LGBTQ+ inclusive books for young people aged 15+
We hope you and the children in your life enjoy the books from this list. As with any resources for children and young people, do make sure you check them first to ensure they suit the child or young person’s abilities and needs.
- Challenging gender stereotypes
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Mooncakes
by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu, published by Lion Forge, ISBN 154930304X
Mooncakes is a truly magical graphic novel which revolves around Nova (a witch who lives with her grandmothers) and Tam (a werewolf). There's a mysterious demon to be battled, but Nova and Tam still find time to fall in love along the way.
Other themes: Family, relationships, graphic novel, disability representation, representation of LGBTQ+ People of Colour, lesbian representation, trans representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
One in every crowd
by Ivan E. Coyote, published by Arsenal Pulp Press, ISBN 1551524597
Ivan had a tomboy youth and an adult life with experiences of cruelty and kindness in unexpected places. Funny, inspiring, and full of heart, come along with this story of embracing and celebrating difference and feeling comfortable in one’s own skin, written for anyone who has ever felt different or alone in their struggles to be true to themselves.
Other themes: Celebrating difference
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir
by Liz Prince, published by Zest Books, ISBN 1936976552
Growing up, Liz Prince wasn't interested in dressing in pink tutus or playing pretty princess like the other girls in her neighbourhood. But she wasn't exactly one of the guys, either. She was somewhere in between. But with the forces of middle school, high school, parents, friendship, and romance pulling her this way and that, ‘the middle’ wasn’t exactly an easy place to be. Tomboy follows award-winning author and artist Liz Prince through her early years and explores – with humour, honesty, and poignancy – what it means to ‘be a girl’.
Other themes: Coming of age, graphic novel
Publisher's age recommendation: 13-18. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
- Coming of age
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Ace of Spades
by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, published by Usborne Publishing Ltd ISBN: 0180370635X
When an anonymous texter keeps revealing things about two students at a prestigious private school, it leads them to learn more about themselves and about their peers. Ultimately, ‘Ace of Spades’ is a book about racism, and it has strong gay and bi characters throughout.
Content note: This book features the gaslighting and emotional abuse of characters, as well as incidents of homophobia, racism, bullying, physical assault and death.
Other themes: Friendship
Publisher's age recommendation: 14+. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Openly Straight
by Bill Konigsberg, published by Arthur A. Levine Books, ISBN 0-54550989-0
Rafe is already out and has been for a while, but he’s fed up of always being labelled as ‘the gay guy’. So, when he transfers to an all-boys’ boarding school miles away from home, he decides to reinvent himself and keep his sexuality a secret. Come along with this interesting, emotional, funny (very funny!) story of personal reflection, special friendships and first love.
Other themes: Relationships, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
The Black Flamingo
by Dean Atta and Anishika Khullar, published by Hodder Children’s Books, ISBN 14449486-1
A beautiful book centring the experience of a young, mixed-race gay man as he grows up. Through Michael’s life and story, the reader is encouraged to reflect on feelings of difference and discomfort, and the journey it takes to become comfortable within yourself.
Other themes: Gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky, published by MTV Books/Pocket Books, ISBN 0-671-02734-4
Charlie often writes letters to an unknown recipient, but despite him being a shy ‘wallflower’, he is befriended by high school seniors Patrick and his stepsister Sam. Follow Charlie’s coming-of-age high school journey, which includes his love for Sam; Patrick and closeted footballer Brad’s relationship; and Charlie dealing with traumatic experiences from his past.
Other themes: Friendship, relationships, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 12-99. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Two Boys Kissing
by David Levithan, published by Knopf Books, ISBN 0307931900
Two 17-year-old boys, Harry and Craig, decide to take part in a 32-hour kissing marathon to set a new Guinness World Record. The boys’ kissing becomes a focal point to explore the lives, loves and struggles of a long-time couple, a broken-up couple, a new couple, and a boy searching to be part of a couple. Based on true events.
