No Two Stories are the Same

No matter who you are or where you’re from, it’s empowering to see yourself in the characters of a book. Especially for kids and teens, it is vital to be able to see yourself in the books you’re reading. It can encourage kids to get excited about reading, as they should, and can motivate you to be more invested in your education. Personally, I am always on the lookout for books based on different folklore, or historical books that will share important histories. I have included some of my favourites that fit that criterion, as well as some of my favoruite romance and adventure novels. All of them star characters with different cultures, races, and sexualities. Hopefully there will be something for everyone here, whether you like action, history, fantasy, or romance genres. After all, no two stories are the same!     

Thieves Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

This thrilling book follows a high stakes game for master thieves from around the globe, where they must steal valuable objects to win a coveted prize. The prize is a wish, and for Rosalyn Quest, one of the greatest thieves in the world, that wish is to save her mother’s life.

The book is filled with powerful, brave characters from all different backgrounds, and takes place in a variety of locations across the globe!

It’s an exciting, unputdownable, and fun book that is perfect for fans of Ocean’s Eleven and The Inheritance Games. Note: this book does end on a crazy cliffhanger, so be sure to check out the sequel, Heist Royale!

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

“He doesn’t want us to be special. He wants us, Black people with wealth, education, and opportunities, to be common. In the best sense of the world.” – Krystal Marquis, The Davenports

A historical read that stands out from other titles in this list, The Davenports is an amazing historical book that shows a refreshing perspective of a successful, powerful Black family that we don’t often get to read about. Set in the 1910s, at a time when new technologies and opinions were beginning to be shared with the world, the members of the Davenport family navigate love and friendship, as well as injustices as one of the few wealthy Black families in Chicago. What I enjoyed about this read is that it’s based on the story of a real family in the early 1900’s, the Pattersons, who founded the first Black-owned carriage company! This book is a truly insightful read and stars people whose voices deserve to be heard. If you enjoy this book, don’t miss the sequel, The Davenports: More Than This.

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

“I didn’t know you this morning, and now I don’t remember not knowing you.” – Nicola Yoon, The Sun Is Also a Star

Written in three perspectives and taking place over the course of a single day, The Sun is Also a Star is a unique read that gives insight into not only the main characters’ lives, but the background characters as well. Many times, the main characters, Natasha and Daniel, will interact with another character—be that a security guard, a speeding driver, or a receptionist —and we are given a chapter providing background on their lives, which lets us empathize with those characters in a way that is unique from other books. The book’s main message shows how small acts of kindness can alter many people’s lives. The thing I love most about this book is that the main characters are forces of good without even realizing it. This romantic, realistic book is perfect for someone who wants a book with a happy ending or is looking for a good cry. 

The Space Between Here and Now by Sarah Suk

Fellow Vancouverites will be excited to know that this book was written by a local! References to locations in Vancouver, such as Kitsilano Beach, are scattered throughout the book for locals of the city to enjoy. As a local myself, I found this book extremely captivating and heartwarming. The book follows Aimee Roh, who has a condition called Sensory Time Warp Syndrome, where she travels back in time whenever she smells something that triggers a memory. After being stuck in a memory for nine hours, she travels back to her mother’s hometown in South Korea to find out why her mother abandoned Aimee and her father.

With traces of sci-fi and fantasy, this book is simultaneously magical, while also being able to stay rooted in reality, with themes of family, grief, and memory.

If you like this book, check out Sarah Suk’s new book, Meet Me at Blue Hour, released in April 2025.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

“We’re never what our parents expected. They have to learn that lesson.”- Malinda Lo, Last Night at the Telegraph Club 

Another title for historical fans, Last Night at the Telegraph Club is about a teenage girl named Lily who navigates life in the 1950s as both an Asian woman and a closeted gay person. This book has a unique perspective of 2SLGBTQIA+ culture in the 1950s, as well as a heartfelt coming-of-age story of a young Chinese girl trying to find her place in the world without the guidance of her family. I learned a lot about how queer people lived before they were allowed to be themselves, which is a history that is often untold. If you are interested in historical books, or are just getting into it, this is a great starting point for you.

Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

“All legends have a spark of truth. Sometimes more than a spark.” – Elizabeth Lim, Spin the Dawn

 Inspired by the famous folktale of Mulan, Spin the Dawn is a compelling fantasy novel for fans of A Magic Steeped in Poison and Project Runway. It follows Maia, who takes over her father’s tailor shop when he falls sick. After receiving an invitation meant for her father, inviting them to the Emperor’s palace to try to become the new royal tailor, she poses as a boy and takes her father’s place, entering a cutthroat competition that starts the adventure of a lifetime. This book is so original, and it flawlessly weaves together a fantasy adventure, romance, and reality competition show all in one. I originally picked this book up for a book report and loved it! Pick this one up if you want a quick read or are looking for a duology. 

All of these books are very close to my heart. I hope you can see yourselves in these books or just have fun reading them! Happy reading.