“World Made of Glass” Is Heartbreaking and Hopeful
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.
middle-grade books
A Sword-Swinging, Joyously Queer Middle-Grade Fantasy With a Nonbinary Hero
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.
2 New Middle Grade Novels Celebrate Queer History and Community
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!
A “Strong” Showing of New LGBTQ Kids’ Books Out Today!
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!
Kyle Lukoff’s “Different Kinds of Fruit” Is a Juicy and Delicious Middle-Grade Novel
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.
Two New Books on Puberty Are Inclusive and Affirming of All Genders
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.
3 New Queer-Inclusive Children’s Books: Pronouns, First Crushes, and Intersectional Identities
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!
Queer, Magical, Middle-Grade Books That Deserve Blockbuster Movies
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.
Middle Grade LGBTQ Anthology Brings Together Some of the Best of the Genre
A superb new anthology for middle graders, with stories across the LGBTQ spectrum, includes tales by many of the luminaries of queer youth fiction.
5 New Queer-Inclusive Middle Grade Books (that Even Adults May Love)
There have been so many queer-inclusive picture books out this year that I’ve gotten a little behind on the middle grade ones! Let’s remedy that with a look at five new ones worth a read!