Other themes: Relationships, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
- Coping with change
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Love in Revolution
by B. R. Collins, published by Bloomsbury Children’s, ISBN 1-40881570-2
Follow fifteen-year-old Esteya, a doctor’s daughter, in an imagery Basque country on the cusp of a communist revolution. Following a chance encounter at a pello match, she falls in love with Skizi, a girl shunned by society because of her peasant, Zikindi class. When her parents and twin brother are forcibly taken away by the Revolutionary guard in the middle of the night, Esteya is left alone with no choice but to flee the country, not knowing if she will ever see her family or Skizi again.
Other themes: Relationships, family, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 11+. Our age recommendation: 15+.
- Emotional literacy and mental health
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I Hope We Choose Love: A Trans Girl's Notes from the End of the World
by Kai Cheng Thom, published by Arsenal Pulp Press, ISBN 1551527758
A series of essays and poems on activism, community, and embracing an ethics of love.
I Hope We Choose Love proposes solutions on the topics of violence, complicity, family, vengeance, and forgiveness. It is a call for nuance in a time of political polarisation.
Content note: This book deals with themes of prejudice and abuse.
Other themes: Trans representation, celebrating difference
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
The Fascinators
by Andrew Eliopulos, published by QuilTreeBk, IBSN 0062888048
Sam is turning 18, openly gay and living in a small town. The book follows him as he navigates relationships, friendships and planning for his future. However, Sam and his friends are not ordinary teenagers – they’re ‘magickers’, dedicated to cultivating their magical powers.
When one of Sam’s friends steals a spell book from a mysterious group, the friends find themselves caught up in a terrifying plot with far-reaching consequences.
Content note: This book includes references to abuse.
Other themes: Coming of age, relationships, friendship, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 13+. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
This Song Will Save Your Life
by Leila Sales, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), ISBN 0374351384
Elise Dembowski is a typical teenager who feels like she doesn’t quite fit in. Unusually for Elise, one day she finds herself at a warehouse party where she meets three girls who share her love for music and new-found love for DJing. Many will find a connection with Elise’s story of a teenager whose hobby becomes her life and vehicle for self-exploration.
Content note: This book contains references to self-harm.
Other themes: Friendship, coming of age, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 12-18. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Verona Comics
by Jennifer Dugan, published by Penguin USA, ISBN: 9780525516286
When Ridley and Jubilee met, things were never going to be straightforward. However, so many things drew them to each other. Verona Comics is the story of two bi sci-fi geeks who meet and fall in love, despite their family circumstances. It sensitively and honestly deals with the impact of Ridley’s mental health condition on himself and those around him. Verona Comics is a great read for older teenagers.
Content note: This book depicts emotional abuse, makes reference to suicide attempts, and also includes a car accident.
Other themes: family, relationships
We Are Okay
by Nina LaCour, published by Dutton Books for Young Readers ISBN: 9780525425892
We Are Okay is a book which primarily focuses on a teenage girl’s experience of bereavement. But it’s also a story about family and friendship. This is a compelling read for older teenagers.
Content note: This book deals with death and bereavement.
Other themes: coping with change
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
- Family
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, published by Simon and Schuster Books, ISBN 1442408928
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. While at first it appears they have nothing in common, the boys discover common ground and develop a friendship that will change their lives.
Other themes: Friendship, coming of age, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 14-99. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
by Tennessee Williams, published by Signet, ISBN 0451171128, 9780451171122
Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play has captured both stage and film audiences since its debut in 1954. One of his best-loved and most famous plays, it exposes the lies plaguing the family of a wealthy Southern planter of humble origins.
Content note: This book contains themes relating to addiction.
Other themes: Relationships, mental health, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
The Love and Lies of Rukshana Ali
by Sabina Khan, published by Scholastic, ISBN 1407194577
Rukshana is a 17-year-old lesbian with a secret girlfriend. When her family finds out, they take her from her home in the US to Bangladesh and start the hunt for a husband. Rukshana avoids marriage by running away from her family and returning to her girlfriend in the US. However, a dramatic turn of events causes her family to re-evaluate their behaviour.
