Book Lists

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Voices and Stories

Books for Pride Month and Beyond

At Random House Children’s Books, we believe that LGBTQIA+ stories and voices should be uplifted all year long. Every child should feel seen, understood, valued, and celebrated, and no one should ever have to grow up feeling alone in who they are.

Spanning age categories, formats, and genres, this collection is full of stories that celebrate the amazing diversity of the queer community.

Use the titles and free resources below to start conversations about LGBTQIA+ history and experiences, gender stereotypes, human rights, and the importance of embracing yourself as you are and others as they are.

Featured Titles for All Ages

Pride Is Love

Pride Is Love

Dano Moreno

Young kids will develop a sense of pride when they read this book that follows a girl and her two dads as they prepare to walk in a Pride parade.

Pride is believing.
You are enough exactly as you are.

The Bi Book

The Bi Book

A.J. Irving

Perfect for fans of What Are Your Words? and Julián Is a Mermaid, The Bi Book shows readers the many meanings of “bi,” both in terms of the language we use to understand the world and to understand ourselves.

BOOKLIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • SHORTLISTED FOR THE LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD

My Little Golden Book About Pride

My Little Golden Book About Pride

Kyle Lukoff

This nonfiction Little Golden Book is a beautifully illustrated reminder to be proud of who you are. Each page of this introduction to the history of Pride and the rainbow flag features scenes of diverse people, couples, and families celebrating one another.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

Rob Sanders

JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION • Celebrate Pride and it’s iconic rainbow flag–a symbol of inclusion and acceptance around the world– with the very first picture book to tell its remarkable and inspiring history!

“Pride is a beacon of (technicolor) light.” –Entertainment Weekly

Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution

Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution

Rob Sanders

Celebrate Pride every day with the very first picture book to tell of its historic and inspiring role in the gay civil rights movement, from the author of the acclaimed Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag.

Witchycakes #3: Puddles and Potions

Witchycakes #3: Puddles and Potions

Kara LaReau

Welcome to the most magical bakery — Witchycakes! Little Blue, a witch-in-training, uses magic to make everything perfect. . . well, sort of. Cozy up with this sweet chapter book with irresisitible full-color art on every page!

Alex Wise vs. the Gods of the Apocalypse

Alex Wise vs. the Gods of the Apocalypse

Terry J. Benton-Walker

Saving the world is one thing . . . saving the multiverse is another. Alex Wise returns in the third book in this thrilling fantasy series all about finding your inner hero.

Blood City Rollers: Move It or Bruise It

Blood City Rollers: Move It or Bruise It

V.P. Anderson

Skates on. Fangs out. Let’s roll. The stakes are high and the competition is tough in the sequel to the perfectly paranormal graphic novel about a 13-year-old ice skater who embraces the dark side and finds her light when she joins a vampire roller derby team.

“A refreshing balance between spectral sports romp and queer found family narrative.” —Publisher’s Weekly starred review

Clementine H. Hopeful Is Not a Hero

Clementine H. Hopeful Is Not a Hero

Noah Corey

Amid magic and monsters, a queer seventh-grader discovers a world where he can be himself but has to decide if he will fight for it…even if it means becoming the villain.

“Clementine’s story is part Peter Pan, part Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, part Coraline, and at the same time wholly unique.”
Kirkus Reviews

Halfway to Somewhere

Halfway to Somewhere

Jose Pimienta

New school, new country, but only half a family?! Embark on a coming of age journey with a middle school teen navigating their parent’s divorce while moving to a new country in this stunning graphic novel.

A STONEWALL BOOK AWARD WINNER • A BOOKLIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

It's All or Nothing, Vale

It's All or Nothing, Vale

Andrea Beatriz Arango

A poignant novel in verse in which, after a life-changing accident, one girl finds her way back to her life’s passion. From the Newbery Honor-winning author of Iveliz Explains It All.

BOOKLIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • SHORTLISTED FOR THE LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD

Sol Goes for Goal!

Sol Goes for Goal!

Julio Anta

It’s back to school for the Hillside Valley kids! Sol’s trying out for the middle school soccer team but will a crush on the team captain distract her from her goals? Find out in this new Hillside Valley graphic novel—filled with friendship, first crushes, and some impressive soccer skills!

Angelica and the Bear Prince

Angelica and the Bear Prince

Trung Le Nguyen

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Being a teenager is no fairy tale . . . but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a little magic. A high schooler’s journey to recover from burnout leads to a surprising romance with a twist from the bestselling author of The Magic Fish.

LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE WINNER • ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, BOOKPAGE, BOOKLIST

Coming Home (Adapted for Young Adults)

Coming Home (Adapted for Young Adults)

Brittney Griner, Michelle Burford

From basketball icon Brittney Griner comes a captivating memoir about her journey from early athletic stardom to her page-turning account of how she persevered in a Russian prison—now adapted for young adults.

The Fight of Our Lives: AIDS in America

The Fight of Our Lives: AIDS in America

David Levithan, Gabriel Duckels

A thoughtful, poignant look at the AIDS crisis in the United States that includes primary source interviews, history, medical research, and cultural touchpoints.

Hick

Hick

Sarah Miller

In this riveting YA non-fiction set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, trace Lorena Hickok–or Hick’s– rise from devastating childhood to renowned journalist, and watch as she forms the most significant friendship and romantic relationship of her life with first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

A STONEWALL BOOK AWARD HONOR BOOK • A SHELF AWARENESS AND SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

I Don't Wish You Well

I Don't Wish You Well

Jumata Emill

A teen investigative podcaster decides to dig into the truth behind a grisly murder spree that rocked his hometown five years ago, but soon discovers that this cold case is still hiding deadly secrets—in this chilling thriller perfect for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

Nest of Tongues

Nest of Tongues

Randy Ribay

A lyrical, evocative horror about vampires from the Philippines . . . and a hunter on their tail. A brother and sister fight to protect their secrets, their community, and most of all, each other, in this evocative novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Patron Saints of Nothing.

Someday Perfect

Someday Perfect

Kat Schneider

In this beautiful graphic novel, a teen is tested when she falls for another camper at a Christian sleepaway camp, sparking feelings she was taught to suppress. As she grapples with the rigid expectations of her faith, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges her deepest beliefs.

That Which Feeds Us

That Which Feeds Us

Keala Kendall

A native Hawaiian teen travels to a luxury island resort in search of her missing twin and uncovers the dark side of paradise, in this YA supernatural thriller that’s Mexican Gothic meets She is a Haunting.

Love with Pride: Spotlight on Queer YA Romance

All's Fair in Love and Field Hockey

All's Fair in Love and Field Hockey

Kit Rosewater

After a heated rivalry turns into an unexpected truce, two rival field hockey stars discover something deeper than competition between them in this queer YA romance perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy and Cleat Cute!

Angelica and the Bear Prince

Angelica and the Bear Prince

Trung Le Nguyen

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Being a teenager is no fairy tale . . . but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a little magic. A high schooler’s journey to recover from burnout leads to a surprising romance with a twist from the bestselling author of The Magic Fish.

LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE WINNER • ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, BOOKPAGE, BOOKLIST

As Long as You Loathe Me

As Long as You Loathe Me

Swati Hegde

When a teen tries to get back at her ex-best friend for stealing her crush, she ends up unexpectedly rekindling their complicated friendship and discovers that it’s not just her pride on the line, it’s her heart too.

Bring down the cheerleader. Just don’t fall in love with her.

Buried Feelings

Buried Feelings

Kit Rosewater

When a San Francisco treasure hunt ropes two ex-besties back together, they’ll end up digging into their own complicated, buried feelings in this queer YA rom com!

“A delightful romance, treasure hunt, and celebration of queer history all rolled into one.”—Kelly Quindlen, bestselling author of She Drives Me Crazy

Charmed and Dangerous

Charmed and Dangerous

Shelly Page

An absolutely delightful romp that you need in your life.” —C. B. Lee, New York Times bestselling author of Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe

A teen mystic will do anything to solve a series of love-related magical mishaps plaguing her high school, including fake dating her boss’s daughter, in this charming sapphic romance.

Everything She Does Is Magic

Everything She Does Is Magic

Bridget Morrissey

A brooding witch and a bubbly mortal must team up during their town’s fall festival in this cozy sapphic romance, perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Wicked!

“Swoony, witchy, and sweet.”—Jennifer Dugan, author of Some Girls Do

Extraordinary Quests for Amateur Witches

Extraordinary Quests for Amateur Witches

Kayla Cottingham

After accidentally cursing his ex-boyfriend, a reluctant hero must complete a dangerous quest to undo his spell . . . all while falling for a brooding new crewmate with dark secrets.

Friday I'm in Love

Friday I'm in Love

Camryn Garrett

It’s too late for a Sweet Sixteen, but what if Mahalia had a coming-out party? A love letter to romantic comedies, sweet sixteen blowouts, Black joy, and queer pride.

