If 2022 is anything to go by so far, the U.S. publishing industry has made progress in bringing more international titles to teen readers in the States. There is still room for improvement—particularly when it comes to greater numbers of translated titles and expanding geographical and cultural representations. However, I see promise in the broader range of genres of world literature that is showing up in my inbox. It’s important for young people to have access to all types of materials from all around the world—genre fiction for pure entertainment, informative works that shed light on events past and present through perspectives they may not have previously encountered, illustrated titles that broaden appreciation of varied artistic styles, and more. The following works are a great place to begin this year’s global reading journey.

Two titles from the continent of Africa introduce readers to stories from diverse times and places.

Hannes Barnard’s Halley's Comet (Catalyst Press, Jan. 11), written in Afrikaans and translated into English by the author, transports readers to apartheid South Africa in the mid-1980s and introduces young people who are dealing with issues of racial division and societal upheaval that will resonate across time and culture. Three young people from very different walks of life are drawn together one fateful night and face profound questions of personal risk and responsibility.

Even When Your Voice Shakes by Ruby Yayra Goka (Norton Young Readers, Feb. 15) is a powerful #MeToo story from contemporary Ghana. Amerley, a teenager from a rural village, goes to work in a domestic role for a wealthy household in Accra to help her family financially, setting aside her personal goals. After she is sexually assaulted and courageously names her attacker, she ends up in the public eye as an inspiration for others as the case goes to trial.

Two illustrated titles in translation from Latin America have strong appeal beyond young adult readers.

The graphic novel Amazona, written and illustrated by Canizales and translated by Sofía Huitrón Martínez (Graphic Universe, May 3), follows Andrea, a 19-year-old Indigenous woman from Colombia who takes action after her community is displaced by illegal mining. Adults and teens alike will be moved by this story of a courageous activist standing up to a corporation that is wreaking cultural and environmental devastation. The illustrations, executed in gray and black accentuated with pops of red, vividly portray a story that unfortunately has echoes around the globe. The author’s note and sources heighten understanding and encourage further engagement.

Book of Questions / Libros de las preguntas by Pablo Neruda, illustrated by Paloma Valdivia and translated by Sara Lissa Paulson (Enchanted Lion, April 26), is a rare title that is truly for all ages. Thoughtfully curated selections from an expansive work by the legendary Chilean poet pose questions that encourage readers to view the world in new ways that are by turns startling, humorous, dreamy, and philosophical. The art holds its own, delightful to pore over while provoking new interpretations of the text. The English translation and original Spanish are presented side by side; readers who know both languages will take pleasure in comparing them.

English-language readers will now have access to a teen classic from the Netherlands.

The Days of Bluegrass Love by Edward van de Vendel, translated by Emma Rault (Levine Querido, May 17), was originally published in 1999 and followed by both a sequel and a prequel. This sweet, uplifting story follows Dutch Tycho and Norwegian Oliver, 18-year-olds who meet as camp counselors in Tennessee, where they fall in love before running away when their relationship comes to the camp director’s attention. With Oliver’s mother away on a safari holiday, his home in Norway offers the boys a place just to themselves.

Laura Simeon is a young readers’ editor.