Content note: This book contains themes of forced marriage and conversion therapy.
Other themes: Relationships, friends, coping with change, lesbian representation, gay representation, Asian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 13-18. Our age recommendation: 15+.
The Magic Fish
by Trung Le Nguyen, published by Random House Graphic ISBN: 593125290
This beautiful graphic novel tells story of Tiến, a 13 year old boy struggling to tell his parents that he's gay. Tiến’s story is interwoven with three traditional versions of well-known fairytales, which act as metaphors for the experiences of both Tiến and his mum.
Other themes: Coming of age, graphic novel
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
by Emily Danforth, published by Balzer and Bray, ISBN 0062020560
Just moments before both her parents were killed in a car crash, Cameron Post had been kissing a girl. Part of Cameron is relieved that they will never discover her sexuality, but this relief is short lived as she moves in with her conservative Aunt and old-fashioned Grandmother in Miles City, Montana. Then the beautiful and perfect cowgirl, Coley Taylor, comes to town along with her boyfriend, and Cam and Coley form an unexpected and intense friendship. As their relationship shows signs of developing further, Cam’s Aunt begins to take drastic action in the name of ‘fixing’ Cameron who has to address the cost of her denial.
Content note: This book deals with themes of conversion therapy and bereavement
Other themes: Coping with change, relationships, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 14+. Our age recommendation: 15+.
What’s up with Jody Barton?
by Hayley Long, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, ISBN 9781447267829
16-year-olds Jody and Jolene are identical twin sisters living above their parents’ diner London. When a new boy, Liam, comes to the diner, both Jody and Jolene fall for him. Jody decides not to tell her sister, but instead help her sister move forward with Liam all whilst hiding a big secret. Through this complicated love triangle, Long explores sexuality, cyberbullying and gender.
Other themes: relationships, bi representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 12+. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
- Friendship
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Between You and Me
by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin, published by Atria Books, ISBN 1439188181
27-year-old Logan Wade takes a trip to LA to visit her famous cousin Kelsey Wade, who she hasn’t seen since they were both children. Kelsey offers Logan the role of her assistant, and Logan rediscovers the toxic relationship between Kelsey and her parents. Kelsey attempts to break away from the fame, and Logan is torn between protecting Kelsey and saving herself. Explore the peaks and falls of stardom and the difficult family relationships that often go with it.
Other themes: Family
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Otherbound
by Corinne Duyvis, published by Amulet Books
Set partly in our world and partly in a magical world, Otherbound is a story about magic, friendship, love and finding yourself. An enjoyable read for over 14s.
Other themes: relationships, coming of age
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Out of the Pocket
by Bill Konigsberg, published by Dutton Juvenile, ISBN 0525479961
Bobby Framingham is the star quarterback and one of the most talented high school football players in California. Bobby shares a typically strong brotherly bond with his fellow teammates but he’s keeping one essential difference about him from them: he’s gay. Bobby’s worried about still being able to be one of the guys if he is open and honest about his sexuality. A student reporter then outs Bobby against his will, meaning Bobby must find a way to gain back his teammates’ trust and accept his success path may now look somewhat different to his peers’.
Other themes: Coming of age, relationships, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Proxy
by Alex London, published by Philomel, ISBN 0399257764
Set in a futuristic world after the collapse of society, this science fiction novel tells the story of Knox, a ‘patron’ boy from one of the wealthiest families in the 1% that make up the Upper City, and his proxy Syd, a poor orphan living below in the debt-ridden Valve. When children from the Upper City break the law, they watch the punishment being carried out on their proxy, whom they have never met. From practical jokes to murder, Knox pushes the system of Proxy to the limit.
But it turns out that Knox and Syd share lots in common and, realising that to beat the system they must save one another, they decide to flee.
