LGBTQ Guide Books and LGBTQ Story Book

           Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda


Love Simon Orginal Novel
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda 
Is a 2015 young adult novel and the debut book by American author Becky Albertalli. The coming-of-age story focuses on the titular protagonist Simon Spier, a closeted gay high school boy who is forced to come out after a blackmailer discovers Simon’s emails to another closeted classmate with whom he has fallen in love

The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spalding

I loved living in the head of Abby, a fat, white, pink-haired lesbian who dreams of working in the fashion industry. This book is funny, empowering, and romantic, without downplaying the role of platonic friendships. And to the fat girls who are sidelined in almost every romantic comedy? It’s a love letter.

Picture Us in the Light by Kelly Loy Gilbert

Danny is a Chinese-American artist who attends a prestigious Bay Area high school, in a friend group still reeling from a tragedy one year earlier. Danny’s family has some explosive secrets, and Danny has an extra secret of his own — he’s in love with his best friend Harry. Danny’s pining for Harry is palpable, and it’s as heartfelt and tender as Gilbert’s gorgeous storytelling.

Seventeen, fashion-obsessed, and gay, Abby Ives has always been content playing the sidekick in other people’s lives. While her friends and sister have plunged headfirst into the world of dating and romances, Abby’s been happy to focus on her plus-size style blog and her dreams of taking the fashion industry by storm. When she lands a great internship at her favorite boutique, she’s thrilled to take the first step toward her dream career. Then she falls for her fellow intern, Jordi Perez. Hard. And now she’s competing against the girl she’s kissing to win the coveted paid job at the end of the internship.

But really, nothing this summer is going as planned. She also unwittingly becomes friends with Jax, a lacrosseplaying bro-type who wants her help finding the best burger in Los Angeles, and she’s struggling to prove to her mother—the city’s celebrity health nut—that she’s perfectly content with who she is.

Just as Abby starts to feel like she’s no longer the sidekick in her own life, Jordi’s photography surprisingly puts her in the spotlight. Instead of feeling like she’s landed a starring role, Abby feels betrayed. Can Abby find a way to reconcile her positive yet private sense of self with the image others have of her?

The Miseducation of Cameron Post” by Emily Danforth 
Already iconic in the queer community, this 2012 coming-of-age novel tells the story of a young LGBTQ girl in Montana. The protagonist, Cameron Post, loses her parents in a car crash just as she’s beginning to discover her own sexuality, which propels her into an entirely different narrative of queer adolescence. The moving novel is now a movie starring Chloe Grace Moretz, set to premiere at Sundance in January 2018

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers “The Great American Whatever ” by Tim Federle
Aspiring screenplay writer Quinn is on the perfect path to Hollywood when tragedy strikes in his home life. His BFF helps him heal by dragging him to his first college party, where he meets a guy he starts falling for, leading to his own coming out and self-discovery, and making for a super-relatable and action-packed tale.

“Fun Home” by Alison Bechdel

The inspiration behind the Tony Award-winning musical “Fun Home,” this graphic memoir revisits Alison Bechdel’s adolescence, culminating in her coming out to her parents just before her father’s death. Grappling with themes of acceptance and self-discovery, this tragicomic is not just telling a story, it’s taking us on an emotional and psychological journey.

Two star-crossed girls of color fall in love in this magical and easy-to-love young adult novel. Told through the lens of 16 year-old Sana, whose family moves to California as her parents go through their own trials, this coming-of-age story will be impossible to put down.

“Rubyfruit Jungle” by Rita Mae Brown


Another LGBTQ classic, “Rubyfruit Jungle” was published in 1973, making it pretty remarkable in its time for its portrayal of lesbian characters. Brown takes us through the middle school and high school years of Molly Bolt, who explores her own identity through a slew of hook-ups and relationships that will feel both familiar and exciting to fellow queer readers.

“Queer, There, and Everywhere” by Sarah Prager
Dive into LGBTQ history with Sarah Prager’s profiles on 23 people who helped further the fight for the community. The range of icons spans from politicians you know well to singers and performers whose stories haven’t been told in most history books. If you’re interested in learning how the gay rights struggle started–and where we are now—this is the perfect place to start.

“Spinning” by Tillie Walden

“Spinning” is a graphic memoir that you’ll want to read in one sitting because of how unique and interesting it is. Tillie Walden takes us through her childhood as a competitive ice skater, and she paints the world of her practices and competitions in such vivid detail, even spelling out the twists and tricks she learned throughout the years. But what happens off the ice— her first relationship, her forced coming-out, and her middle school friend drama—is even more gripping.

