This week’s new LGBTQ-inclusive middle grade novels include one where the cover and publisher’s blurb make it obvious that there’s queer inclusion, and two where they don’t. That’s why I’m here—because these are all books you won’t want to miss.
Three new middle grade books (including two graphic novels) feature queer protagonists and crushes while giving us thoughtful and compelling stories of families and friendships. Share them for Pride or any time of year!
These eight LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ books are new this week, many from authors you may already know and love! They include seven picture books and one middle grade title, exploring themes like self, family, community, biography, sports, gender identity and expression, and coming of age.
I’m thrilled to announce that the Mombian Database of LGBTQ Family Books now has 2,000+ entries, with LGBTQ-inclusive books for kids 0 to 12, LGBTQ parenting books, and some kids’ music and other resources. Search, filter, and read my in-depth reviews! Here’s more about the database, plus my thoughts on how censorship is impacting these titles.
Three new graphic novels with nonbinary protagonists give chapter book and middle grade readers three very different stories of friendship, community, and compassion.
Not every LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ book needs to be “about” being LGBTQ—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t also room for engaging, insightful coming out stories, like this week’s two excellent new middle grade titles.
Artemis II is making its moon flyby today—so I’m rounding up some LGBTQ-inclusive picture, chapter, and middle grade books involving astronomy and/or space. (I was an astronomy major, so this was particularly fun for me.) Share them with the young people in your life who dream of the stars!
To mark this year’s Trans Rights Readathon, here are six recent trans-inclusive chapter book and middle grade titles, including the second volume in a magic-school series with a transgender boy protagonist, and another about a trans girl who discovers she’s a witch—perfect if you’re seeking alternatives to She Who Must Not Be Named.
Ursula Nordstrom had an outsized impact on American children’s literature as editor of Where the Wild Things Are, Charlotte’s Web, Goodnight Moon, and many other classics. A new middle grade biography also shows her as a queer woman, a champion of books centering marginalized identities, and an opponent of censorship.
Two terrific new middle grade novels out today offer different looks at queer tweens who feel invisible—figuratively or literally. One protagonist is a genderqueer youth on a dark, fantastical adventure (just don’t call him the hero); the other is a girl beginning to realize her asexual identity.
