Contemporary young adult literature is filled with hidden gems that often go unnoticed in the sea of bestsellers and popular series. These books may not always get the recognition they deserve, but they are definitely worth checking out for their unique premises, diverse characters, and thought-provoking themes. Here are twelve hidden gems in contemporary YA lit that you should add to your reading list:

1. “Bone Gap” by Laura Ruby – This magical realism novel tells the story of Finn, a teenage boy in a small town who must find his missing girlfriend. With elements of mystery and mythology, this book explores the complexities of perception and beauty.

2. “The Weight of Our Sky” by Hanna Alkaf – Set during the 1969 riots in Malaysia, this novel follows Melati, a Malaysian teen with OCD, as she navigates the chaos and violence of her country. This story offers a powerful look at mental illness and social injustice.

3. “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo – This novel-in-verse follows Xiomara, a Dominican-American teen with a passion for slam poetry. As she navigates her strict family and burgeoning love life, Xiomara discovers the power of her voice.

4. “The Astonishing Color of After” by Emily X.R. Pan – After her mother’s suicide, Leigh travels to Taiwan to meet her grandparents for the first time. This novel explores grief, family, and the connections that transcend life and death.

5. “Internment” by Samira Ahmed – In a near-future America, Muslim Americans are forced into internment camps. This powerful dystopian novel follows Layla, a teenage girl who must find the strength to fight back against injustice.

6. “A Blade So Black” by L.L. McKinney – This modern retelling of Alice in Wonderland follows Alice, a black teen from Atlanta who becomes a Dreamwalker, fighting Nightmares in the dark realm of Wonderland. With diverse characters and a thrilling plot, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy.

7. “You Should See Me in a Crown” by Leah Johnson – Liz Lighty dreams of escaping her small town by winning a scholarship to college. But when her plans fall apart, she decides to run for prom queen to secure the money she needs. This heartwarming and funny romance celebrates black joy and queer love.

8. “Opposite of Always” by Justin A. Reynolds – When Jack meets Kate at a party, he thinks he’s finally found the one. But when Kate dies, Jack gets the chance to relive their relationship over and over again. This time-traveling love story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

9. “Grown” by Tiffany D. Jackson – When Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and no memory of the night before, she must unravel the truth behind what happened to her favorite R&B singer, Korey Fields. This gripping thriller tackles themes of abuse, power, and the music industry.

10. “How to Make Friends with the Dark” by Kathleen Glasgow – After her mother dies unexpectedly, Tiger is thrust into a world of grief and uncertainty. This emotional and raw novel explores the journey of healing and finding hope in the darkest of times.

11. “The Fountains of Silence” by Ruta Sepetys – Set in 1950s Spain under Franco’s dictatorship, this novel follows Daniel, an American photographer, and Ana, a hotel maid with a secret past. With lush prose and careful research, this historical fiction book sheds light on a lesser-known period of history.

12. “This Is My America” by Kim Johnson – When her father is wrongfully accused and sentenced to death row, Tracy takes matters into her own hands to prove his innocence. This gripping thriller tackles themes of racial injustice and systemic racism in America.

These hidden gems in contemporary YA lit offer a wide range of genres, themes, and diverse representation. Whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking fantasy, a powerful contemporary novel, or a gripping thriller, there’s something for everyone on this list. So next time you’re looking for your next read, consider picking up one of these lesser-known gems and discover a whole new world of YA literature.