                                             

“The Art of Being Normal” by Lisa Williamson

“The Art of Being Normal” tells the story of two transgender teens, Leo and Kate, at pivotal times in their lives. Kate, introduced to us at first as ‘David,’ is in the beginning stages of coming out and transitioning when Leo stands up for her against school bullies. Leo is further along in his transition, and the two help each other find community and balance in the face of adversity and transphobia

Two outsiders. Two secrets.
David Piper has always been an outsider. His parents think he’s gay. The school bully thinks he’s a freak. Only his two best friends know the real truth – David wants to be a girl. On the first day at his new school, Leo Denton has one goal – to be invisible. Attracting the attention of the most beautiful girl in Year 11 is definitely not part of that plan. When Leo stands up for David in a fight, an unlikely friendship forms. But things are about to get messy. Because at Eden Park School secrets have a funny habit of not staying secret for long….

“I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson
A Stonewall Book Award-winning novel, “I’ll Give You The Sun” is a story in two parts: half is told by Noah, and half is by Noah’s twin sister, Jude. The once-close siblings have a sudden and mysterious falling out, and it’s up to the narrators and the strange people they meet along the way to bring them back together.

A New York Times bestseller Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award A Stonewall Honor Book
The radiant, award-winning story of first love, family, loss, and betrayal for fans of John Green, Becky Albertalli, and Adam Silvera
“Dazzling.”—The New York Times Book Review
“A blazing prismatic explosion of color.”—Entertainment Weekly
“We were all heading for each other on a collision course, no matter what. Maybe some people are just meant to be in the same story.”
At first, Jude and her twin brother are NoahandJude; inseparable. Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude wears red-red lipstick, cliff-dives, and does all the talking for both of them.
Years later, they are barely speaking. Something has happened to change the twins in different yet equally devastating ways . . . but then Jude meets an intriguing, irresistible boy and a mysterious new mentor.
The early years are Noah’s to tell; the later years are Jude’s. But they each have only half the story, and if they can only find their way back to one another, they’ll have a chance to remake their world.
From the acclaimed author of The Sky Is Everywhere, this exhilarating novel will leave you breathless and teary and laughing—often all at once.

“Juliet Takes a Breath” by Gabby Rivera
Puerto Rican lesbian Juliet has just come out to her mother—and it didn’t go so well. Now, she’s leaving the Bronx for an internship with her favorite activist in Portland, Oregon, and the new people and places she discovers leads her on a long, twisted road to coming of age

“Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit” by Jeanette Winterson
Published in 1985, “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit” features a young lesbian growing up in a Pentecostal community. LGBTQ people raised in super religious communities will be able to relate to the trials and tribulations of protagonist Jeanette.

“Huntress” by Malinda Lo

Set in a mystical universe where nature is out of balance, 17 year-olds Kaede and Taisin are on a mission to save the world from the icy Fairy Queen who threatens their kind. Despite being magical and unearthly, this story feels familiar, as the two characters battle with their own feelings for each other and learn more about themselves along the way.

Nature is out of balance in the human kingdom. The sun hasn’t shone in years, and crops are failing. Worse yet, strange and hostile creatures have begun to appear. And the people’s survival hangs in the balance.

To solve the crisis, the oracle stones are cast, and Kaede and Taisin, two seventeen-year-old girls, are picked to go on a dangerous and unheard-of journey to Tanlili, the city of the Fairy Queen. Taisin is a sage, thrumming with magic, and Kaede is of the earth, without a speck of the otherworldly. And yet the two girls’ destinies are drawn together during the mission. As members of their party succumb to unearthly attacks and fairy tricks, the two come to rely on each other and even begin to fall in love. But the Kingdom needs only one huntress to save it, and what it takes could tear Kaede and Taisin apart forever.

The exciting adventure prequel to Malinda Lo’s highly acclaimed novel Ash is overflowing with lush Chinese influences and details inspired by the I Ching, and is filled with action and romance.

