Queer Ideas and Characters

As I descended : a teenage re-imagining of Macbeth /

Talley, Robin,


Maria Lyon and Lily Boiten are Acheron Academy's power couple. Only one thing stands between them and their perfect future: campus superstar Delilah Dufrey. And Lily and Maria are willing to do anything to keep Delilah from winning the distinguished Cawdor Kingsley Prize. Together, Maria and Lily harness the dark power long rumored to be present on the former plantation that houses their school. When feuds turn to fatalities, and madness begins to blur the distinction between what's real and what's imagined, the girls must find a way to stop what they started.
Date Published:2016

Maria Lyon and Lily Boiten are Acheron Academy's power couple. Only one thing stands between them and their perfect future: campus superstar Delilah Dufrey. And Lily and Maria are willing to do anything to keep Delilah from winning the distinguished Cawdor Kingsley Prize. Together, Maria and Lily harness the dark power long rumored to be present on the former plantation that houses their school. When feuds turn to fatalities, and madness begins to blur the distinction between what's real and what's imagined, the girls must find a way to stop what they started.

Date Published:2016

Be gay, do comics : queer history, memoir, and satire from The Nib

Bors, Matt.


LGBT, Gay, LGBTQIA+, queer, history, memoir, satire, . The dream of a queer separatist town. The life of a gay, Jewish Nazi-fighter. A gender reveal party that tears reality apart. These are just some of the comics you'll find in this massive queer comics anthology from The Nib, a print periodical founded by editor-in-chief Matt Bors with companion publication at thenib.com. Filled with dozens of comics about LGBTQIA + experiences, ranging from personal stories to queer history to cutting satire about pronoun panic and brands desperate to co-opt pride, this book features more than 30 of today's top indie cartoonists. .
Date Published:2020

LGBT, Gay, LGBTQIA+, queer, history, memoir, satire, . The dream of a queer separatist town. The life of a gay, Jewish Nazi-fighter. A gender reveal party that tears reality apart. These are just some of the comics you'll find in this massive queer comics anthology from The Nib, a print periodical founded by editor-in-chief Matt Bors with companion publication at thenib.com. Filled with dozens of comics about LGBTQIA + experiences, ranging from personal stories to queer history to cutting satire about pronoun panic and brands desperate to co-opt pride, this book features more than 30 of today's top indie cartoonists. .

Date Published:2020

Being transgender

Rodi, Robert,


Includes index.transgender, From Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, Lgbt, Lgbtqia+, queer. What is gender? -- What is transgender? -- Growing up transgender -- Living as a transgender adult. Explores what it means to be transgender, including the experiences of people who have taken the steps to transition as well as those who live openly as their authentic gender.
Date Published:2016

Big guy

Stevenson, Robin, 1968-


The picture Derek sends to his new internet boyfriend is taken before gained that 80 pounds after his mother left . He is not sure if Ethan will recognize him if he saw him, he barely recognizes himself.
Date Published:2008

Boy erased : a memoir of identity, faith, and family /

Conley, Garrard,


autobiography. Author: gay LGBTQ activist, conversion therapy, LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer. "The son of a Baptist pastor and deeply embedded in church life in small town Arkansas, as a young man Garrard Conley was terrified and conflicted about his sexuality. When Garrard was a nineteen-year-old college student, he was outed to his parents, and was forced to make a life-changing decision: either agree to attend a church-supported conversion therapy program that promised to âcureâ him of homosexuality; or risk losing family, friends, and the God he had prayed to every day of his life. Through an institutionalized Twelve-Step Program heavy on Bible study, he was supposed to emerge heterosexual, ex-gay, cleansed of impure urges and stronger in his faith in God for his brush with sin. Instead, even when faced with a harrowing and brutal journey, Garrard found the strength and understanding to break out in search of his true self and forgiveness. By confronting his buried past and the burden of a life lived in shadow, Garrard traces the complex relationships among family, faith, and community. At times heart-breaking, at times triumphant, this memoir is a testament to love that survives despite all odds."--Publisher's website.
Date Published:2017

