As June approaches, we welcome Pride Month, celebrating the vibrant tapestry of the LGBTQIA+ community. For librarians and educators seeking to enrich their collections and programs, we have curated an inspiring selection of titles showcasing LGBTQIA+ stories, histories, and rights.
Read on to check out our spotlight titles designed to help you find stories that resonate with authenticity and provide deep, meaningful insights into the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Biphobia
From the series: Lorimer Deal With It
Interest Level: Grade 4 – Grade 9
Prejudice and discrimination affect people with different sexual identities than the standard poles of “gay” and “straight.” This reader-directed exploration of biphobia/bierasure helps readers identify biphobia and start a conversation about how to deal with it.
Forsooth
Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 8
When thirteen-year-old theater kid Calvin sets out to make a movie with his friends, drama ensues, forcing him to sort through his first crushes, face family tensions, and learn how to be true to himself.
Praise for Forsooth
“Matejek-Morris delves into adolescent friendship drama and Calvin’s challenges growing up queer in a religious family, as well as issues of internalized racism, via theatrical hijinks that add levity to the weighty themes.” — Publishers Weekly
★ Pangu’s Shadow
Interest Level: Grade 7 – Grade 12
When Ver and Aryl, rival apprentices at the most prestigious biology lab in the Pangu Star System, become the prime suspects in their teacher’s murder, they must team up to clear their names.
Praise for Pangu’s Shadow
“This dual-perspective tale maintains a vivid connection to each narrator’s voice while keeping up an exciting pace and unfurling a satisfying mystery. Hard to put down: A strongly written work that pulls no punches while providing much-needed representation.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
“Detective hijinks abound, including last-ditch offworld trips, and a morgue heist to find a prosthetic hand. A slow-burn queer romance and stellar worldbuilding round out this sci-fi about queer girls flipping the script.” — Shelf Awareness
No Limit on Love
Interest Level: Grade 8 – Grade 12
While cleaning up debris left by a devastating storm, Dan meets Levi, who is handsome, progressive—and shows a strong interest in Dan. As Dan realizes their nonbinary identity and Levi ponders gender fluidity, together they dispel the need for labels.
★ One Summer in Vancouver
Interest Level: Grade 8 – Grade 12
Tom, a teen struggling to understand his sexual identity, flees Toronto for a summer of freedom in Vancouver, where something exciting is about to happen: the Gay Games.
Living with his “out” Uncle Fred, Tom experiences a new world where being your true self is freeing and fun. As the Games wrap, Tom has to decide whether to return to a closeted life and a father who doesn’t understand, or to make a new life in Vancouver.
Praise for One Summer in Vancouver
“Enjoy this delightful book not only in the summer but year round.” — starred, Booklist
Secret Me
Interest Level: Grade 8 – Grade 12
With a handsome boyfriend and popular friends, Tage seems to have it all. But a chance encounter with Wren, a nonbinary schoolmate, forces Tage to confront the lie she’s been living about her sexuality.
★ Stuck with You
Interest Level: Grade 8 – Grade 12
Stuck with You is a story of queer joy and a playful teen romance, following two frenemies as they fall for each other while stuck in adjacent seats on a day-long train trip.
Praise for Stuck with You
“A laugh-out-loud hi-lo gay romantic comedy. . . . Highly recommended for hi-lo readers who loved Heartstopper.” — starred, School Library Journal
Looking for More Pride Month Books?
Don’t forget to explore our other Pride Month book roundups or check out all our diverse books on lernerbooks.com for more exceptional reads that celebrate the stories and voices of the LGBTQIA+ community.