The titles below center on periods of American history as well as more global histories, though each and every one has a teen girl of color in the leading role. In nearly every book, too, we have #OwnVoices represented — storytellers are able to share their experiences as writers of color and female-identifying writers of color through a range of historical contexts. Not included are historical fantasy. There are obvious holes in representation here, particularly when it comes to Native American and Indigenous history. With interest in Native stories continuing to grow and writers eager to share #OwnVoices experiences, we can only hope to see more Native history come to life through YA. These books about teen girls of color through history all published in the last few years. Dig in and be prepared for adventure, strength, power, voice, and so much more. Note that this list isn’t comprehensive, as I pulled together a sizable list earlier featuring #OwnVoices Black History YA packed with even more teen girls of color telling their stories through history.
Teen Girls of Color in YA Historical Fiction
Six years later, she makes the journey to Texas as refugee, determined to be reunited with her little brother. When she is, Hằng is devastated to learn he doesn’t remember her, their home country, or their family. Note: Stacey Lee is a queen when it comes to YA historical fiction about girls of color and all of the books in her catalog are worth sinking into! Told in both voices, this is a story about their mother’s experiences as a teen refugee from Cuba during the Cuban Revolution.