autobiography. Author: gay LGBTQ activist, conversion therapy, LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer. "The son of a Baptist pastor and deeply embedded in church life in small town Arkansas, as a young man Garrard Conley was terrified and conflicted about his sexuality. When Garrard was a nineteen-year-old college student, he was outed to his parents, and was forced to make a life-changing decision: either agree to attend a church-supported conversion therapy program that promised to âcureâ him of homosexuality; or risk losing family, friends, and the God he had prayed to every day of his life. Through an institutionalized Twelve-Step Program heavy on Bible study, he was supposed to emerge heterosexual, ex-gay, cleansed of impure urges and stronger in his faith in God for his brush with sin. Instead, even when faced with a harrowing and brutal journey, Garrard found the strength and understanding to break out in search of his true self and forgiveness. By confronting his buried past and the burden of a life lived in shadow, Garrard traces the complex relationships among family, faith, and community. At times heart-breaking, at times triumphant, this memoir is a testament to love that survives despite all odds."--Publisher's website.

Date Published:2017

Boy meets boy

Levithan, David.


banned book, banned books, LGBT, LGBTQIA+, transgender girl, gay, bisexual, contemporary romance. author openly gay and a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ youth literature. appropriate for 13+ Contains mild romantic scenes but no explicit sex, masturbation, or pornography. The tone is light, positive, and suitable for middle and high school readers. In a high school where love is love, Paul’s search for the perfect boyfriend leads him to unexpected friendships and heart-fluttering romance. With a cast of unforgettable characters and a town that celebrates who you are, Boy Meets Boy is a joyful celebration of love and acceptance. Funny, sweet, and uplifting—this story proves that sometimes the perfect match is just around the corner.
Date Published:2003

banned book, banned books, LGBT, LGBTQIA+, transgender girl, gay, bisexual, contemporary romance. author openly gay and a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ youth literature. appropriate for 13+ Contains mild romantic scenes but no explicit sex, masturbation, or pornography. The tone is light, positive, and suitable for middle and high school readers. In a high school where love is love, Paul’s search for the perfect boyfriend leads him to unexpected friendships and heart-fluttering romance. With a cast of unforgettable characters and a town that celebrates who you are, Boy Meets Boy is a joyful celebration of love and acceptance. Funny, sweet, and uplifting—this story proves that sometimes the perfect match is just around the corner.

Date Published:2003

Coming out and seeking support

Rodi, Robert,


Includes index.From Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, Lgbt, Lgbtqia+, queer. What it means to come out -- Sarah's story -- Ed's story -- Finding support. Explores the experience of publicly identifying oneself as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and provides information about groups that are available to provide support.
Date Published:2016

Confronting stereotypes

Rodi, Robert,


Includes index.From Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, Lgbt, Lgbtqia+, queer. What are stereotypes? -- Stereotypes of gay men -- Stereotypes of lesbians -- Stereotypes of bisexual people -- Stereotypes of transgender people -- Fighting stereotypes. Explores common LGBT stereotypes including where they come from, what they mean, and how to take action against stereotypes.
Date Published:2016

Crush

Mac, Carrie, 1975-


Because of a moment of indiscretion, Hope's parents send her to New York to spend the summer with her hipster sister while they travel to Thailand. Miserable, Hope ends up meeting Nat, and developing a powerful crush. The only problem is that Nat is a girl. Hope is pretty sure she isn't gay. Or is she? Struggling with new feelings, fitting in and a strange city far from home, Hope finds that love—and acceptance—comes in many different forms.
Date Published:2006

Because of a moment of indiscretion, Hope's parents send her to New York to spend the summer with her hipster sister while they travel to Thailand. Miserable, Hope ends up meeting Nat, and developing a powerful crush. The only problem is that Nat is a girl. Hope is pretty sure she isn't gay. Or is she? Struggling with new feelings, fitting in and a strange city far from home, Hope finds that love—and acceptance—comes in many different forms.

Date Published:2006

Darius the Great deserves better

Khorram, Adib,


Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fiction (2020) LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer, Author: gay, queer, Iranian-American/Perian; Characters: biracial (Persian, white), gay with depression, gay love interest, lesbian and transgender side characters . Contemporary Queer Romance Mental Health Realistic Fiction Coming Of Age . In this companion to the award-winning Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Darius suddenly has it all: a boyfriend, an internship, a spot on the soccer team. It’s everything he’s ever wanted–but what if he deserves better? Darius Kellner is having a bit of a year. Since his trip to Iran this past spring, a lot has changed. He’s getting along with his dad, and his best friend Sohrab is only a Skype call away. Between his first boyfriend, Landon, his varsity soccer practices, and his internship at his favorite tea shop, Darius is feeling pretty okay. Like he finally knows what it means to be Darius Kellner. Then, of course, everything changes. Darius’s grandmothers are in town for a long visit while his dad is gone on business, and Darius isn’t sure whether they even like him. The internship isn’t what Darius thought it would be, and now he doesn’t know about turning tea into his career. He was sure he liked Landon, but when he starts hanging out with Chip–soccer teammate and best friend of Trent Bolger, epic bully–well, he’s just not so sure about Landon anymore, either. Darius thought he knew exactly who he was and what he wanted, but maybe he was wrong. Maybe he deserves better.
Date Published:2020

Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fiction (2020) LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer, Author: gay, queer, Iranian-American/Perian; Characters: biracial (Persian, white), gay with depression, gay love interest, lesbian and transgender side characters . Contemporary Queer Romance Mental Health Realistic Fiction Coming Of Age . In this companion to the award-winning Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Darius suddenly has it all: a boyfriend, an internship, a spot on the soccer team. It’s everything he’s ever wanted–but what if he deserves better? Darius Kellner is having a bit of a year. Since his trip to Iran this past spring, a lot has changed. He’s getting along with his dad, and his best friend Sohrab is only a Skype call away. Between his first boyfriend, Landon, his varsity soccer practices, and his internship at his favorite tea shop, Darius is feeling pretty okay. Like he finally knows what it means to be Darius Kellner. Then, of course, everything changes. Darius’s grandmothers are in town for a long visit while his dad is gone on business, and Darius isn’t sure whether they even like him. The internship isn’t what Darius thought it would be, and now he doesn’t know about turning tea into his career. He was sure he liked Landon, but when he starts hanging out with Chip–soccer teammate and best friend of Trent Bolger, epic bully–well, he’s just not so sure about Landon anymore, either. Darius thought he knew exactly who he was and what he wanted, but maybe he was wrong. Maybe he deserves better.

Date Published:2020

Darius the Great is not okay

Khorram, Adib,


First published in 2018 by Dial Books. LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer, Author: gay, queer, Iranian-American/Perian; Characters: biracial (Persian, white), gay with depression, gay love interest, lesbian and transgender side characters Contemporary Mental Health Queer Realistic Fiction Mental Illness Coming Of Age humour/Comedy Race - explores Iranian heritage and immigrant experience. Darius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He's about to take his first-ever trip to Iran, and it's pretty overwhelming—especially when he's also dealing with clinical depression, a disapproving dad, and a chronically anemic social life. In Iran, he gets to know his ailing but still formidable grandfather, his loving grandmother, and the rest of his mom's family for the first time. And he meets Sohrab, the boy next door who changes everything. Sohrab makes sure people speak English so Darius can understand what's going on. He gets Darius an Iranian National Football Team jersey that makes him feel like a True Persian for the first time. And he understands that sometimes, best friends don't have to talk. Darius has never had a true friend before, but now he's spending his days with Sohrab playing soccer, eating rosewater ice cream, and sitting together for hours in their special place, a rooftop overlooking the Yazdi skyline. Sohrab calls him Darioush—the original Persian version of his name—and Darius has never felt more like himself than he does now that he's Darioush to Sohrab. When it's time to go home to America, he'll have to find a way to be Darioush on his own.
Date Published:2019

First published in 2018 by Dial Books. LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer, Author: gay, queer, Iranian-American/Perian; Characters: biracial (Persian, white), gay with depression, gay love interest, lesbian and transgender side characters Contemporary Mental Health Queer Realistic Fiction Mental Illness Coming Of Age humour/Comedy Race - explores Iranian heritage and immigrant experience. Darius Kellner speaks better Klingon than Farsi, and he knows more about Hobbit social cues than Persian ones. He's about to take his first-ever trip to Iran, and it's pretty overwhelming—especially when he's also dealing with clinical depression, a disapproving dad, and a chronically anemic social life. In Iran, he gets to know his ailing but still formidable grandfather, his loving grandmother, and the rest of his mom's family for the first time. And he meets Sohrab, the boy next door who changes everything. Sohrab makes sure people speak English so Darius can understand what's going on. He gets Darius an Iranian National Football Team jersey that makes him feel like a True Persian for the first time. And he understands that sometimes, best friends don't have to talk. Darius has never had a true friend before, but now he's spending his days with Sohrab playing soccer, eating rosewater ice cream, and sitting together for hours in their special place, a rooftop overlooking the Yazdi skyline. Sohrab calls him Darioush—the original Persian version of his name—and Darius has never felt more like himself than he does now that he's Darioush to Sohrab. When it's time to go home to America, he'll have to find a way to be Darioush on his own.