Other themes: Coming of age, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
- Non-fiction
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Rainbow Revolutions
by Jamie Lawson, Eve Lloyd Knight, published by Wren & Rook ISBN: 01526361256
This graphic novel presents key moments from LGBTQ+ history in straightforward and easy to understand way.
‘Rainbow Revolutions’ is great resource for older secondary age students who want to know more about LGBTQ+ history in the English-speaking world.
Content note: This book makes reference to the holocaust, family alienation and police violence. It also refers to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
Other themes: Graphic novel
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
- Relationships
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Almost Perfect
by Brian Katcher, published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers, ISBN 0385736649
Logan Witherspoon befriends Sage Hendricks at a time when he no longer trusts or believes in people. As time goes on, he finds himself drawn to Sage. Eventually, Logan’s feelings for Sage grow so strong that he can’t resist kissing her. When Logan discovers Sage’s secret, it drives a wedge in their relationship.
Other themes: Emotional literacy, family, coping with change, trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: 14+. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Bloom
by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau, published by First Second ISBN: 9781626726413
When Ari finds someone new to help out at the family bakery, life starts to get a lot more fun. This is a wonderful book about love, friendship and family for older teenagers.
Content note: This book includes references to bereavement.
Publisher's age recommendation: 14-18. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Boy Meets Boy
by David Levithan, published by Knopf Books, ISBN 0375832998
Follow the story of Paul and his best friends Joni and Tony – who has an uncommonly strict religious background – through their romantic high school experiences, set in a fictional gay friendly small town in New Jersey, USA.
Other themes: Friendship, coming of age, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
Boys Don’t Cry
by Malorie Blackman, published by Double Day Books, ISBN 0385604793
17-year-old Dante eagerly answers the front door awaiting his A-Level results but instead finds his ex-girlfriend, Melanie, holding his 11-month-old daughter, Emma. Shortly thereafter, Melanie abruptly exits, leaving Dante to raise his daughter alone. Dante’s dreams of a career in journalism and a university degree are turned upside down by this unexpected parenthood. Explore themes of parenthood, gender, prejudice, and homophobia through the perspectives of Dante and his brother, Adam.
Other themes: Emotional literacy, coping with change, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Colour Outside the Lines: Stories about Love
by Sangu Mandanna, Published by Soho Press, ISBN 1641290463
A wonderful, positive anthology of stories about race, gender, sexuality, and love that celebrates the beauty of difference. Portraying teen protagonists ‘of all colours’ in multicultural and LGBTQ+ relationships, standing up for their beliefs, for each other and for themselves.
This book will be an inspiration for teens struggling with labels and bigotry, as the characters gather the strength to express their beliefs in defence of their identities. It is a call to arms for celebrating beautiful and complex identities.
Other themes: Celebrating difference, friendship
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
Girl2girl – The Lives of Young Lesbian and Bisexual Women
by Norrina Rashid and Jane Hoy (editors), published by DIVA, ISBN 187374145-6
A book written by and for LGBTQ+ young women questioning their sexuality. Their voices resonate through poems, autobiographies, jokes, messages and advice to each other. Young women from 14 to 21 tell it like it is as they struggle to discover themselves and find a way to live openly in a homophobic, biphobic and transphobic world. There are also contributions from parents and important advice for teachers, plus a helpful resource list of support groups and organisations in the UK and North America.
Other themes: Coming of age, lesbian representation, bi representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
History is All You Left Me
by Adam Silvera, published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK ISBN: 01471146189
Griffin is grieving the loss of Theo, his best friend and first love. When Theo’s most recent boyfriend comes into town for the funeral, the two boys strike up an unexpected friendship. ‘History is all you left me’ shows Griffin reflecting on his love for Theo and their relationship. It also shows him learning to manage his OCD without the presence of his best friend.
Content note: This book focuses on death and bereavement, as well as talking about OCD and its symptoms.
Other themes: Coming of age, coping with change, family, relationships, mental health
Publisher's age recommendation: 12-99. Our age recommendation: 15+.
