plot, it still examines the importance of community and discovering your sexuality while navigating family crises.

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson follows Liz Lighty, who has always believed she was too black, too poor, and too awkward to shine in her small town of Campbell, Indiana. She has big plans to head to a fancy college, but when her financial aid falls through, her life falls apart. However, if she manages to become prom queen, she can secure the money she needs. However, the girl running against her, Mack, starts to get a different interest from Liz, making for a fun and lighthearted rom-com that deserves to be shown on screen.

Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann

This book features a Black, biromantic, asexual girl in college. Most people associate the young adult fiction and teen film genres with teenagers in high school, so having a YA film set in college would be really refreshing. The mature setting and frank coming-of-age storyline will resonate with older teens and college-aged youth!

Juliet Takes A Breath by Gabby Rivera

Although this book features a college-aged protagonist, the book isn't even set in a college. Instead, the book tells the story of a Puerto Rican lesbian on a journey of self discovery, taking place in the lower east side Bronx, Oregon, and Florida. These vastly different locations will be just as striking on screen as they are on the page, adding depth to the storyline and wonderful cast of characters.
 

Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde

Telling two different coming-of-age romances at a pop culture convention might be a bit of a challenge, but the large-scale environment would look pretty cool on screen. Not to mention, the film version of the book could unite geeks just as well as any convention could. 

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Abertalli

Considering the success of Love, Victor (and the subsequent Love, Simon), it's only fair that Leah on the Offbeat, its sequel, gets a chance to shine, too. Leah is Simon's best friend, and the story follows her various friendships and relationships, her struggle with her body image, coming to terms with her sexuality, and going off to college while feeling like an outsider.

Peter Darling by Austin Chant

Fairy tales have always been a powerful storytelling tool and this transgender retelling of Peter Pan is no exception. Having this book onscreen would be magical not just because of its fantastical setting, but also because it shows that there is no one way to grow up.

Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee

For those who have wanted queer superheroes onscreen, having this book be a movie would be a dream come true! Since this book contains a world where superheroes are the norm, a film could easily be The Incredibles meets Marvel comics, especially since it's part of a series. The first film could be about the bisexual Asian superhero Jess, while the second film could be adapted from the next book (which features a transgender Haitian superhero).

a + e 4ever by I. Mercy

Given that this graphic novel is about two genderqueer teens bonding through art and music, the film version could be similar to The Perks of Being a Wallflower. It would have a great soundtrack, the cinematography could amplify the drawings that the main characters create, and it could give off an early '00s, teen film vibe.