Date Published:2019

Every Body Looking : Everybody looking

Iloh, Candice


“Candice Iloh’s beautifully crafted narrative about family, belonging, sexuality, and telling our deepest truths in order to be whole is at once immensely readable and ultimately healing.”—Jacqueline Woodson, New York Times Bestselling Author of Brown Girl Dreaming “An essential—and emotionally gripping and masterfully written and compulsively readable—addition to the coming-of-age canon.”—Nic Stone, New York Times Bestselling Author of Dear Martin “This is a story about the sometimes toxic and heavy expectations set on the backs of first-generation children, the pressures woven into the family dynamic, culturally and socially. About childhood secrets with sharp teeth. And ultimately, about a liberation that taunts every young person.” —Jason Reynolds, New York Times Bestselling Author of Long Way Down Every Body Looking is a debut novel in verse in the style of Elizabeth Acevedo and Jason Reynolds. Candice Iloh's book tells the story of Ada--daughter of an immigrant father and an African American mother--and her struggle to find a place for herself in America and in her own family. LGBTQ+ questioning, Queer, Lesbian Black Voice Author. Nigerian-American and queer LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer, Nigerian-American, . black history month. Poetry Contemporary Realistic Fiction Queer Coming Of Age Teen . When Ada leaves home for her freshman year at a Historically Black College, it’s the first time she’s ever been so far from her family—and the first time that she’s been able to make her own choices and to seek her place in this new world. As she stumbles deeper into the world of dance and explores her sexuality, she also begins to wrestle with her past—her mother’s struggle with addiction, her Nigerian father’s attempts to make a home for her. Ultimately, Ada discovers she needs to brush off the destiny others have chosen for her and claim full ownership of her body and her future. Every Body Looking is a debut novel in verse tells the story of Ada--daughter of an immigrant father and an African American mother--and her struggle to find a place for herself in America and in her own family. Every Body Looking is a heavily autobiographical novel of a young woman's struggle to carve a place for herself--for her black female body--in a world of deeply conflicting messages. Told entirely in verse, Ada's story encompasses her earliest memories as a child, including her abuse at the hands of a young cousin, her mother's rejection and descent into addiction, and her father's attempts to create a home for his American daughter more like the one he knew in Nigeria.
Date Published:2020

“Candice Iloh’s beautifully crafted narrative about family, belonging, sexuality, and telling our deepest truths in order to be whole is at once immensely readable and ultimately healing.”—Jacqueline Woodson, New York Times Bestselling Author of Brown Girl Dreaming “An essential—and emotionally gripping and masterfully written and compulsively readable—addition to the coming-of-age canon.”—Nic Stone, New York Times Bestselling Author of Dear Martin “This is a story about the sometimes toxic and heavy expectations set on the backs of first-generation children, the pressures woven into the family dynamic, culturally and socially. About childhood secrets with sharp teeth. And ultimately, about a liberation that taunts every young person.” —Jason Reynolds, New York Times Bestselling Author of Long Way Down Every Body Looking is a debut novel in verse in the style of Elizabeth Acevedo and Jason Reynolds. Candice Iloh's book tells the story of Ada--daughter of an immigrant father and an African American mother--and her struggle to find a place for herself in America and in her own family. LGBTQ+ questioning, Queer, Lesbian Black Voice Author. Nigerian-American and queer LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer, Nigerian-American, . black history month. Poetry Contemporary Realistic Fiction Queer Coming Of Age Teen . When Ada leaves home for her freshman year at a Historically Black College, it’s the first time she’s ever been so far from her family—and the first time that she’s been able to make her own choices and to seek her place in this new world. As she stumbles deeper into the world of dance and explores her sexuality, she also begins to wrestle with her past—her mother’s struggle with addiction, her Nigerian father’s attempts to make a home for her. Ultimately, Ada discovers she needs to brush off the destiny others have chosen for her and claim full ownership of her body and her future. Every Body Looking is a debut novel in verse tells the story of Ada--daughter of an immigrant father and an African American mother--and her struggle to find a place for herself in America and in her own family. Every Body Looking is a heavily autobiographical novel of a young woman's struggle to carve a place for herself--for her black female body--in a world of deeply conflicting messages. Told entirely in verse, Ada's story encompasses her earliest memories as a child, including her abuse at the hands of a young cousin, her mother's rejection and descent into addiction, and her father's attempts to create a home for his American daughter more like the one he knew in Nigeria.

