For Ally Week, AISB Librarian Traci Marlowe reviews some new LGBTQ+ books that are new to our school’s library. Additionally, she reminds students that “there are so many books here that feature LGBTQ+ themes, waiting for you to discover, and can be found on our Destiny Collections.” Here are the collections for Middle School and High School.
During the year, I talked to middle schoolers about a few middle grade books that feature LGBTQ+ themes like Redwood and Ponytail, a novel in verse about two girls who have their first crush.
Another recommendation for middle schoolers, Ashes to Asheville is a novel about a crazy road trip two sisters take to deal with the grief of losing one of their moms.
I’m currently reading Wilder Girls, which is about a disease called “the tox” that is transforming boarding school students quarantined on an island, in grotesque ways. I had no idea when I started reading it that some of the characters were LGBTQ+. I like that it isn’t the main focus of the story and treats the subject like it’s no big deal, which I think is great! I guess living with the threat of a painful disease that transforms people in horrible ways puts things into perspective.
Another book that I read recently is a memoir called In the Dream House, written by award winning author of Her Body and Other Parties, Carmen Maria Machado. She skillfully chronicles what it’s like to be trapped in an abusive relationship and brings to light the often overlooked theme of domestic abuse in lesbian relationships. Her books are highly recommended for mature high school students and adults.
The Best at It by actor Maulik Pancholy is a new coming-of-age middle school book about a gay Indian American 7th grader in the American midwest. And while it is a light read, it deals with some heavy subjects such as racism, culture, bullying, prejudice and family issues.
Tell us: Have you read any good LGBTQ+ books? If so, comment below with recommendations!