LGBTQIA+ Book Recommendations

by the Teens from Alphabet Soup

Please enjoy this list of LGBTQIA+ books selected by Alphabet Soup teens, including their quotes describing why these books are worth reading. 

Alphabet Soup is an inclusive, safe, (now virtual) hangout where LGBTQ+ teens and teen allies can explore identity through conversations, gaming, casual activities, and more! The group meets Wednesdays at 4pm. See our Events page for more details on attending one of our events.
 
This list includes teen and adult titles. Use your personal discretion in deciding which books are appropriate for you, and feel free to ask for more recommendations on a particular topic through our contact page.

This is Where You Left Me by Adam Silvera 
(Teen Fiction) Call Number: TEEN Silvera

"This book shows from the perspective of somebody that’s new to being “out” to themselves, to their family, and to everyone else. It shows the perspective of someone who has just found love in the community that represents them. It also shows the perspective of people with a mental disorder and dealing with grief. It covers a lot of territory. It covers LGBTQ+ issues, mental disorders and mental illness, and loss, and dealing with that. ​"

My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness by Kabi Nagata
(Manga) Call Number: MANGA My Lesbi

"This manga goes through the author’s adult life and focuses on them finding their sexuality, dealing with mental disorders and isolation, and other things she went through as a young adult. Desperate for human touch, the author considers hiring an escort just to hug someone and feel loved."

The Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller
(Adult Fiction) Call Number: FICTION Miller

"This is a Greek Mythology retelling that shows how much the author has studied ancient Greek myths. The author adds more depth to this world and adds emotion and detail you don’t get from other mythology stories. I read it in one day, it’s so good!"

Simon VS The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Abertalli
(Teen Fiction) Call Number: TEEN Albertal

"This book shows how little control people in the community feel before they come out to everybody as themselves. It shows exactly what we all internally feel in the sense of “what if somebody finds out and they don’t like it or use it against me.” It shows the vulnerability of being in this community and what it feels like before people know who you really are.​"

Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens
(Teen Fiction) Call Number: TEEN Stevens

"This book focuses on coming to terms with yourself in a more conservative town or area. It also brings in the fact that friends can help you in trying to find yourself without even realizing that they’re helping you."

Loki: Agent of Asgard Series
(Graphic Novel) Call Number: GRAPHIC NOVEL Loki

"Loki doesn’t make it so that gender identity or the things that put them in the community are the main focal point. It’s just a thing that’s a part of their life. It focuses on what they’re doing, what they’re thinking, and their life. Their LGBT-ness isn’t the focus of their story."

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
(Graphic Novel) Call Number: GRAPHIC NOVEL Prince a

"A lovely graphic novel about a dressmaker who gets called to work for the royal family. Her new client, the prince, doesn’t want just ordinary princely clothes. He wants the most beautiful gowns in all of France. This graphic novel has beautiful illustrations. Fashion lovers will adore this book!"

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin
(Non-Fiction) Call Number: 306.768 Kuklin

"This book has photographs and interviews of transgender teens. It’s nice to hear them talk about their experiences in their own words."

All Boys Aren’t Blue, George M Johnson
(Biography) Call Number: BIO Johnson

“In writing this book, I wanted to be as authentic and truthful about my experience as possible. I wanted my story to be told in totality: the good, the bad, and the things I was always too afraid to talk about publicly. This meant going to places and discussing some subjects that are often kept away from teens for fear of them being “too heavy.” But the truth of the matter is, these things happened to me when I was a child, teenager, and young adult. So as heavy as these subjects may be it is necessary that they are not only told, but also read by teens who may have to navigate many of these same experiences in their own lives."

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Search for these books on our Library Catalog. Place a hold and use our Holds To Go system to get your books when the are ready for pick-up. 

If you'd like more opportunities to talk about your favorite LGBTQIA+ books, check out our Tween LGBTQ Book Club, monthly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 4:30pm. See our Facebook event page for more details.