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Looking for LGBTQ+ books to read during Pride Month? The Tor Teen Team has recommendations for you! Read more about our favorite books with LGBTQ+ representation below.
Need more bookish ways to celebrate? Read about Tor Teen’s #OtherworldyPride campaign here!
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
“I devoured Felix Ever After in about two days, and I can easily say it’s one of my favorite books of 2020! The book follows the main character Felix Love, who is Black, queer, and trans, as he navigates finding love for the first time, questioning his identity, and dealing with transphobia at school. He’s been out as a transgender guy for a while, but he still feels like there’s a part of his identity that he’s yet to fully understand. This book is a wonderful exploration of identity, and a heart-warming story about finding love, and learning to love yourself. To queer kids who are still struggling to find themselves or find their place in the world: this book is for you.
Also, the book takes place around New York City during Pride month, and since we’re stuck inside throughout the month of June, I felt like I was able to live vicariously through these characters. It even made me miss the subway, which is something I thought I’d never say!”
Sarah Pannenberg, Digital Marketing Coordinator
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
“A book full of empowerment, identity, self-discovery, and the pursuit of justice, Girls Made of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan is a perfect read for pride month. In this richly developed fantasy, Lei is a member of the Paper caste—the lowest and most persecuted class in society—and has been selected against her will by the ruthless King to be one of his consorts. Over weeks worth of training, Lei and eight other girls are taught the necessary skills to appease their king. But then she does the unthinkable: she falls in love with another girl in training. What I love about this book is that it focuses on the blossoming love between a lesbian couple while actively fighting against homophobia, an abusive man in power, the objectification of women, and classism—all of which are incredibly important and relevant topics that aren’t regularly addressed in the YA fantasy world.”
Ariana Carpentieri, Assistant to VP. Marketing & Publicity
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
“A tender exploration of friendship, race, identity, and love, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz has long stuck with me throughout the years. Aristotle and Dante are two teenagers with seemingly nothing in common, but as the two loners spend more time together, they begin to share a truly special and unique friendship. And it’s through their tight bond that they discover who they really are. This book will particularly resonate with many LGBTQ youth who may be learning, and coming to terms with, their identity and who they want to be. But, at its heart, Aristotle and Dante is a universal story about love in all of its forms. There’s no doubt that this coming-of-age story will be one of the all-time greats.”
Anthony Parisi, Associate Director of Marketing
The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
“I have 5 words for any reader who hasn’t read The Good Luck Girls yet: THIS 👏 BOOK 👏 HAS 👏QUEER 👏COWGIRLS 👏
That’s it. That’s the pitch.
In their brilliant fantasy debut novel, Charlotte Nicole Davis reclaims the narrative of the Wild West and gives it back to the community of black, brown, and queer women it once belonged to.
Trapped in a “welcome home” since childhood, five young women must risk a dangerous escape after one of them commits a fatal act. Pursued by vicious forces, both human and inhuman, these young women make a harrowing journey in search of revenge, freedom, and justice.
This action-packed tale transcends entertainment to become something so much more impactful. Featuring a cast of bold and resilient heroines, this story will remind young black, brown, and queer women everywhere of their power, their worth, and that together there is no obstacle they can’t overcome.”
Isa Caban, Marketing Manager
Anger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro
“Anger is a Gift is one of the realest books I’ve ever read. When people ask me for a YA recommendation (or just an any book recommendation) this title is a frequent mention. West Oakland High student Moss Jeffries is so sweet. He cares about his boyfriend and is tight with his friends. He’s a lovable nerd, and it’s this sweetness, this wholesome teenager-ness that breaks your heart for Moss, because Anger is a Gift chronicles how he must grapple with so many intersections of injustice. Moss has struggled with panic attacks since the police murdered his father, since the night he became a rallying point for his community, and he can’t escape at school either. Even with diminished and ever-vanishing funding, the school system can still afford a racist school resource officer to menace Moss and his friends. In the aftermath of another tragedy, Moss will have to choose between fear and hate or realize that his anger might actually be a gift.”
Andrew King, Marketing Assistant