Two Boys Kissing
It’s impossible to ignore the context of Levithan’s latest novel. The timing is perfect—in the age of Dan Savage’s It Gets Better (2011) and recent Supreme Court rulings on marraige equality, a book meant for young adults features a real-life gay teen couple kissing on the cover, standing in for the book’s two fictional boys, ex-boyfriends hoping to share the world’s longest kiss

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • STONEWALL HONOR BOOK • LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD WINNER • NATIONAL BOOK AWARD LONGLIST

“You have to read this.” —Rainbow Rowell, bestselling author of Eleanor & Park and Carry On

From the New York Times bestselling author of Every Day, this love story of shared humanity and history Hypable calls “an interconnecting web that will leave you emotionally exhausted and absolutely thrilled to have read something so beautiful and unique.” 

Based on true events—and narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS—Two Boys Kissing follows Harry and Craig, two seventeen-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record. While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teens dealing with universal questions of love, identity, and belonging.

Liam Green is a sixteen-year-old boy who has just moved to Fairmont with his family. On his first day in his new high school, he falls for Alex, a handsome jock on the swim team. Alex doesn’t seem to be gay, but that does not end Liam’s obsession with him. Fate pushes the boys together, and they become friends—until Liam’s secret is revealed.

Swimmer Boy is the first book in Jay Argent’s best-selling Fairmont Boys series. It begins a coming-of-age story about friendship and the kind of love that is found in the most unlikely places.

I am Not Gay: Gay Teen Romance (Fairmont Boys Book 2) 

Alex Wesley is a seventeen-year-old senior at Fairmont High School. He is a star jock and the captain of the swim team. Everything in his life seems perfect, except for one big secret: Alex has a boyfriend. In his efforts to keep his relationship hidden from his friends and family, Alex makes a mistake that changes everything and pushes him deeper into the closet.

I am Not Gay is the second book in Jay Argent’s best-selling Fairmont Boys series. It is a story about fear and the kind of courage that is found in the most unlikely places.

You Are Not My Son: Gay Teen Romance (Fairmont Boys Book 3)

Alex and Liam have left their hometown and its ghosts to turn a new page in their lives—and their relationship. After their rocky road in high school, Eastwood University feels like a safe haven. None of their new friends, even the jocks on the varsity teams, care that they are gay. In fact, they welcome them with open arms.

Just when their life in Eddington seems perfect, Alex’s family life falls apart, and their relationship is once again in danger. Alex needs to decide whether to come out to his parents and face the fateful consequences. Worst of all, when Alex’s father starts to pull the strings, the situation is no longer in their control.

You Are Not My Son is the third book in Jay Argent’s bestselling Fairmont Boys series. It’s a story about the kind of love and friendship that are necessary to beat even the toughest obstacles.

The Death of the Good Guy: Gay Teen Romance (Fairmont Boys Book 4)

Carefree and in love with each other, Alex and Liam are preparing for a college ball. To make the evening perfect, Alex comes up with a plan he hopes will surprise Liam big time. Nothing can go wrong and their happily-ever-after seems inevitable.

Just when Alex and Liam least expect it, two people from their past arrive in Eddington with bad intentions. Alex does not realize the seriousness of the situation before two lives are lost.

The Death of the Good Guy is the fourth book in Jay Argent’s bestselling Fairmont Boys series. It’s a story about the kind of love and friendship that is larger than life

Best Friends Forever: Gay Teen Romance (Fairmont Boys Book 5)

Their first year in college is over, and Alex and Liam return to Fairmont. Alex has got a job to coach the high school swim team. While his boyfriend is at swim camp, Liam is supposed to help his parents clean the house.

Things change quickly, and Alex has hardly left when a familiar person from Liam’s past appears on his front door. Liam tries to reunite with his old friend, but everything might not be as it seems at first glance.

Best Friends Forever is the fifth book in Jay Argent’s bestselling Fairmont Boys series. It’s a story about the kind of love and friendship that can have unexpected consequences.

Trust Me by Jeff Erno
Shawn Graham and Bobby Wilder couldn’t be more different. Shawn is a devout Christian fundamentalist from northern Michigan; Bobby is a street-smart latchkey kid from southern Ohio. From an early age, they are both confused and troubled by their attraction to the same sex. Shawn believes that homosexuality is sinful, and a traumatic incident of childhood sexual abuse adds to his guilt and shame. Bobby has an image to maintain and flatly denies the possibility that his same-sex attractions even exist. He’s just too cool to be gay. When they finally connect, their preconceptions are suddenly dwarfed by what they feel for each other. They become inseparable and fall deeply in love; however, love doesn’t make life easy. Plans are in motion that will surely devastate the young couple. Painful experiences of the past overshadow happy memories, and heartbreaking obstacles loom over the possibility of a future. If Shawn and Bobby want to stay together, they will have to fight with everything they have. Trust Me by Jeff Erno

Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert

Stonewall Book Award winner Little & Lion follows a black, Jewish, bisexual girl named Suzette, who’s back from boarding school and finding her way back into the life she left behind. As a Jewish reader from a blended family, I can’t explain how much it meant to me to see a beautiful, complex, nontraditional family portrayed with so much care and depth. Suzette’s prospective romantic relationships and friendships are treated with the same kind of tenderness and honesty.

