Since Book Riot is all about reading harder, we think no student should leave high school without reading a few books written by people of color. Therefore, we bring forth this list of books for 12th graders from authors of color, because no excuse shall prosper against diversifying your reading lists.
Contemporary Fiction for 12th Graders
The following are books for 12 graders of the here and now, with several books about the experience of being 17.
Historical Fiction for 12th Graders
For the 12th grade history buffs, there is plenty of YA historical fiction about young women of color. Camino Rios loves summer because it means her father is coming to visit from the Dominican Republic. On the day he is supposed to arrive, Camino is instead met at the airport by a crowd of crying people. At school, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office, where her mother is waiting with terrible news: Yahaira’s papi has died in a plane crash. Separated by distance and secrets, two girls are forced into a new reality that will forever change their lives, but when it seems like they’ve lost everything of their father, they learn of each other. There is also the real world, beyond Maya’s control, where her life has been turned upside down in the aftermath of a horrific crime perpetrated hundreds of miles away. Now, her community has become unrecognizable as neighbors and classmates become consumed with bigotry, hatred, and fear. Despite it all, Maya must channel her inner strength and determine where she truly belongs.
Must-Read Nonfiction Books for 12th Graders
Although not specifically YA nonfiction, these are must-read nonfiction books for 12th graders preparing for life in “The Real World.” Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields, derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, the Native and Negro Reeducation Act requires that certain children attend combat school to learn how to put down the dead. For Jane, not even being the daughter of a wealthy White Southerner could save her from society’s expectations. Training to become an Attendant, one trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the wealthy, is not the life Jane wants. Upon completing Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set to return to her Kentucky home. When families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in a conspiracy that finds her in a desperate fight for her life where the restless dead are the least of her problems.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Books for 12th Graders
All the 12th graders will be yelling SFF, Yeah! with these sci-fi and fantasy books for teen readers. Wes couldn’t shake the unsettling coincidence. After following the story from the manhunt to the trial, he wrote a letter to the other Wes, now serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. That letter led to the two men corresponding over dozens of letters and prison visits. Wes discovered his life was not unlike that of the other Wes. Both grew up in similar neighborhoods and experienced difficult childhoods, but circumstances would lead them to different destinies. The references may seem dated since You’re So Money was published over a decade ago, but the principles still apply. Also, there’s plenty of current money advice on Torabi’s award-winning podcast, So Money.
YA Mysteries for 12th Graders
Looking for contemporary books for 12th graders with chills and thrills written by people of color? Look no further than these YA mysteries!
YA Romance Books for 12th Graders
Where are the high school seniors looking for love? We have the books that fit the bill with some must-read romcoms for 12th graders. Before this, Enchanted was an aspiring singer, struggling with her family’s recent move to the suburbs where she is now the only Black girl in her new high school. Then legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots her at an audition, and Enchanted’s dream of becoming a professional singer feels possible. Initially, Enchanted is dazzled by Korey’s luxurious lifestyle, but behind Korey’s charm lies a dark side. Now Korey’s dead, the police are asking questions, and all signs point to Enchanted. Grown hits shelves on September 15, 2020. While waiting for this highly-anticipated mystery, check out Jackson’s previous critically-acclaimed YA mystery Monday’s Not Coming about Claudia’s search to find her missing friend Monday. Need more must-read YA books for 12th graders? Listen to the Hey YA! Podcast and check out the Best YA Books of Summer 2020! Laura Dean is the most popular girl in high school and Frederica (Freddy) Riley’s dream girl. The problem is Laura Dean is not the best girlfriend. Reeling from the latest break up, Freddy’s best friend, Doodle, introduces Freddy to a mysterious medium who gives some simple advice: “Break up with her.” That’s easier said than done because Laura Dean keeps coming back, and Freddy can’t resist her charm. As their relationship continues to spiral, Freddy begins to wonder if it’s Laura Dean who is the problem, especially as Freddy starts losing friends like Doodle, who she needs now more than ever. Told in dual viewpoints, Tell Me How You Really Feel is an edgy YA novel inspired by classic romcoms about two strong-willed young women falling for one another despite their best efforts.
