Each June, countries around the world celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This exciting month-long observance honors love in all of its beautiful shapes and forms, focusing on the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more!) community and queer culture. It’s a great time to march in parades, go to a local drag story hour, and. . . check out new books!
Sadly, book challenges and bans have drastically increased in recent years, and books featuring LGBTQ+ protagonists and/or themes are one of the groups consistently targeted in attempts to restrict and remove diverse books from schools, libraries, and other places of learning. As book banners continue efforts to censor LGBTQ+ literature, it is more important now than ever to read queer stories.
As Pride Month wraps up, here are a few of our recommendations for amazing LGBTQ+ fiction:
Ages 8-12:
The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag
The Witch Boy follows Aster, a boy who wants to learn magic but is not allowed to due to tradition that dictates only girls can learn magic while boys must master shapeshifting. An amazing graphic novel for younger kids about having the courage to be yourself.
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith
Set in a world where girls practice magic and boys become knights, Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston is a fun and empowering story of a nonbinary kid’s journey to become a knight and fight for justice. Recommended for anyone who loves dragons, magic, and awesome characters.
This Is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them, and Us edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby
A lovely collection of queer short stories by 16 celebrated children’s authors. With subjects ranging from boy bands to witches to kittens to dragons, this awesome anthology has something for everyone!
Graphic Novels:
The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
The Magic Fish centers around a Vietnamese teenager, Tiến, who reads traditional fairy tales to connect with his mom while struggling to come out to her due to language barriers. A magical graphic novel about the power of fairy tales and family despite cultural differences.
Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman
A classic boy-meets-boy romance, Heartstopper is an iconic graphic novel series that has even been adapted to a Netflix series (and an upcoming movie)! An adorable series with gorgeous art and a diverse spectrum of queer rep.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
The Prince and the Dressmaker follows Frances, a creative dressmaker working for Prince Sebastian, who secretly goes out and wears dresses at night under the name ‘Lady Crystallia’. A lovely and beautifully drawn story about identity, friendship, love, and acceptance.
High School Reads:
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Set in El Paso, Texas in the 1980s, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a thoughtful coming-of-age novel exploring the deep friendship and love between Ari and Dante, two completely different boys who meet at a neighborhood pool. A beautiful story about coming to know, accept, and embrace who you are.
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
The story of Yamilet Flores, who is one of the only Mexican kids at her new private Catholic high school and a closeted lesbian. To survive Catholic school, Yami must blend in and act straight while navigating Catholic school drama, a new crush, her mom’s expectations, and more. A beautiful story that will make you laugh, cry, and root for Yami every step of the way.
The Spirit Bares its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White
Set in an alternate fantasy Victorian London with spirits, ghosts, and violet-eyed mediums, The Spirit Bares its Teeth follows the story of autistic trans boy Silas Bell, who dreams of becoming a surgeon but is sent to a finishing school/sanitorium meant to force him into becoming the perfect wife. A haunting read featuring horror, medical gore, patriarchy smashing, and a gentle romance between two trans teens.
Happy Reading!
Love, Lili
GFB Ambassador
