There’s something for little kids, middle graders, and grown-ups in three great new LGBTQ-inclusive books out today! Check them out—especially because the queer content in the kids’ books isn’t immediately obvious!
The first must-read, LGBTQ-inclusive middle grade novel of 2023 is set in 1987 at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the U.S., and centers on a girl whose father is dying from complications of AIDS.
As a red-headed, queer, former fencer with a graduate degree in medieval history, I knew I was probably going to like the new sword-swinging, redhead- and queer-led middle grade fantasy novel from Esme Symes-Smith. This joyous, nuanced story with a nonbinary protagonist exceeded even my expectations.
Two new middle-grade novels, one by the lauded Alex Gino and one by debut author Michael Leali, focus on queer youth exploring queer history within the context of queer communities. These joyous, empowering, inspirational books are great reads for Pride or any time of year!
Today’s new LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ books include a picture-book biography of the world’s first openly gay strongman, a non-fiction book about the AIDS crisis, several middle-grade novels by some of the best authors writing for that age, and more!
Newbery honoree, National Book Award finalist, and two-time Stonewall Award winner Kyle Lukoff has written another queer-inclusive middle-grade novel, and that alone should be enough to convince many to run out immediately and get it. If you want more details about this moving, funny story of family, community, and identity, however, read on.
Not one, but two LGBTQ-inclusive guides for young people about puberty, gender, bodies, and sex are coming out this month. One is the long-awaited third volume in an acclaimed series, the other is backed by the imprimatur of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and both are excellent.
New this week and coming soon: A colorful board book about pronouns, a bilingual (English/Spanish) book about a first same-sex crush, and a lovely middle-grade novel about a queer, Jewish, autistic girl. Read on to learn more!
When the creator of a major magical franchise continues to promote anti-trans rhetoric, while another magical entertainment provider offers lukewarm opposition to an anti-LGBTQ bill and allegedly nixes much LGBTQ content in its films, I think we need some fantastical, visually stunning, action-packed, queer-inclusive movies to help counter this. Here are some great middle grade books, all by queer authors, that could serve as starting points.
A superb new anthology for middle graders, with stories across the LGBTQ spectrum, includes tales by many of the luminaries of queer youth fiction.