Date Published:2020

Facing homophobia

Rodi, Robert,


Includes index.From Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, Lgbt, Lgbtqia+, queer. What's so scary about difference? -- Homophobia and its victims -- An ongoing struggle for rights and respect -- What can you do about homophobia?. Discusses the fight for LGBT civil rights, how fear and hatred of LGBT people persists around the world and the importance of ending prejudice against them.
Date Published:2016

Finding community

Rodi, Robert,


Includes index. From Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, Lgbt, Lgbtqia+, queer. Gay communities -- The foundations of the LGBT community -- Gay liberation and AIDS -- Going mainstream. Explores the history of the LGBT community in America from its roots in the 1800s, through the social revolution of World War II, the early activists of the 1950s, the Pride movement of the 1970s and today's move toward integration with mainstream communities.
Date Published:2016

Includes index. From Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, Lgbt, Lgbtqia+, queer. Gay communities -- The foundations of the LGBT community -- Gay liberation and AIDS -- Going mainstream. Explores the history of the LGBT community in America from its roots in the 1800s, through the social revolution of World War II, the early activists of the 1950s, the Pride movement of the 1970s and today's move toward integration with mainstream communities.

Date Published:2016

From the notebooks of Melanin Sun

Woodson, Jacqueline, 1963-


LGBT Realistic Fiction Queer African American Teen Family Race. Melanin Sun has always kept things simple—his notebooks, his friends, and his mom. But everything changes when she tells him she’s in love… with a woman, and not just any woman, but one who’s white. From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun is a powerful, honest story about growing up, questioning everything, and finding the courage to write your own truth.
Date Published:1995

LGBT Realistic Fiction Queer African American Teen Family Race. Melanin Sun has always kept things simple—his notebooks, his friends, and his mom. But everything changes when she tells him she’s in love… with a woman, and not just any woman, but one who’s white. From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun is a powerful, honest story about growing up, questioning everything, and finding the courage to write your own truth.

Date Published:1995

Gay Power : The Stonewall Roits and the gay rights movement, 1969

Kuhn, Betsy


LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer, civil rights, gay rights movement, stonewall riots. Discusses homosexuality in early America, the Stonewall riots, and the modern LGBTQ movement. "Come out for freedom! Come out now! Power to the people! Gay power to gay people! Come out of the closet before the door is nailed shut!" Come Out! magazine, November 14, 1969 On the night of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. They intended to shut the bar downpart of the mayor's order to clean up illegal businesses. The cops didn't expect much trouble, especially not from the gay men and women dancing and socializing at the bar. At that time, most gay people were afraid to expose their homosexuality. They could be arrested for having sex with one another. They could lose their jobs just for being gay. By 1969 a few gay people had started to speak out. They had filed lawsuits and staged peaceful protest marches to call attention to discrimination against homosexuals. But when the police raided the Stonewall, the bar's customers decided to take a stronger stand. They hurled rocks and bricks at the police. They chanted "Gay Power." This uprising gave birth to a new liberation movement. Gay men and women organized, demonstrated for their rights, and celebrated their sexual identities. They opened gay bookstores, held gay dances, and lobbied politicians to change laws that discriminated against them. Most important, they no longer lived their lives in secret. In this riveting story, we'll explore the decades of discrimination and abuse that gay people endured in earlier eras. Well also learn how gay people continue to fight for equal rights and recognition.
Date Published:2011

LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer, civil rights, gay rights movement, stonewall riots. Discusses homosexuality in early America, the Stonewall riots, and the modern LGBTQ movement. "Come out for freedom! Come out now! Power to the people! Gay power to gay people! Come out of the closet before the door is nailed shut!" Come Out! magazine, November 14, 1969 On the night of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. They intended to shut the bar downpart of the mayor's order to clean up illegal businesses. The cops didn't expect much trouble, especially not from the gay men and women dancing and socializing at the bar. At that time, most gay people were afraid to expose their homosexuality. They could be arrested for having sex with one another. They could lose their jobs just for being gay. By 1969 a few gay people had started to speak out. They had filed lawsuits and staged peaceful protest marches to call attention to discrimination against homosexuals. But when the police raided the Stonewall, the bar's customers decided to take a stronger stand. They hurled rocks and bricks at the police. They chanted "Gay Power." This uprising gave birth to a new liberation movement. Gay men and women organized, demonstrated for their rights, and celebrated their sexual identities. They opened gay bookstores, held gay dances, and lobbied politicians to change laws that discriminated against them. Most important, they no longer lived their lives in secret. In this riveting story, we'll explore the decades of discrimination and abuse that gay people endured in earlier eras. Well also learn how gay people continue to fight for equal rights and recognition.