“A perfect ode to romantic comedies, wrapped in a dazzling rainbow dress.” —Rachael Lippincott, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Five Feet Apart and She Gets the Girl

I Wanna Be Your Girl, Volume 3

I Wanna Be Your Girl, Volume 3

Umi Takase

Being in love with your best friend is hard enough but turns out, being a good friend can be even harder. Hime and Akira aren’t speaking to each other after an argument. Both want to apologize, but they need to come to terms on what being a girl means for both of them. Can these childhood friends find a way to understand each other or will this be the end?

Love in Ruins

Love in Ruins

Auriane Desombre

After a recent OCD diagnosis, a teen girl embarks on a trip to Greece with her best friend, when she meets a captivating local girl. As their relationship heats up under the Mediterranean sun, she learns to balance the needs of those she loves with that of her own heart.

Love Makes Mochi

Love Makes Mochi

Stefany Valentine

“I felt like I was in Tokyo with Lilyn and Yua, and I never wanted to leave.” —Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

A teen goth fashion designer travels to Tokyo, Japan, where she meets a tattoo artist apprentice who may just be the one to change her mind about love—part of the international Love in Translation series of standalone YA romances.

Lovely Recipe

Lovely Recipe

Myra Rose Nino

In this savory and sweet sapphic YA Romance graphic novel, a klutzy high schooler strives to learn her grandma’s recipes and ends up falling for a no-nonsense classmate whose family owns a restaurant.

Marisol Acts the Part

Marisol Acts the Part

Elle Gonzalez Rose

A teen actress lands a role on the same high-profile show as her ex-boyfriend—only for things to get messy when she falls for his cute scene partner—in a dazzling sapphic rom-com from the author of Caught in a Bad Fauxmance.

Nate Plus One

Nate Plus One

Kevin van Whye

Boy plus boy. Two weeks in Johannesburg. A summer of music, adventure, self-discovery . . . and definitely not love. What could go wrong?

Nate needs a date to his cousin’s wedding. Jai is Nate’s best friend and secret crush. Could Jai be Nate’s plus-one—and only?

The Rebel's Guide to Pride

The Rebel's Guide to Pride

Matthew Hubbard

When the mayor of a small Alabama town starts targeting Pride events, bad boy Zeke begins hosting a series of “Pride Speakeasies” in this joyful queer coming-of-age!

“A book that demands to be read, shared and celebrated.”—PinkNews

Smash or Pass

Smash or Pass

Birdie Schae

For 16-year-old Ellie, beach volleyball camp is a disaster until she’s paired with Sierra, an athletic prodigy who teaches her that volleyball…and love are about taking the right shot in this sporty sapphic romance.

Someday Perfect

Someday Perfect

Kat Schneider

In this beautiful graphic novel, a teen is tested when she falls for another camper at a Christian sleepaway camp, sparking feelings she was taught to suppress. As she grapples with the rigid expectations of her faith, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery that challenges her deepest beliefs.

Two Boys Kissing

Two Boys Kissing

David Levithan

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • STONEWALL HONOR BOOK  •  LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD WINNER  •  NATIONAL BOOK AWARD LONGLIST

From the New York Times bestselling author of Every Day, this love story of shared humanity and history Hypable calls “an interconnecting web that will leave you emotionally exhausted and absolutely thrilled to have read something so beautiful and unique.”

Celebrate Trans and Nonbinary Voices and Stories

Born Ready

Born Ready

Jodie Patterson

Jodie Patterson, activist and Chair of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Board, shares her transgender son’s experience in this important picture book about identity and acceptance.

Penelope knows that he’s a boy. (And a ninja.) The problem is getting everyone else to realize it.

Door by Door

Door by Door

Meeg Pincus

Senator Sarah McBride is now the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives!

A nonfiction picture book about Sarah McBride, who dreamed of making a difference as a kid and grew up to become the highest-ranking openly transgender political official in America.

Olivette Is You

Olivette Is You

Nico Tortorella

Meet Olivette, who wants kids to know that “all of it is YOU!” and to embrace every part of themselves. The brainchild of actor Nico Tortorella, this buoyant story is a celebration of all the many different parts of us.

Witchycakes #3: Puddles and Potions

Witchycakes #3: Puddles and Potions

Kara LaReau

Welcome to the most magical bakery—Witchycakes! Little Blue, a witch-in-training, uses magic to make everything perfect. . . well, sort of. Cozy up with this sweet chapter book with irresisitible full-color art on every page!

