Readers ages 8 to 12 (and older middle grade fans!) will enjoy this selection of stories with 2SLGTBQIA+ themes during Pride month and beyond!
Alan Cole Is Not a Coward by Eric Bell
Twelve-year-old Alan Cole has a secret: he's gay. Unfortunately, his vicious older brother, Nathan, has guessed the truth and uses it to force Alan to play a game of Cole versus Cole, in which the brothers must complete a list of seven seemingly impossible tasks within a week.
The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy
Twelve-year-old Rahul Kapoor, an Indian American boy growing up in small-town Indiana, struggles to come to terms with his identity, including that he may be gay.
Both Can Be True by Jules Machias
Explores identity, gender fluidity, and the power of friendship and acceptance in a dual-narrative story about two kids who join forces to save a dog... but wind up saving each other.
The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan
Struggling with her feelings for a female classmate, an eleven-year-old Irish girl tries to confide in her mother, the person she trusts most in the world.
Frankie & Bug by Gayle Forman
Ten-year-old Bug and her new friend Frankie learn important lessons about life, family, being your true self, and how to navigate in a world that is not always just or fair.
Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake
In the wake of a destructive tornado, Ivy Aberdeen begins to develop feelings for another girl.
Pepper's Rules For Secret Sleuthing by Briana McDonald
Nancy Drew meets Harriet the Spy in this action-packed and heartfelt debut following an amateur sleuth as she investigates a shocking family secret—and unravels the mystery of her developing feelings for girls.
Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O’Neill
Fans of non-traditional fairy tales will love this graphic novel! Features action, magic, and sweet romance.
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
A graphic novel featuring kids full of talent, courage, and dedication.
Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender
Born on Water Island in the Virgin Islands during a hurricane, which is considered bad luck, twelve-year-old Caroline falls in love with another girl--and together they set out in a hurricane to find Caroline's missing mother.
Thanks a Lot Universe by Chad Lucas
Two boys have to decide if they're willing to risk sharing parts of themselves they'd rather hide. But if they can be brave, they might just find the best in themselves... and each other. A moving read for anyone who's ever felt like they don't belong.
Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff
A haunting ghost story about navigating grief, growing up, and growing into a new gender identity.
