10 Uplifting LGBTQ+ Reads

These ten books highlight stories of self-discovery, friendship, love, and courage. From heartwarming middle-grade tales to emotional YA journeys, each book celebrates identity and connection while offering engaging and memorable stories.

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⭐ Rating Summary ⭐

🟢 Green – Fully clean, kid friendly, no graphic content

🔵 Blue – Mild emotional intensity or thematic elements; safe for older children or teens

🟣 Purple – Moderate emotional heaviness but still fully clean and non explicit; suitable for teens and adults

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🟢 1. George – Alex Gino

Series: Standalone

A heartfelt middle-grade story about a transgender girl navigating school, friendship, and the desire to be seen for who she truly is.

🔵 2. Luna – Julie Anne Peters

Series: Standalone

Told from the perspective of a teenager discovering her sibling is transgender, the story explores family, acceptance, and the power of understanding.

🟢 3. Bloom – Kevin Panetta & Savanna Ganucheau

Series: Standalone

A sweet graphic novel about first love, friendship, and working together in a family bakery. Full of warmth, humor, and relatable teen emotions.

🟣 4. The Red Ribbon – Lucy Adlington

Series: Standalone

A historical LGBTQ+ story set during World War II, focusing on survival, resilience, and unexpected connections in difficult circumstances.

🔵 5. Annie on My Mind – Nancy Garden

Series: Standalone

A tender romance between two teenage girls learning to navigate love, friendship, and identity while dealing with societal expectations.

🟢 6. The Pants Project – Cat Clarke

Series: Standalone

Middle-grade/YA story about a transgender boy challenging school dress codes and advocating for equality with humor, courage, and heart.

🔵 7. What If It’s Us – Adam Silvera & Becky Albertalli

Series: Standalone

Two teens meet by chance in New York City and navigate friendship, misunderstandings, and the tentative beginnings of first love.

🟣 8. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky Albertalli

Series: Standalone

Simon’s journey to come out while keeping his email correspondence secret from peers blends humor, suspense, and heartfelt romance.

🟢 9. Luna Park – Karen McManus

Series: Standalone

A coming-of-age story about a queer teen confronting family secrets and discovering self-confidence, friendship, and love at the same time.

🔵 10. 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = Chaos – Vivian Vande Velde

Series: Standalone

A quirky, whimsical story following a middle-grade student navigating school life, friendship, and identity in an uplifting and humorous way.

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Why These Made the List

✔ Uplifting and affirming stories of self-discovery and identity

✔ Memorable characters navigating friendship, family, and love

✔ Engaging, relatable plots with humor, heart, and emotional depth

✔ Mix of middle-grade, YA, contemporary, and historical settings

✔ Diverse authors and perspectives represented

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