There can be no doubt that the United States is currently at a pivotal stage of its history. People across the country are discussing like never before what American ideals are—and what they should look like in practice. What does it mean to be American and to have access to full participation in American society? Who truly feels a sense of belonging in a country that has long prided itself on welcoming those in need? How can the nation come to terms with centuries of inequitable treatment of some, including the members of hundreds of Native nations whose forebears were here long before there was a United States?

The often discussed global society we inhabit, one that brings shared benefits as well as risks, requires a very different set of skills from young people than was expected of their parents or grandparents. The well-documented benefits of cross-cultural experiences and diverse groups—among them, enhanced creativity—can seem sadly at odds with the less inclusive realities young people encounter in their daily lives.

It’s no wonder that many works of YA literature published this year wrestle with these questions of identity and inclusion in ways that strike at the heart of our visions for America. Each of the following recent releases is a richly rewarding read that is engaging in its own right and ideal for prompting discussion.

In Search of Safety: Voices of Refugees by Susan Kuklin (Candlewick, May 12): Discussions about asylum policies often focus on generalities or are framed in terms of current residents’ perceptions of the impact on their own lives. What is frequently lost is an understanding of all that refugees themselves have experienced and hope for. This remarkable work looks at the personal histories of five refugees from around the world, now settled in Nebraska. They share their stories with dignity, putting an indelible, unforgettable human face on a subject that is often depersonalized.

Imaginary Borders by Xiuhtezcatl Martinez with Russell Mendell (Penguin Workshop, June 2): A young Indigenous (Mexica) environmental activist speaks up in this powerful work. Martinez’s frequent visits to his father’s hometown near Mexico City and experiences at home in Colorado have provided him with insights into the interconnectedness of our lives and our impact on the planet. While we may create political and social borders between people, he persuasively and urgently argues that we must transcend them in order to mitigate the climate crisis.

Call Me American (Adapted for Young Adults): The Extraordinary True Story of a Young Somali Immigrant by Abdi Nor Iftin with Max Alexander (Delacorte, June 16): Like many works by immigrants, this memoir is fascinating both for the remarkable tale Somali-born Iftin relates as well as for his observations about America upon his arrival. From expectations based on pop culture (he learned English by watching movies) to settling in and experiencing both great hospitality and the harsh realities of American racism, his keen observations and broad perspective hold up an invaluable mirror we can all learn from.

Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From by Jennifer De Leon (Caitlyn Dlouhy/Atheneum, Aug. 18): This probing work of realistic fiction follows Liliana, a high school student who is the daughter of immigrants from Guatemala and El Salvador. This bright teenager is offered the opportunity to attend a mostly White school in the suburbs outside Boston. There she encounters the stark realities of the very different educational opportunities American students receive—along with the emotional stress of her father’s undocumented status.

Laura Simeon is a young readers' editor.