4 Queer-Inclusive Middle Grade Books for the Winter Olympics
Let’s keep the Olympic theme going this week with four queer-inclusive middle grade books about Winter Olympic sports (even if not all of the protagonists are quite at Olympic level yet).
Let’s keep the Olympic theme going this week with four queer-inclusive middle grade books about Winter Olympic sports (even if not all of the protagonists are quite at Olympic level yet).
The American Library Association’s Rainbow Round Table has just announced its 2026 Rainbow Book List of over 160 librarian-approved titles that celebrate LGBTQIA+ youth and families. It’s the third-highest number since the list began in 2008. Let’s take a closer look, with some exclusive charts showing trends over the years.
LGBTQ-inclusive children’s and young adult books were among the titles honored at the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards today, winning not only Stonewall Awards for LGBTQ titles, but also awards in several other categories—proving again that those who wish to ban them are keeping kids from some of the best books around.
The LGBTQ-inclusive middle grade books of 2025 bring tales of adventure, magic, friendship, family, and personal growth. Here are some that stand out. Gift them for the holidays (or any time), recommend them to your local library, or just read them yourself!
Looking for LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ books about the winter holidays? Check out these picture books—including two brand-new ones for Christmas and Hanukkah—plus a few middle grade titles that would also make great family read-alouds for younger children!
The LGBTQ-inclusive board, picture, and chapter books of 2025 have been joyous, affirming, sometimes hilarious, and often beautiful. Here are some that stand out for holiday giving (or any time of year).
The first picture book featuring someone with HIV or AIDS came out in 1989. It was followed by many other picture and middle grade books in the decades since, including these LGBTQ-inclusive titles. On World AIDS Day and beyond, may they offer insight into both history and a disease still with us.
A Massachusetts parent is using the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Mahmoud decision as reason to sue his school district, claiming he should have been able to opt-out his kindergartener before the child’s class read two books that included same-sex parents. It’s the same district that saw a similar case brought in 2008.
Representation matters—so for the start of Transgender Awareness Week (and all year long), check out these terrific new picture and middle grade books from 2025 with trans protagonists. They include realistic fiction, biographies, and stories with a touch of magic—one of which is a finalist for the prestigious National Book Award!
Inform and inspire with a brand-new picture-book biography of a legendary gay fashion icon, plus nine other picture-book biographies published this year that showcase LGBTQ writers, performers, activists, and an astronaut.