Date Published:2011

Girl made of stars

Blake, Ashley Herring,


LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer, gender queer, ; Main character bisexual, side character nonbinary; Ashley Herring Blake is an American author originally from Georgia, currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, who openly identifies as a queer, bisexual woman. Over her distinguished writing career, she has achieved special literary acclaim, earning a prestigious Stonewall Honor for her middle-grade fiction and a Lambda Literary Award nomination for this exact book. themes sexual assault, consent, trauma, family loyalty, bisexual identity, nonbinary identity, healing, rape culture, truth, sisterhood Contemporary Queer Romance Lesbian Feminism Mental Health. When Mara’s inseparable twin brother is accused of rape by her close friend, her entire world completely shatters as she is torn between fierce family loyalty and her conviction to always believe survivors. Navigating a toxic wave of high school slut-shaming alongside her supportive ex-girlfriend Charlie, Mara is forced to confront a suffocating, secret trauma from her own past that she can no longer hide. This raw, heart-wrenching, and fiercely empowering story will leave you breathless as one girl fights through the darkness of a broken system to reclaim her voice and her truth.
Date Published:2018

LGBT, LGBTQIA+, queer, gender queer, ; Main character bisexual, side character nonbinary; Ashley Herring Blake is an American author originally from Georgia, currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, who openly identifies as a queer, bisexual woman. Over her distinguished writing career, she has achieved special literary acclaim, earning a prestigious Stonewall Honor for her middle-grade fiction and a Lambda Literary Award nomination for this exact book. themes sexual assault, consent, trauma, family loyalty, bisexual identity, nonbinary identity, healing, rape culture, truth, sisterhood Contemporary Queer Romance Lesbian Feminism Mental Health. When Mara’s inseparable twin brother is accused of rape by her close friend, her entire world completely shatters as she is torn between fierce family loyalty and her conviction to always believe survivors. Navigating a toxic wave of high school slut-shaming alongside her supportive ex-girlfriend Charlie, Mara is forced to confront a suffocating, secret trauma from her own past that she can no longer hide. This raw, heart-wrenching, and fiercely empowering story will leave you breathless as one girl fights through the darkness of a broken system to reclaim her voice and her truth.

Date Published:2018

Girl mans up

Girard, M-E.


LGBTQ, LGBTQIA+, queer, lesbian, bisexual,. queer protagonist of Portuguese descent, exploring feminist themes and LGBTQ+ experiences set in Ontario Canada M-E Girard is a French-Canadian author who grew up in Quebec, lives near Toronto, and proudly identifies as a queer, feminist writer who spent much of her career working nights as a pediatric registered nurse. Her debut novel achieved special recognition by winning the prestigious Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Children's and Young Adult Literature and being named a finalist for the William C. Morris Award. Themes: Gender identity, gender presentation, toxic friendships, respectability politics, cultural expectations, homophobia, family loyalty, self-advocacy, coming out. Suitable Age Range: 13–16 years The novel contains mature themes such as identity struggles, family dynamics, and LGBTQ+ issues, but it does not include explicit sexual content. Sixteen-year-old Pen Oliveira is totally fine with looking like a guy, but her traditional Portuguese parents and the guys at school constantly pressure her to conform to what they think a "good girl" should be. For a long time, Pen thought letting her manipulative friend Colby call the shots was just the price of loyalty, but his increasingly toxic behavior forces her to see how empty those promises really are. When real friendship and a connection with a girl she actually likes enter the picture, Pen realizes she’s done taking orders and it’s finally time to man up on her own terms.
Date Published:2016

