Cover Story: LGBTQIA+

Here are our librarians' picks of the best teen reads in the LGBTQIA+ genre.

Jay’s Guide to Crushing It

Ruby Clyde

At her last school Jay was badly bullied for her short hair and love of skateboarding, so a new school offers the chance for a fresh, more conventional, start. But as Jay begins to miss her old life, she begins sneaking down to the local skate park in disguise as a boy, leading to some unexpected and very embarrassing misunderstandings.  A very funny and romantic celebration of learning to embrace what makes you, you.

9780702325076 Scholastic: 2023

The Big Ask

Simon James Green

The “it” couple of the school have broken up, leaving Alfie Parker wondering if he could ask newly single (and long-term crush) Harvey Ledger to be his prom date. But Harvey is straight and would never be interested in a self-proclaimed “tragic” guy like Alfie… right?! This funny and heartfelt read from the brilliant Simon James Green is short, accessible and perfect for fans of Alice Oseman and Rainbow Rowell.

9781800902428 Barrington Stoke: 2024

Cross My Heart and Never Lie

Nora Dåsnes

Written in a diary format with colourful illustrations, this is a quick read about a young girl wanting to fit in, fall in love, and play the saxophone. In this graphic novel, translated from Norwegian, Tuva is caught between her two best friends as she starts a new school year: does she want to get a boyfriend like Linnéa, or stay playing in the woods with Bao? A lovely read about friendship, growing up and being who you are.

9780008653750 Farshore: 2024

Ryan and Avery

David Levithan

Ryan and Avery meet at queer prom, and we follow their relationship out of sequence, jumping backwards and forwards through time, in this unique love story told across their first ten dates. Whilst Avery’s parents are supportive of him and his boyfriend, Ryan’s parents are doing everything they can to keep the two boys apart. A lovely LGBTQ+ romance, perfect for fans of Alice Oseman and Simon James Green.

9780008655686 Electric Monkey: 2023

Otherworldly

F T Lukens

Knox is a supernatural being with magical powers whose time on earth is ending. Ellery is a non-believer convinced that the never-ending winter in their region must have a scientific explanation. After a chance meeting, Knox offers a deal, signed in blood, that will fix both their problems and leave them bound together in a paranormal pact. As Ellery confronts the fantastical, Knox gets to experience the human world, and their magical bond begins to change into something new… A smart, funny romance perfect for the winter months.

9781398521506 Simon & Schuster: 2024

The No-Girlfriend Rule

Christen Randall

Hollis is determined to play Secrets & Sorcery after being rejected from her boyfriend’s game due to the ‘no-girlfriends’ rule his friends have imposed. After finding an all-female crew to game with, her weekly adventures in the Second Realm soon have her embracing her inner adventurer, as well as blurring the lines between role-play and reality thanks to a certain charming bard and the teammate who plays him. Grab your D20 and roll for adorable with this delightful queer romcom set in the world of table-top roleplaying games.

9781782694465 Pushkin Children’s: 2024

How to Find a Missing Girl

Victoria Wlosok

After Iris’s older sister goes missing, she sets up her own detective agency in order to crack the case, much to the disapproval of the local police force. But Iris and her sapphic gang of crime-fighters are determined, and when Iris’ ex-girlfriend, Heather, also goes missing while on a stakeout, they accidently discover that she is being cheated on. Iris is certain that Heather is going to lose it, except, when they tell her she just seems resigned and utterly exhausted. Then Heather goes missing too... Perfect for fans of Holly Jackson, this thriller, with podcast and interview sections, tells Iris’s story as she and her friends uncover the truth behind the two missing girls.

9781510202726 Hodder: 2023