A timely new picture book explores the role of protests in American history, so let’s take a look—and round up some other recent picture books and middle grade titles about protests and activism. They’re all queer-inclusive, but look at a wide variety of social justice movements and moments.
Today marks Stand Up for Science 2025, part of a movement to defend science as a public good. I’m therefore highlighting three recent kids’ books, each showing a different way that LGBTQ people, characters, and themes appear in STEM-related books.
No theme today except great new books: a picture book about Pride, from a classic series; another about family diversity in nature; a chapter book with nonbinary representation; the young reader’s edition of Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider’s autobiography; a sweet middle grade graphic novel set in a fantasy world, and more.
Today is the 10th annual National Day of Reading: A Celebration of Trans Stories, so let’s celebrate with some terrific recent picture, chapter, and middle grade books with trans protagonists and role models to read today or any day!
Seeking books set at magic schools—but want them queer? Try these two new middle grade series! One stars a trans boy on a harsh ice world where magic means survival; the other brings us a Between World, spooky creatures, and normalized queer relationships. Read on for reviews and additional titles.
Today is National Girls & Women in Sports Day, so let’s celebrate with these two new middle grade titles starring young queer athletes—including what may be the first middle grade book to include a scene at a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) game!
The American Library Association has just announced its 2025 Rainbow Book List of over 175 librarian-approved titles “celebrating LGBTQIA+ youth and families.” Let’s look more closely at these books for children and teens, why they matter, and some exclusive charts showing trends over the years.
Numerous LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ books were honored at today’s annual American Library Association Youth Media Awards, winning not only in LGBTQ categories, but also in several others—proving once again that those who wish to ban or restrict them are keeping kids from some of the best children’s literature around.
Newbery honoree Kyle Lukoff’s new middle grade novel is the tale of a Jewish, transgender boy trying to save the world from anti-trans demons. That alone should be enough to commend it. But it’s also much more: a powerful story of self-growth, the many ways of transformation, and the complexity of human relationships.
Let’s roll into the holidays with 10 intriguing quotes from some of the year’s best LGBTQ middle grade books—they’re out of context to prevent spoilers, but I hope they stir your interest in these fun, insightful, and inspiring titles.
