Alex Sanchez (b. 1957) has written a number of solid young adult novels, many of which have LGBTQ themes. His first novel, Rainbow Boys, is an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and is also his most challenged book. The story focuses on three high school seniors as they come to terms with their sexuality and the other turmoil of their lives. It is a well-crafted, fast-paced book with likable, realistic characters. The story is simultaneously a bit idealized and compellingly real, making a nice blend for YA readers coming to terms with their own sexuality. The challenges against the book, of course, have focused on the gay themes, bringing the book into the top 50 most-challenged of the past decade.
There are two sequels, Rainbow High and Rainbow Road. Both are good, but by book three the story gets stretched a bit thin. For an enjoyable story and good example of top-shelf LGBTQYA, try Rainbow Boys from your library or your bookstore.
BONUS: I read a lot of LGBTQYA fiction and have compiled a list of what I consider the very best. Enjoy!
Social Justice For All 
when were these written, michael?
Brad, they were written in the early 2000s. Great reads, even as middle aged folk that we are. I used to teach the first one in my humanities class.
Rainbow Boys was 2001. The others were 2003 and 2005. That gave the first one a whole decade of challenges to make the list1