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Back to topMiddle-grade books with queer representation
This is Tory's ongoing list of *good* middle-grade books with queer representation. There are plenty of other MG queer books out there that Tory hasn't read, and there are plenty of MG queer books that Tory has read but didn't think they were *good enough* to recommend. She stands behind all of these options! She considers all of these books to be age-appropriate for mid/upper elementary students, but parents/guardians/teachers should use their own discretion, as every child and family situation is different.
two dads
I'M NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING
Unf but seriously, these are the books everyone needs to read. Everyone who worries; everyone learning about themselves; everyone who has good friends and bad days and picks themselves up and who keep going. So so so much of this is applicable to so many people. "What does a feeling feel like?" Think it through. Learn yourself. REBECCA STEAD, HOW DO YOU DO IT???
"'...you might as well know right now that there are people who will try to make you choose between who you are and who they want you to be.'"
This is such a fantastic book for middle-graders learning how to process complex emotions. It would be a great read-aloud for younger kids, too -- start that dialogue early! And the lovely queer storyline is icing on the cake; great discussions about acceptance and mixed families and love and reconciliation. SO GOOD.
nonbinary side character
After finding a report that lists the 54 things "wrong" with her, Gwendolyn is bound and determined to fix her problems. You will laugh and cry and RAGE with her as she tries and tries again to "be good," and you'll come out the other side being a braver, stronger advocate for inclusivity and understanding -- since the only thing "wrong" with Gwen is a society that tries to fit everyone into a tiny box. Caela Carter is an expert at relatable, lovable characters negotiating timely, real-world challenges. I'm calling it right now: this is going to be a Newbery winner.
asexual main character
(Note: this one skews a little bit older.) A very sweet, relatable semi-autobiographical graphic novel about an 8th grader with severe acne and the journey through Accutane. Absolutely spot-on! He's also exploring and coming to understand his asexuality. Love the representation!
two moms
What I liked: the caring nature of the whole town; queer representation; the goddesses!
MTF trans main character
Very earnest and sweet! (TW for repeated use of the f-slur.)
F/F queer discovery/gentle experimentation
Really honest and so realistic. The first MG account of depression I've read that focuses on the kid's depression, rather than an older relative/friend, and doesn't sugarcoat it. And some very gentle, sweet queer exploration!
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gender discovery/fluidity
There's so much beautiful here. There's so much deep, poetic, insightful, sit-back-and-take-notice here. But, my biggest concern is, I almost feel like it should've been marketed as an adult title, a la "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time": narrated by a kid, but for an adult audience. BUT, that's not to say it's thematically inappropriate (TW: although incest/sexual abuse makes an appearance) -- it's more along the lines of, I don't know if middle-grade readers will appreciate the beauty of its language and content. And this is yearning that deserves to be appreciated! A large part of WHY I liked it so much is because of this introspective tone and tenor, but I don't know if it's a book that would appeal to others (particularly kids) who might not enjoy a book purely for that beautiful wistful shoegazey vibe.
End result: it's beautiful. It's gorgeous and deceptively simplistic. Adults should definitely read it, slowly. Hand it to kids who love language -- and of COURSE to trans kids.
MTF main character
Fantastic, perfectly-done #OwnVoices representation that wasn't the focus of the story but just enriched it (LIKE REAL LIFE, m'friends!) and lovely writing with evocative vocab, but overall, felt fable-y (predictable), rushed once Pet arrived, and simplistic by the end. I could probably even recommend this for the higher end of middle-grades (both 6th and 7th grades) without worrying too much about the language or subject matter. In fact, going to go ahead and shelve it as such.
gender-fluid/creative younger brother
Very sweet story, with realistic, flawed characters trying their best in tough situations. A lot of heart and empathy.
gay main character
An absolutely precious story! Racial, cultural, and sexual identities all handled with perfect poise. I'm typically very hesitant about going too far into sexual orientation in middle-years books, but this was exactly the right level of discussion in an incredibly accessible manner. Humor, heart, and growth.
(This book cannot be returned.)
MTF trans main character
A surprising amount of nuance, especially for a MG book! Characters with both good and bad qualities. It really felt like these were real people trying to do the right thing (the father figure in particular), and maybe making mistakes, but that's life. And some truly excellent trans representation.
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gay best friend
Cute, charming, and funny. Deals with an incarcerated parent and a friend coming to terms with their sexuality in an easy-to-digest way for middle-grade readers.
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gay main character
A great story of a middle-school gay kid and what that means: the crush-stage of attraction through another's eyes. I really enjoyed its message. Humorous and big-hearted. (TW: familial abuse and bullying)
gay dads
Funny, cute, excellent voice, lots of fun!
two moms
gay side character
A fun, fast read!
NB/genderqueer/exploring protagonist; FTM trans side character
No discussion of sexuality -- just gender identity. Great for middle-grades!
Sapphic story; MTF trans mother; two moms; disability rep (hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome); character with anxiety/panic attacks
TW: active shooter drill
ANNE HAS A CRUSH ON DIANA
(yeah I think she always did but I definitely didn't clue in on it in the original book *blush*)