Pride for middle grade readers
Be amazing: a history of pride
Desmond Is Amazing, author
2020
Throughout history, courageous people like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and RuPaul have paved the way for a safer, more inclusive for LGBTQ individuals, and it's thanks to them that people just like Desmond can be free to be who they really are. In Be Amazing, drag kid Desmond is Amazing walks you through the history of the LGBTQ community, all the while encouraging you to embrace your own uniqueness and ignore the haters.
Both can be true
Machias, Jules, author.
2021
"Ash is no stranger to feeling like an outcast. For someone who cycles through genders, it's a daily struggle to feel in control of how people perceive you. Some days Ash is undoubtedly girl, but other times, 100 percent guy. Daniel lacks control too--of his emotions. He's been told he's overly sensitive more times than he can count. He can't help the way he is, and he sure wishes someone would accept him for it. So when Daniel's big heart leads him to rescue a dog that's about to be euthanized, he's relieved to find Ash willing to help. The two bond over their four-legged secret. When they start catching feelings for each other, however, things go from cute to complicated. Daniel thinks Ash is all girl . . . what happens when he finds out there's more to Ash's story?"-- Provided by publisher.
The Civil War of Amos Abernathy
Leali, Michael, author.
2022
Through letters he writes in his journal, thirteen-year-old Amos finds a confidant in a queer historical figure from the Civil War.
The devouring wolf
Parker, Natalie C., author
2022
To find out why twelve-year-old Riley and the rest of the sapling pack did not transform into werewolves on the first full moon of the summer, they must unearth their community's deepest secrets and face a terrifying legendary creature.
Different kinds of fruit
Lukoff, Kyle, author.
2022
"When Annabelle learns that her father shares something big--and surprising--in common with her new nonbinary friend, she begins to see herself, and her family, in a whole new light"-- Provided by publisher.
The fabulous Zed Watson!
Sylvester, Basil, author
2021
When Zed discovered the mystery surrounding an unpublished novel called The Monster's Castle, they were completely hooked. Now Zed is a member of a small but dedicated legion devoted to finding the long-buried text. When a breakthrough discovery leads Zed to the route that they are sure will take them to the treasure, they know it's time for a road trip. And with the help of their shy, flora-loving neighbour, Gabe, and his sister, Sam, a geologist who is driving back to college in Arizona, Zed and company are soon off on a wild adventure following cryptic clues. If Zed and Gabe can combine their strengths, survive Sam's wrath and best the greedy historian who's also hot on the book's trail, they just might find the greatest treasure of all.
Frankie & Bug
Forman, Gayle, author
2021
In the summer of 1987 in Venice, California, ten-year-old Bug and her new friend Frankie learn important lessons about life, family, being your true self, and how to navigate in a world that is not always just or fair.
In the key of us
Lockington, Mariama.
2022
While thirteen-year-old Andi has suffered from anxiety attacks ever since her mother died ten months ago, Zora starting hurting herself whenever she feels out of control; they are both at Camp Harmony, an elite summer music camp, trying to deal with their problems and also the stress of competition--but as the summer passes they find themselves increasingly drawn to each other, and maybe not just as friends.
A kids book about : being non-binary
Chinn-Raicht, Hunter, author
2021
"What's Inside? What does being non-binary mean? For some people, the question and its answer may be new or a little confusing. It's okay to not know what it means! That's where all good conversations start. The journey to understanding starts with an open mind and an open heart."--Back cover.
Martin McLean, middle school queen
Zaczek, Alyssa, author.
2020
Seventh-grader Martin McLean has trouble expressing himself except at Mathletes competitions and, now, as a female impersonator but his first-ever drag show falls on the same night as an important Mathletes tournament.
Middle school's a drag : you better werk!
Howard, Greg (Gregory Steven), author
2020
In Charleston, South Carolina, a young business entrepreneur, newly out as gay, starts his own junior talent agency and signs a thirteen-year-old aspiring drag queen as his first client.
Nothing ever happens here
Hagger-Holt, Sarah, author.
2021
Seventh-grader Izzy, a shy girl who surprisingly loves acting and being onstage, wonders if her family will ever be normal again after her father announces that he is transgender.
