Books with LGBQ+ Themes
- shelfsafebooks
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
This list highlights middle grade and young adult books that include LGBTQ characters or themes. The selections range from historical graphic novels and nonfiction science to contemporary romance and mystery.
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Rating Summary
🟢 Green – Fully clean, kid-friendly, no graphic content; light and safe for all readers
🔵 Blue – Mild emotional intensity or deeper themes; best for older children or confident middle-grade readers
🟣 Purple – Moderate emotional depth or realistic situations; still fully clean and non-explicit, Good for readers who can handle more heavy themes
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🟢 1. The Legend of Auntie Po – Shing Yin Khor
Standalone
A historical graphic novel blending American folklore with Chinese mythology, as a young girl reimagines Paul Bunyan through the lens of her own immigrant experience. Written for Middle Grade combo readers.
Heads Up: racism/discrimination.
🟣 2. Queer Ducks (and Other Animals) – Eliot Schrefer
Standalone
Smart, humorous, and science-based nonfiction exploring queer behavior in the animal kingdom while affirming the diversity of identity in real life. Written for Older Middle Grade / Teen readers.
🔴 Not Shelf Safe
After further review, this title does not meet the Shelf Safe Books standards. It is included here for transparency.
🔵 3. Love, Creekwood – Becky Albertalli
Series: Simonverse — Book 4 of 4 Complete
A collection of four interconnected Valentine's Day stories featuring beloved characters from the Simonverse. Sweet, funny, and heartfelt. Written for Young Adult readers.
Heads Up: Language 5 F-ck, 2 sh-it, several G-d's name in vain.
🟢 4. My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories – edited by Stephanie Perkins
Standalone
Twelve YA authors contribute romantic short stories set during the winter holidays, including Valentine's Day themes. Clean, diverse, and heartwarming. Written for Young Adult readers.
Heads Up: Language 1 sh-t, 3 stupid, 6 Oh G-d.
🔵 5. Truly Devious – Maureen Johnson
Series: Truly Devious — Book 1 of 4 Complete
Stevie Bell, a true-crime obsessed teen, wins a spot at Ellingham Academy, a prestigious boarding school with a dark past. When a student dies under mysterious circumstances, Stevie sees her chance to crack decades-old cases. Written for Young Adult readers.
Happy reading! May your adventures be safe, your stories wholesome, and your imagination take flight!
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