A Song for You and I

A Song for You and I

K. O'Neill

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Being a ranger means adventure, action, and protecting the weak. But who protects the ranger when they lose their way? From the bestselling author of The Moth Keeper and the Tea Dragon Society comes a must read MG graphic novel for fans of soft sweeping fantasy romances.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD

Clementine H. Hopeful Is Not a Hero

Clementine H. Hopeful Is Not a Hero

Noah Corey

Amid magic and monsters, a queer seventh-grader discovers a world where he can be himself but has to decide if he will fight for it…even if it means becoming the villain.

“Clementine’s story is part Peter Pan, part Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, part Coraline, and at the same time wholly unique.”
Kirkus Reviews

Halfway to Somewhere

Halfway to Somewhere

Jose Pimienta

New school, new country, but only half a family?! Embark on a coming of age journey with a middle school teen navigating their parent’s divorce while moving to a new country in this stunning graphic novel.

A STONEWALL BOOK AWARD WINNER • A BOOKLIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Obie Is Man Enough

Obie Is Man Enough

Schuyler Bailar

A coming-of-age story about transgender tween Obie, who didn’t think being himself would cause such a splash. For fans of Alex Gino’s George and Lisa Bunker’s Felix Yz.

Sir Callie and the Final Stand

Sir Callie and the Final Stand

Esme Symes-Smith

In the conclusion of this bestselling fantasy series a nonbinary knight-in-training, a reluctant crown prince, a fierce young witch, and her resilient twin brother must fight for the heart of their kingdom against tyranny, once and for all.

Across a Field of Starlight

Across a Field of Starlight

Blue Delliquanti

An epic sci-fi graphic novel romance between two nonbinary characters as they find one another through time, distance, and war. An amazing story that explores the complexity of human nature and what brings us together.

Beast

Beast

Brie Spangler

Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
A Rainbow Book List selection
A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection

A witty, wise, and heart-wrenching reimagining of Beauty and the Beast that will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell and David Levithan.

Being Jazz

Being Jazz

Jazz Jennings

Celebrate Pride every day with the teen advocate, trailblazer, and reality show star Jazz Jennings—one of Time Magazine’s “25 Most Influential Teens” of the year. In this groundbreaking memoir, she inspires people to accept the differences in others while they embrace their own truths through sharing her very public transgender journey.

The Borrow a Boyfriend Club

The Borrow a Boyfriend Club

Page Powars

A feel-good, refreshing contemporary YA romance from debut author Page Powars that follows a trans boy who starts at a new school and joins a boyfriend borrowing service masquerading as an Italian Club to prove that he’s one of the boys.

I Wanna Be Your Girl, Volume 3

I Wanna Be Your Girl, Volume 3

Umi Takase

Being in love with your best friend is hard enough but turns out, being a good friend can be even harder. Hime and Akira aren’t speaking to each other after an argument. Both want to apologize, but they need to come to terms on what being a girl means for both of them. Can these childhood friends find a way to understand each other or will this be the end?

Lucy, Uncensored

Lucy, Uncensored

Mel Hammond, Teghan Hammond

A road trip through gender identity, self-expression, and the thorny process of figuring out where you fit after high school as an out-and-proud transgender teen.

Pet

Pet

Akwaeke Emezi

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST • STONEWALL BOOK AWARD WINNER • ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE’S 100 BEST YA BOOKS OF ALL TIME

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR by The New York Times • Time • Buzzfeed • NPR • New York Public Library • Publishers Weekly • School Library Journal • A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE CENTURY

A genre-defying novel from the award-winning author NPR describes as “like [Madeline] L’Engle…glorious.” A singular book that explores themes of identity and justice. Pet is here to hunt a monster. Are you brave enough to look?

The Saw Mouth

The Saw Mouth

Cale Plett

For fans of The Last Bookstore on Earth and Compound Fracture, a heart-pounding rural horror following a genderqueer teen who survives a near-apocalypse, only to be hunted by a mysterious monster whose very existence is entwined with their own.

These Vengeful Gods

These Vengeful Gods

Gabe Cole Novoa

ALL GODS MUST DIE in this searingly relevant YA dystopian from award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Bargain and Most Ardently. In a world bound by violence, a teen descended from the god of Death must keep their true identity a secret as they fight their way through a gladiator-style competition towards victory and rebellion against the gods who murdered their family.

A YALSA BEST FICTION FOR YOUNG ADULTS BOOK OF THE YEAR

This Rebel Heart

This Rebel Heart

Katherine Locke

A tumultuous tale of the student-led 1956 Hungarian revolution set in a colorless post-WWII Budapest—where the magical Danube river has plans of its own—from Sydney Taylor Honor winner Katherine Locke.