LGBTQ, LGBTQIA+, queer, lesbian, bisexual,. queer protagonist of Portuguese descent, exploring feminist themes and LGBTQ+ experiences set in Ontario Canada M-E Girard is a French-Canadian author who grew up in Quebec, lives near Toronto, and proudly identifies as a queer, feminist writer who spent much of her career working nights as a pediatric registered nurse. Her debut novel achieved special recognition by winning the prestigious Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Children's and Young Adult Literature and being named a finalist for the William C. Morris Award. Themes: Gender identity, gender presentation, toxic friendships, respectability politics, cultural expectations, homophobia, family loyalty, self-advocacy, coming out. Suitable Age Range: 13–16 years The novel contains mature themes such as identity struggles, family dynamics, and LGBTQ+ issues, but it does not include explicit sexual content. Sixteen-year-old Pen Oliveira is totally fine with looking like a guy, but her traditional Portuguese parents and the guys at school constantly pressure her to conform to what they think a "good girl" should be. For a long time, Pen thought letting her manipulative friend Colby call the shots was just the price of loyalty, but his increasingly toxic behavior forces her to see how empty those promises really are. When real friendship and a connection with a girl she actually likes enter the picture, Pen realizes she’s done taking orders and it’s finally time to man up on her own terms.

Date Published:2016

Heartstopper : volume 1 /

Oseman, Alice,


LGBT, LGBTQIA+, gay, homosexual, coming-out. Author: queer. The first book in the delightfully sweet Heartstopper series, featuring beautiful two-color artwork! Now streaming on Netflix!. "Shy and softhearted Charlie Spring sits next to rugby player Nick Nelson in class one morning. A warm and intimate friendship follows, and that soon develops into something more for Charlie, who doesn't think he has a chance. But Nick is struggling with feelings of his own, and as the two grow closer and take on the ups and downs of high school, they come to understand the surprising and delightful ways in which love works"--
Date Published:2020

LGBT, LGBTQIA+, gay, homosexual, coming-out. Author: queer. The first book in the delightfully sweet Heartstopper series, featuring beautiful two-color artwork! Now streaming on Netflix!. "Shy and softhearted Charlie Spring sits next to rugby player Nick Nelson in class one morning. A warm and intimate friendship follows, and that soon develops into something more for Charlie, who doesn't think he has a chance. But Nick is struggling with feelings of his own, and as the two grow closer and take on the ups and downs of high school, they come to understand the surprising and delightful ways in which love works"--

Date Published:2020

Her Royal Highness

Hawkins, Rachel


LGBT, LGBTQIA+, Queer, Main Character Representation: bisexual; lesbian love interest. It is book #2 in the Royals series (the first book being Prince Charming). Rachel Hawkins is an American author from Alabama who spent years as a high school English teacher before becoming a full-time New York Times bestselling novelist. While she does not publicly identify as queer herself, she has written several inclusive bestsellers and successfully transitioned from writing popular young adult fiction to acclaimed adult thrillers. themes: Romance, social class, identity, self-discovery, friendship, heartbreak. Romance LGBT Contemporary Lesbian Queer Fiction Enemies To Lovers Gay . After discovering her girlfriend was cheating on her, Millie Quint decides to escape Texas for a boarding school in the Scottish Highlands, only to find out her new roommate is the actual Princess of Scotland. Princess Flora is entitled, arrogant, and a total headache, but as the two are forced to play nice, Millie realizes there might be a heart of gold hidden under that tiara. Their "enemies" status is about to face its biggest royal challenge yet: a romance that could rock the entire monarchy.
Date Published:2019

LGBT, LGBTQIA+, Queer, Main Character Representation: bisexual; lesbian love interest. It is book #2 in the Royals series (the first book being Prince Charming). Rachel Hawkins is an American author from Alabama who spent years as a high school English teacher before becoming a full-time New York Times bestselling novelist. While she does not publicly identify as queer herself, she has written several inclusive bestsellers and successfully transitioned from writing popular young adult fiction to acclaimed adult thrillers. themes: Romance, social class, identity, self-discovery, friendship, heartbreak. Romance LGBT Contemporary Lesbian Queer Fiction Enemies To Lovers Gay . After discovering her girlfriend was cheating on her, Millie Quint decides to escape Texas for a boarding school in the Scottish Highlands, only to find out her new roommate is the actual Princess of Scotland. Princess Flora is entitled, arrogant, and a total headache, but as the two are forced to play nice, Millie realizes there might be a heart of gold hidden under that tiara. Their "enemies" status is about to face its biggest royal challenge yet: a romance that could rock the entire monarchy.

Date Published:2019