I’ll Be The One
by Lyla Lee, published by Katherine Tegen Books ISBN: 62936913
‘I’ll Be The One’ follows Skye’s involvement in a TV talent competition. Not only does she show the world who she is, she finds love and friendship along the way too. This novel is great for young teens and deals with issues around body image and fatphobia as well as love, friendship and family relationships.
Content note: This book deals with the theme of fatphobia.
Other themes: Family, friendship
Publisher's age recommendation: 13+. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
Not Your Sidekick
by C.B. Lee, published by Duet Books, ISBN 9781945053030
Andover is an ordinary town, but Jess’ family is no ordinary family. Come along with this coming-of-age novel and superhero story all rolled into one.
Other themes: Coming of age, bi representation, trans representation, Asian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Let's talk about love
by Claire Kann, published by Swoon Reads, ISBN 9781250294500
Let's Talk About Love features a strong, Black, asexual and biromantic woman named Alice. The story follows her as she navigates the different types of relationship in her life. Whether it's her choice of college major or whether it's friendships and romance, Alice becomes more confident at expressing her needs, her likes and her dislikes.
Other themes: Friendship, asexual visibility, bi visibility
Publisher's age recommendation: 13-18. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
by Jeanette Winterson, published by Grove Press, ISBN 9780802135162
This semi-autobiographical novel draws on Jeanette Winterson’s experiences growing up as a lesbian in an Evangelical Christian community in the North West. A timeless classic and true coming of age story.
Content note: This book contains themes of emotional abuse and conversion therapy.
Other themes: Family, coming of age, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Orlando: A Biography
by Virginia Woolf, published by Wordsworth Editions ISBN, 1853262390, 9781853262395
Virginia Woolf’s Orlando spans a 300-year time period. Thought to be a love letter to Vita Sackville-West, Orlando is a journey through time and gender.
Other themes: Trans inclusion, challenging gender stereotypes
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
The Colour Purple
by Alice Walker, published by Pocket Books, ISBN 0671727796, 9780671727796
The story of a young, Black girl born into a life of poverty and segregation. A harrowing but important story, and an absolute classic.
Content note: This book contains themes of slavery, rape and abuse.
Other themes: Family, coming of age, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
The Full Spectrum: A new generation of writing about gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and other identities
by David Levithan, published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, ISBN 0375832904
Teens are more aware of sexuality and identity than ever, and they’re looking for answers and insights, as well as a community of others. In order to help create that community, the authors have collected original poems, essays, and stories by young adults in their teens and early 20s. The Full Spectrum includes a variety of writers, on a variety of subjects: coming out, family, friendship, religion/faith, first kisses, break-ups, and many others.
Other themes: Family, gay representation, bi representation, trans representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
The Gravity of Us
by Phil Stamper, published by Bloomsbury YA ISBN: 01547600144
Cal is a thriving online journalist living in Brooklyn who loves spending time with his best friend, Deb. His dad, an airline pilot, is invited to join the NASA mission to Mars, turning Cal's life upside down. Suddenly in the heat of Texas, Cal finds himself in front of someone else's camera, under the beady eye of 'StarWatch', the reality TV series overseeing the Mars mission. Worlds away from what he knows, Cal is suddenly brought back to earth by the son of one of the other astronauts. This romance and coming of age story proves that love is what keeps us grounded through all of life's changes.
Content note: This book discusses the main character’s experience of depression in a very open and frank manner.
Other themes: Coming of age, coping with change, family, mental health
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea
by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, published by Walker Books ISBN: 01406395501
‘The Mermaid, The Witch and The Sea’ is a book about adventure, love, magic and betrayal. Older teenagers may well struggle to put it down once they start reading. The book is full of unexpected twists and is as much about colonialism and rebellion as it is about love and magic.
Content note: This book touches on the themes of slavery, piracy, arranged marriage and torture. It also alludes to an incident of rape.