When Suzette comes home to Los Angeles from her boarding school in New England, she’s isn’t sure if she’ll ever want to go back. L.A. is where her friends and family are (as well as her crush, Emil). And her stepbrother, Lionel, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, needs her emotional support.

But as she settles into her old life, Suzette finds herself falling for someone new…the same girl her brother is in love with. When Lionel’s disorder spirals out of control, Suzette is forced to confront her past mistakes and find a way to help her brother before he hurts himself–or worse.

“Little and Lion is beautifully insightful, honest, and compassionate. Brandy’s ability to find larger meaning in small moments is nothing short of dazzling.” — Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything

How to Repair a Mechanical Heart by J.C. Lillis 

HTRAMH is hilariously narrated from the perspective of Brandon, a gay, white, Catholic teen who co-runs a popular fandom vlog for a show called Castaway Planet. This book is so geeky, funny, romantic, and charming, and should immediately be followed up with its companion book, A&B.

The summer after high school graduation, two cute and snarky boys hit the road in an RV. Their mission: follow the traveling fan convention for Castaway Planet, the cult sci-fi show they’re both obsessed with. BRANDON irons his t-shirts, loves the dapper and reserved Castaway android Sim, and hides his pesky Catholic guilt from his out-and-proud roadtrip partner, Abel. ABEL collects funny belt buckles, loves Castaway‘s brave and dashing Captain Cadmus, has a hot boyfriend with a phoenix tattoo, and has nothing to hide—except his epic crush on Brandon. During their six-week cross-country adventure, Brandon and Abel post new entries on their Castaway Planet fan vlog, spar with an online community of slash fiction writers, meet their TV idols, play with their action figures, uncover big secrets, and maybe possibly fall in love. Can two fanboys face down their obstacles and write themselves a real-life romance—or is fiction the only thing bringing them together?

Girl Mans Up by M-E Girard

This Lambda Literary Award winner and Morris Award finalist follows Pen, a Portuguese-American lesbian gamer who wears her brother’s clothes. Pen grapples with cultural expectations around gender expression, masculinity, and femininity in a way that’s so quietly groundbreaking. Girard leans into the complexity of Pen’s family relationships and friendships — and the sweetness of Pen’s developing romance with her girlfriend.

Lambda Literary Award Winner! “Pen is an inspiration to anyone who’s struggled to be understood, and a vital addition to the growing world of genderqueer protagonists.” —New York Times Book Review
All Pen wants is to be the kind of girl she’s always been. So why does everyone have a problem with it?
They think the way she looks and acts means she’s trying to be a boy—that she should quit trying to be something she’s not. If she dresses like a girl, and does what her folks want, it will show respect. If she takes orders and does what her friend Colby wants, it will show her loyalty.
But respect and loyalty, Pen discovers, are empty words. Old-world parents, disintegrating friendships, and strong feelings for other girls drive Pen to see the truth—that in order to be who she truly wants to be, she’ll have to man up.
Now available in paperback, M. E. Girard’s Girl Mans Up is perfect for fans of Meredith Russo, Becky Albertalli, Alex Sanchez, and Jaye Robin Brown!
Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2016 * Children’s Book Council Books Best Book of 2016 * Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Coming-of-Age Novel of 2016 and Best Teen Book of 2016 with Unforgettable Protagonists * Publishers Weekly Fall 2016 Flying Starts * William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist

George by Alex Gino
This Stonewall Book Award and Lambda Literary Award winner is the only middle-grade book on my list, but it’s a must-read for any age. George follows a white trans girl in elementary school named Melissa who desperately wants to play Charlotte in her class’s production of Charlotte’s Web — but her teacher sees her as a boy. I loved this charming, heartfelt story and its beautifully hopeful resolution.

Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley
Highly Illogical Behavior follows a white, gay, agoraphobic boy named Solomon, a wannabe psychologist named Lisa, and Lisa’s utter cinnamon roll of a boyfriend, Clark. Whaley manages to strike that perfect balance between hilarious and gut-wrenching, with characters so messy and distinct, they feel like real people. This book is such a gem.

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silver
Like most of Silvera’s work, this one’s a heartbreaker. We meet Griffin — a white boy with OCD — on the day of his ex-boyfriend Theo’s funeral. The narrative alternates between two time periods — before and after Theo’s death — and it’s such a breathtakingly honest portrait of first love, messy grief, and hard-earned hope..

We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinso
A speculative-fiction masterpiece: Henry is a white gay boy who gets abducted by aliens fairly regularly. He’s given the option of pressing a button to save the world from ending — but he’s not sure the world is worth saving. This book is unflinchingly, gut-wrenchingly honest, and it asks big questions in a way that cuts deep.

When the Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

A National Book Award long-list title and a Stonewall Honor Book, McLemore’s sophomore book is an evocative, exquisitely lyrical work of magical realism. It alternates between the perspectives of Miel, a Latina girl who grows roses from her wrists, and Sam, a Pakistani trans boy who hangs moons all over their town. Their love story took my breath away.

From the author of The Weight of Feathers comes a young adult novel about a girl hiding the truth, a boy with secrets from his past, and four sisters who could ruin them both.

Recipient of a Stonewall Honor and longlisted for the National Book Award, McLemore delivers a second stunning and utterly romantic novel, again tinged with magic.

To everyone who knows them, best friends Miel and Sam are as strange as they are inseparable. Roses grow out of Miel’s wrist, and rumors say that she spilled out of a water tower when she was five. Sam is known for the moons he paints and hangs in the trees and for how little anyone knows about his life before he and his mother moved to town. But as odd as everyone considers Miel and Sam, even they stay away from the Bonner girls, four beautiful sisters rumored to be witches. Now they want the roses that grow from Miel’s skin, convinced that their scent can make anyone fall in love. And they’re willing to use every secret Miel has fought to protect to make sure she gives them up.

Atmospheric, dynamic, and packed with gorgeous prose, When the Moon Was Ours is another winner from this talented author.

Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehrig

Last Seen Leaving follows Flynn, whose girlfriend has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared — and he’s left looking for answers. I was totally riveted by this perfectly executed mystery — lots of twists and surprises made this unputdownable. Equally compelling: Flynn’s beautifully realized journey toward accepting that he’s gay, and an achingly sweet love story to go with it.

In this young adult debut, a teen must try to uncover his missing girlfriend’s secrets without revealing his own.

Flynn’s girlfriend, January, is missing. The cops are asking questions he can’t answer, and her friends are telling stories that don’t add up. All eyes are on Flynn―as January’s boyfriend, he must know something.

But Flynn is harboring a secret of his own. As he struggles to find out what happened to January, he must also come to terms with his own truth.

Caleb Roehrig’s debut is a complex and winding tale of tragedy, discovery, and self-acceptance.

Praise for Last Seen Leaving:

A Buzzfeed Best YA Novel of 2016
Best YA Novel of 2016 – Paste Magazine
A Kirkus Best of 2016 Book – Teen

“Flynn Doherty’s competing desires to uncover the secrets behind his ex-girlfriend’s disappearance and keep his own secrets hidden propel debut author Roehrig’s powerful thriller. . . . A compelling mystery and characters with fully developed strengths and flaws make Roehrig’s novel an important addition in the world of queer young adult fiction.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Debut novelist Roehrig peoples his sensationalistic, twisty mystery with credible characters, especially narrator Flynn, whose struggles with coming out will resonate with young gay teens in more mundane circumstances. Witty, realistically foulmouthed dialogue and the suspenseful, well-laid mystery will keep pages turning . . . Readers won’t be able to put it down.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“This truly hair-raising, stand-out mystery thriller from debut author Roehrig will keep readers guessing, even until the end.” ―Booklist, starred review

“The characters are believable, the mystery is interesting, and the action is often fast-paced. Flynn’s internal struggle to open up about his sexuality carries weight, and readers will be drawn into his emotional journey and his adventures in amateur sleuthing . . . A fun mystery with a credible emotional pull.” ―School Library Journal

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Monty — white, bi, wealthy, and roguish — is the ridiculously charming narrator for this historical romp. He’s sent on a Grand Tour of Europe with his sister Felicity and best friend Percy, and their voices are so compellingly real that it’s hard to believe they’re fictional. This book is so funny, sad, romantic, and heartfelt — no wonder it won a Stonewall Honor.

