HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
As the world slowly progresses, we're seeing more representation of communities that have been historically marginalized. This month, we'd like to use our little corner of the web to shine a light on LGBTQIA+ issues.
I've compiled a list of ten books from various genres that feature characters from all over the spectrum and highlight the unique struggles they face.
(Note: Click the Book Titles to access the purchase links, or the images to add to your Goodreads!)
This classic novel takes readers through the beautiful and heartbreaking stories of several African American women in early-1900s rural Georgia via a collection of letters between two sisters (and to God). This book is a must-read, and requires a box (or two) of tissues.
TRIGGER WARNING: This book deals with domestic and sexual abuse. Please do not read unless you are mentally prepared.
Jasmine Mans's poetry collection touches on race, feminism, and queer identity, and is as heartbreaking as it is healing.
TRIGGER WARNING: Briefly touches on topics like police brutality, rape culture, and systemic racism
200 years after Cinderella's "happily ever after," the young women of Mersailles are put on display for selection at each annual ball. Sophia doesn't want a husband; she plans to run away with her best friend and first love, Erin. What she doesn't plan on is discovering the truth of Cinderella.
Rags is a damn good thief. Because of it, he is captured by an ambitious sorcerer who wants Rags to do the dirty work in stealing six ancient fae relics. But when Rags realizes the "relics" are in fact people—and he is one of them—he must ally with his former targets and, hopefully, outsmart an evil genius. Marketed as Six of Crows meets The Cruel Prince, this queer story about found family is definitely on our TBR.
ALL OUT: THE NO-LONGER SECRET STORIES OF QUEER TEENS THROUGHOUT THE AGES - EDITED BY SAUNDRA MITCHELL
Seventeen YA authors compile this breathtaking collection of historical teen fiction short stories that are as diverse as the writers, spanning a variety of time periods, cultures, and identities.
Randy loves going to Camp Outland, a camp for queer teens, each summer because it's the place he can shine brightest, as his truest self. Yet in his determination to win the heart of Hudson, Randy reinvented himself this year. As the two start to get closer, Randy (now Del) must decide between "love" and being authentic.
This queer Firebird retelling follows twin sisters—Izaveta, who remained at court to learn to be Queen of Tourin, and Asya, who was sent to train with their aunt in the art of magic—as they seek to discover who killed their mother and crown a new ruler.
A YA Fantasy about a gay transgender witch having to choose between freedom from persecution and helping his estranged royal fiancé save his fae kingdom? Yes, please! This new release is another we can't wait to get our hands on!
Juliet decides to come out to her family . . . the night before she flies across the country to intern with her favorite feminist writer. "Life-changing" might be an understatement when it comes to Juliet's summer.
When the Automae overthrow their human designers and take over, Ayla loses her family and freedom. Now a servant in the House of the Sovereign, Ayla can think of no better revenge than destroying the sovereign's only family: the daughter he Made. Yet Ayla finds Crier is nothing like her father, and she might be more useful to Ayla alive than dead.
Have you read any of these? Got a book you'd like to rec? Let us know your opinions in the comments below, or on bookstagram or Twitter!