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Quick answer: If you liked Camp, try Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts), Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Heartstopper, Felix Ever After, I Wish You All the Best and Cemetery Boys. They are warm, funny queer YA stories about being seen.
L.C. Rosen's 2020 novel follows Randy Kapplan, who returns to Camp Outland, a summer camp for queer teens, and reinvents himself as “Del” to impress the boy he loves. It combines romance, humor and a thoughtful look at authenticity. Readers who finish it want more queer YA with heart and joy, not only pain. These 15 books fit that wish.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Ages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts) | L.C. Rosen | 14+ | more by the same author |
| Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda | Becky Albertalli | 13+ | readers who want a classic |
| Heartstopper: Volume 1 | Alice Oseman | 13+ | graphic novel fans |
| Felix Ever After | Kacen Callender | 14+ | readers who like art and identity |
| I Wish You All the Best | Mason Deaver | 14+ | readers who want a hopeful story |
| Cemetery Boys | Aiden Thomas | 14+ | readers who like fantasy |
| Boy Meets Boy | David Levithan | 14+ | readers who want a happy world |
| Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe | Benjamin Alire Sáenz | 14+ | readers who like slow romance |
| Darius the Great Is Not Okay | Adib Khorram | 13+ | readers who want a warm story |
| Red, White & Royal Blue | Casey McQuiston | Adult | older teens and adults |
| Late to the Party | Kelly Quindlen | 14+ | readers who like friendship stories |
| Leah on the Offbeat | Becky Albertalli | 14+ | readers who liked Simon |
| The Prince and the Dressmaker | Jen Wang | 12+ | graphic novel fans |
| The Summer of Jordi Perez (And the Best Burger in Los Angeles) | Amy Spalding | 14+ | readers who like food and romance |
| She Gets the Girl | Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick | 14+ | readers who like rom-coms |
1. Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts) by L.C. Rosen
Jack writes a sex-advice column for teens and faces backlash. Frank, funny and moving. Contains mature topics.
Best for: more by the same author.
2. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Simon emails an anonymous boy at school and is blackmailed. Sweet and funny, and the basis for Love, Simon.
Best for: readers who want a classic.
3. Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
Charlie and Nick, two boys at school, form a quiet friendship that turns into love. A gentle graphic novel.
Best for: graphic novel fans.
4. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Felix, a trans Black teen, wants to find love and a place in an art program after an anonymous bully outs him. Honest and joyful.
Best for: readers who like art and identity.
5. I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
Ben, who is nonbinary, is kicked out of their home and moves in with a sibling. Hopeful and heartfelt.
Best for: readers who want a hopeful story.
6. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Yadriel, a trans boy, summons a ghost to prove himself and meets Julian. Funny, spooky and sweet.
Best for: readers who like fantasy.
7. Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
In a world where being gay is simply normal, Paul falls in love. Light and utopian.
Best for: readers who want a happy world.
8. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Two Mexican American teens become friends in 1980s El Paso. Gentle and thoughtful.
Best for: readers who like slow romance.
9. Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
Darius, who has depression, visits Iran and makes a friend. Funny and tender.
Best for: readers who want a warm story.
10. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
The son of the U.S. president and a British prince go from rivals to lovers. Funny and romantic, for older readers.
Best for: older teens and adults.
11. Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen
Codi, who has never been to a party, tries to catch up with her friends. Sweet and funny.
Best for: readers who like friendship stories.
12. Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli
Leah, a drummer, deals with friends, prom and her feelings. Quirky and honest.
Best for: readers who liked Simon.
13. The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Sebastian, a prince, has a secret life as Lady Crystallia with help from a dressmaker. A warm graphic novel.
Best for: graphic novel fans.
14. The Summer of Jordi Perez (And the Best Burger in Los Angeles) by Amy Spalding
Abby, a plus-size teen, falls for Jordi while working at a fashion internship. Food and romance.
Best for: readers who like food and romance.
15. She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick
Alex and Molly make a deal to help each other get the girl they want. Funny and romantic.
Best for: readers who like rom-coms.
How to Choose
For more Rosen, try Jack of Hearts. For classic queer YA, read Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda or Heartstopper. For fantasy, pick Cemetery Boys. For realistic stories with joy, choose Felix Ever After, Late to the Party or Darius the Great Is Not Okay. Some of these books deal with homophobia, family rejection and mental health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camp about?
It follows a teen who reinvents himself at a queer summer camp to win a crush's heart, and learns about being true to himself.
Is Camp YA?
Yes, it is YA for ages 14 and up, with some mature content.
Is there a sequel?
No. It is a standalone novel.
Is Camp a good book for allies?
Yes. It gives insight into queer teen experiences with humor and warmth.