Girl Made of Stars by Ashley Herring Blake
This book follows Mara, a white bi girl who has always been close with her twin brother, Owen — but Mara’s whole world is rocked when Owen is accused of sexually assaulting his girlfriend. This story couldn’t be more timely, and Blake tells it with so much wisdom and heart. It’s a stunningly good, important book.

Running With Lions by Julian Winters
I couldn’t get enough of Winters’s funny, charming debut about a soccer team at summer training camp. The team is tight-knit and diverse, with a coach who makes a point of creating an affirming space for LGBTQIAP+ athletes. The romance between goalie Sebastian and his teammate and childhood friend Emir gave me butterflies.

Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
Darius is a geeky, clinically depressed, white-Persian biracial, and a hard-core tea drinker — and he’s one of the most irresistible narrators I’ve ever met. Family circumstances prompt Darius’s first trip to Iran, where a new friendship with a boy named Sohrab brings some unexpected feelings to the surface. Khorram’s unbelievably big-hearted debut left me sobbing. I loved it.

The ABC LGBTQ+

The ABCs of LGBT+ is a #1 Bestselling LGBT book and is essential reading for questioning teens, teachers or parents looking for advice, or anyone who wants to learn how to talk about gender identity and sexual identity. In The ABCs of LGBT+, Ashley Mardell, a beloved blogger and YouTube star, answers many of your questions about: lgbt and lgbt+ gender identity sexual identity teens in a binary world the LGBT family and more Understanding gender identity and sexual identity: The 21st Century has seen very positive movement for LGBT+ rights. In the last few years the overturning of DOMA, the SCOTUS ruling in favor of the Marriage Equality Act, American transgender politicians elected to office, and landmark moments such as Apple becoming the most valuable company in the world under the leadership of an openly gay CEO have advanced LGBT awareness and understanding. In a world full of LGBT questions, Mardell’s The ABC’s of LGBT+ has the answers. The trusted voice of Ashley Mardell: We are living in a post-binary world where gender fluency and awareness of gender identity and a real understanding of our LGBT family is essential. Ashley Mardell, one of the most trusted voices on YouTube, presents a detailed look at all things LGBT+ in this remarkable book. Along with in-depth definitions, personal anecdotes, helpful infographics, resources, and more; Mardell’s LGBT book is proof it does get better every day in a world where people are empowered by information and understanding. In Mardell’s own words, “This book is also for allies and LGBT+ people simply looking to pack in some extra knowledge… a critical part of acceptance. Learning about new identities broadens our understanding of humanity, heightens our empathy, and allows us different, valuable perspectives.”

The YouTube star presents a personal, approachable, and informative guide for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of gender and sexual identity.
 
The ABCs of LGBT+ is essential reading for questioning teens, teachers or parents looking for advice, or anyone who wants to learn how to talk about gender and sexual identity. In this volume, popular vlogger Ash Mardell, who embraces all pronouns, answers your questions about the post-binary world of the twenty-first century.
 
With in-depth definitions, personal anecdotes, helpful infographics, resources, and more, Mardell lets readers know that it really does get better when we are empowered by information and understanding. In Mardell’s own words, “This book is also for allies and LGBT+ people simply looking to pack in some extra knowledge . . . a critical part of acceptance. Learning about new identities broadens our understanding of humanity, heightens our empathy, and allows us different, valuable perspectives.”
 
Topics covered include:
· LGBT and LGBTQIA+
· Gender identity
· Sexual identity
· Teens in a binary world
· The LGBT family and more

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This Printz Honor Book is a “tender, honest exploration of identity” (Publishers Weekly) that distills lyrical truths about family and friendship.Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who’s ever been chosen.That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here — it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.Carry On – The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story – but far, far more monsters.

Noah Can’t Even by Simon James Green
Poor Noah Grimes! His father disappeared years ago, his mother’s Beyonce tribute act is an unacceptable embarrassment, and his beloved gran is no longer herself. He only has one friend, Harry, and school is… Well, it’s pure hell. Why can’t Noah be normal, like everyone else at school? Maybe if he struck up a romantic relationship with someone – maybe Sophie, who is perfect and lovely – he’d be seen in a different light? But Noah’s plans are derailed when Harry kisses him at a party. That’s when things go from bad to utter chaos. Copyright © 2018 LGBTQ Teens – All Rights Reserved.