Other themes: Family
Publisher's age recommendation: 14+. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Wain: LGBT Reimaginings of Scottish Folklore
by Rachel Plummer and Helene Boppert, published by The Emma Press Children's Books ISBN: 9781910139479
Wain is a beautifully illustrated poetry collection based on Scottish Folktales, retold with an LGBT slant.
Other themes: Challenging gender stereotypes, coming of age, trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
- Trans inclusion
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Alex As Well
by Alyssa Brugman, published by Text Publishing, ISBN 1922079235
Alex is ready for things to change, in a big way. Everyone seems to think she’s a boy, but for Alex the whole boy/girl thing isn’t as simple as either/or. When she decides girl is closer to the truth, no one knows how to react, least of all her parents. Undeterred, Alex begins to create a new identity for herself: ditching one school, enrolling in another, and throwing out most of her clothes. But the other Alex – the boy Alex – has a lot to say about that. Follow along as Alex explores gender and sexuality, navigating friendships, and finding a place to belong.
Other themes: Coping with change
Publisher's age recommendation: 15+. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Freakboy
by Kristin Elizabeth Clark
From the outside, Brendan Chase seems to have it pretty easy. He’s a star wrestler, a video game aficionado, and a loving boyfriend to his seemingly perfect match, Vanessa. But on the inside, Brendan struggles to understand why his body feels so wrong – why he sometimes fantasises about having long hair, soft skin, and gentle curves. Is there even a name for guys like him? Guys who sometimes want to be girls?
Publisher's age recommendation: 12-18. Our age recommendation: 15+.
Parrotfish
by Ellen Wittlinger, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, ISBN 1416916229
Angela Katz-McNair has never felt quite right as a girl, so coming out as a boy called Grady feels right him. However, he isn't prepared for the reaction he gets from everyone else. Grady’s life is miserable until he finds friends in some unexpected places – like the school geek, Sebastian and Kita, a senior who might just be Grady’s first love.
Other themes: Family, friendship, relationships
Publisher's age recommendation: 12-99. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
Pretend You Love Me
by Julie Anne Peters, published by Samhain Publishing, ISBN 1599983958
Mike is an iron-pumping, truck-driving softball player from Coalton, Kansas. Mike’s world is turned upside down when new girl, Xanadu, arrives in the small town. Mike falls instantly in love and has to overcome the fact that Xanadu may not feel the same way. This novel explores ideas around love, reciprocity, friendship and sexuality.
Other themes: Friendship, relationships, coping with change, family
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
The Art of Being Normal
by Lisa Williamson, published by David Fickling Books, ISBN:1910200328
Two young people. Two secrets. David Piper has always been an outsider. Only David’s two best friends know the real truth – David is a girl.
On the first day at his new school, Leo Denton has one goal – to be invisible. Attracting the attention of the most beautiful girl in year eleven is definitely not part of that plan.
Other themes: Relationships, friendships
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
Trumpet
by Jackie Kay, Published by Pantheon Books,ISBN 0375405097, 9780375405099
Joss Moody is a celebrated jazz trumpeter who created music that convinced everyone who heard it that they knew the man who made it. But Joss’s death has proved them all wrong: Joss Moody lived his life inside a stunning secret. His wife, Millie, had known about it. But their adopted son, Colman, now in his thirties, has just learned of it. With everything he understood about himself and his family thrown into question, Colman forms an uncomfortable alliance with a journalist intent on telling Joss’s story her own way. Together they reveal the startling and poignant story of Joss and Millie: how a complex, dazzling lie became the foundation for a family, a life, and a rare, unshakable love.
Content note: this book deals with themes around bereavement
Other themes: Emotional literacy, family, relationships, coping with change
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.
What's the T?
by Juno Dawson, published by Wren & Rook ISBN: 9781526362827
This non-fiction book is a guide for life aimed at older trans teens and young adults. With information on a range of topics including coming out, legal rights and gender presentation, and testimonies and stories from leading trans and non-binary figures, it's a wonderful resource for trans young people coming of age.
Content note: This book makes reference to transphobia.
Other themes: Coming of age, coping with change, relationships
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 15+.