The Ojja-wojja : a horror-mystery, or whatever
Visaggio, Magdalene, author
2023
"Welcome to Bolingbroke. It's a small town just like any other . . . or so eighth graders Val and Lanie think. They’re the best of best friends—they love the same comics, they watch the same shows, and they’re always there for each other. Which is important when you’re queer, like Lanie, or on the spectrum, like Val, and just don’t seem to fit in anywhere. When a school project about their hometown’s supernatural history leads to a for-real ghost sighting, Val and Lanie realize Bolingbroke might not be as boring as they’d always thought. But after a run-in with the resident middle school queen bee (who also happens to be Lanie’s former friend), they decide to take things to the next level . . . and accidentally summon the Ojja-Wojja, a demonic presence connected to a slew of mysterious tragedies throughout Bolingbroke’s sordid history. Now all heck has broken loose. With the whole town acting weird and nowhere left to turn, it’s going to be up to Val, Lanie, and their small group of friends to return things to normal—if “normal” is even something they want to return to."-- Provided by publisher.
The one who loves you the most
Medina (Children's author), author
2022
Searching for their place in this world, 12-year-old Gabriela, who is dealing with depression and identity, finds the new year bringing them trans and queer friends and a YouTube channel that helps them find purpose in their journey.
People of pride : 25 great LGBTQ Americans
Clemesha, Chase, author
2021
"What do Frank Ocean, Sally Ride, George Takei, and Sharice Davids all have in common? They're all proud LGBTQ Americans! Featuring people from a variety of occupations and backgrounds, this collection of 25 short biographies demonstrates the diversity, accomplishments, and pride within the American LGBTQ community."--Amazon.
Rick
Gino, Alex, author
2020
Eleven-year-old Rick Ramsey has generally gone along with everybody, just not making waves, even though he is increasingly uncomfortable with his father's jokes about girls, and his best friend's explicit talk about sex; but now in middle school he discovers the Rainbow Spectrum club, where kids of many genders and identities can express themselves--and maybe among them he can find new friends and discover his own identity, which may just be to opt out of sex altogether.
Snapdragon
Leyh, Kat, author, illustrator
2020
Graphic novel about a young girl who befriends her town's witch and discovers the strange magic within herself.
Stonewall : a building, an uprising, a revolution
Sanders, Rob, 1958- author
2019
Celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising that tells of its historic and inspiring role in the gay civil rights movement.
Sylvia and Marsha start a revolution! : the story of the trans women of color who made LGBTQ+ history
Ellison, Joy Michael, author
2021
""Someday girls like us will be able to wear whatever we want. People will call us by the names we choose. They'll respect that we are women. The cops will leave us alone and no one will go hungry." Sylvia and Marsha are closer than sisters. They are kind and brave and not afraid to speak their truth, even when it makes other people angry. This illustrated book introduces children to the story of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, the two transgender women of colour who helped kickstart the Stonewall Riots and dedicated their lives to fighting for LGBTQ+ equality. It introduces children to issues surrounding gender identity and diversity, accompanied by a reading guide and teaching materials to further the conversation"-- Provided by publisher.
This is our rainbow : 16 stories of her, him, them, and us
2021
Featuring contributions from Eric Bell, Katherine Locke and A.J. Sass, this first LGBTQA+ anthology for middle-grade readers presents stories of queer fantasy, historical and contemporary stories for every letter of the acronym.
The visitors
Howard, Greg (Gregory Steven), author.
2022
"A lonely twelve-year-old boy spends his days "stuck" at the deserted Hollow Pines Plantation in Georgetown, South Carolina with no recollection of his name, how long he's been there, and no idea how to leave. Things never change much for the lost souls at Hollow Pines and time is strange when you're dead. But when visitors from the living world arrive for the first time in a long while, the boy feels a spark of hope. These visitors are around his age, and they seem to understand more than others that the plantation is not just spooky or eerie, it's a sad place where the unspeakable happened again and again. And if these kids could understand the truth about Hollow Pines, maybe they could help him uncover the dark secrets of his past and help him find a way to finally move on. But Hollow Pines doesn't like visitors. And with a malevolent spirit lurking in the shadows and painful memories buried deep, and for good reason, the boy wonders if he'll ever find his way home or be stuck at Hollow Pines forever."-- Provided by publisher.
You be you! : the kid's guide to gender, sexuality, and family
Branfman, Jonathan, author
2019
"This is an illustrated children's book that makes gender identity, sexual orientation and family diversity easy to explain to children. Throughout the book kids learn that there are many kinds of people in the world and that diversity is something to be celebrated. It covers gender, romantic orientation, discrimination, intersectionality, privilege, and how to stand up for what's right. With charming illustrations, clear explanations, and short sections that can be dipped in and out of, this book helps children think about how to create a kinder, more tolerant world."--Amazon.com.