“A haunting, beautiful read that centers queer Jewish characters.” —BuzzFeed

The Transition

The Transition

Logan-Ashley Kisner

A transgender teen’s post-op recovery is derailed when he is bitten by a werewolf and his body begins to change. A thought-provoking page-turner that will haunt you for days!

SHORTLISTED FOR THE LAMBDA LITERARY AWARD

Keep scrolling for even more recommended titles & resources perfect for Pride Month and beyond!

Board Books

Daddy, Papa, and Me

by Leslea Newman; illustrations by Carol Thompson

Mommy, Mama, and Me

by Leslea Newman; illustrations by Carol Thompson

My Two Dads and Me

Michael Joosten; illustrated by Izak Zenou

My Two Moms and Me

Michael Joosten; illustrated by Izak Zenou

Pride Is Love

Dano Moreno; illustrated by Nakul P

Picture Books

The Bi Book

A.J. Irving, illustrated by Cynthia Alonso

Billie Jean King: A Little Golden Book Biography

Anna Membrino; illustrated by Jen Bricking

Billy Porter: A Little Golden Book Biography

Phil Stamper; illustrated by Steffi Walthall

Born Ready

Jodie Patterson; illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred

Deborah Hopkinson; illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Door by Door

Meeg Pincus; illustrated by Meridth McKean Gimbel

Elton John: A Little Golden Book Biography

Jennifer Dussling; illustrated by Irene Chan

The Gathering Table

Antwan Eady; illustrated by London Ladd

Lady Gaga: A Little Golden Book Biography

Michael Joosten; illustrated by Laura Catrinella

My Little Golden Book About Pride

Kyle Lukoff; illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan

Olivette Is You

Nico Tortorella; illustrated by Melissa Kashiwagi

The One And Only Dylan St. Claire

Kamen Edwards; illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler

Pink, Blue, and You!

Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais

Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution

Rob Sanders; illustrated by Jamey Christoph

The Wishing Flower

A. J. Irving; illustrated by Kip Alizadeh

Chapter Books

Witchycakes #1: Sweet Magic

Kara LaReau; Illustrated by Ariane Moreira

Witchycakes #2: Changing Magic

Kara LaReau; Illustrated by Ariane Moreira

Witchycakes #3: Puddles and Potions

Kara LaReau; Illustrated by Ariane Moreira

Witchycakes #4: Full Moon Magic

Kara LaReau; Illustrated by Ariane Moreira

Middle Grade

Blood City Rollers

Veronica Park Anderson; illustrated by Tatiana Hill

Blood City Rollers: Move It or Bruise It

Veronica Park Anderson; illustrated by Tatiana Hill

Grace Needs Space!

Benjamin A. Wilgus and Rii Abrego

Sol Goes for Goal!

Julio Anta; illustrated by Gabi Mendez

This Is Our Rainbow

Edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby

Young Adult

Beast

Brie Spangler

Bitter

Akwaeke Emezi

Coming Home (Adapted for Young Adults)

Brittney Griner and Michelle Burford

Every Day: The Graphic Novel

David Levithan; illustrated by Dion MBD

The Full Spectrum

David Levithan and Billy Merrell

Hick

Sarah Miller

Old Wounds

Logan-Ashley Kisner

Pet

Akwaeke Emezi

Someday

David Levithan

The Transition

Logan-Ashley Kisner

Featured Resources

Pride in Our Pages

Themed Collection

Witchycakes

Creator Q&A

Answers in the Pages

Discussion Guide

Holler of the Fireflies

Educators’ Guide

It’s All or Nothing, Vale

Educators’ Guide

Lily and Dunkin

Educators’ Guide

Lily and Dunkin

Educators’ Guide

The Stars Beneath Our Feet

Educators’ Guide

Another Day

Educators’ Guide

Bitter

Discussion Guide

Dear Medusa

Educators’ Guide

Every Day

Educators’ Guide

Camryn Garrett

Author Study Guide

Hick

Discussion Guide

The Last Bookstore on Earth

Discussion Guide

Pet

Educators’ Guide

Pet

Educators’ Guide

That Which Feed Us

Discussion Guide

These Bodies Between Us

Discussion Guide

Two Boys Kissing

Discussion Guide

Wander in the Dark

Educators’ Guide
Support Banned Books Week Guide

Banned Books Week

Themed Collection

Let’s Talk: Tough Topics

Themed Collection

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