LGBQ+ Graphic & Middle Grade Clean Reads
- shelfsafebooks
- Jan 28
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
This list highlights graphic novels and fiction that include LGBQ+ themes while remaining free from graphic sexual content, explicit language, and on-page sexual activity. Each title is clearly labeled so families, educators, and readers can choose intentionally, with no surprises.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, and purchases made through these links help support Shelf Safe Books at no extra cost to you.
─────────────────────────
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
─────────────────────────
🔵 1. The Tea Dragon Society – Katie O’Neill
Series: Tea Dragon Society, Books 1–3 (Complete)
A beautifully illustrated fantasy centered on friendship, craftsmanship, and caring for magical tea dragons. Gentle storytelling with warmth and creativity throughout. Written for Middle Grade / Teen readers.
Heads Up: Grief/loss, Mental health (anxiety)
🟢 2. Princess Pru and the Ogre on the Hill – Maureen Fergus
Series: Standalone
Princess Pru has no interest in rescuing princes or living by royal rules—she’d rather follow her own heart and forge unexpected friendships. This delightfully offbeat fairy tale celebrates individuality, kindness, and rewriting the story your own way. Written for Upper Elementary readers.
🟢 3. Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World – Ashley Herring Blake
Standalone
After a tornado destroys her home, Ivy processes grief while discovering a quiet crush on another girl. A gentle, introspective story of emotional healing. Written for Middle Grade readers.
Heads Up: Anxiety, Family stress. Language stupid, Oh my G-d.
🔵 4. The Civil War of Amos Abernathy – Michael Leali
Standalone
A history-loving middle schooler writes letters to a forgotten queer Civil War soldier while navigating activism, friendship, and his first crush. A thoughtful blend of past and present. Written for Middle Grade readers.
Heads Up: Language dumb, stupid, Oh my G-d.
🔵 5. Maggie and Abby’s Neverending Pillow Fort – Will Taylor
Series: Maggie and Abby, Book 1 of 2 (Complete)
Two best friends rebuild their relationship through an ever-expanding magical pillow fort as one navigates her parents' divorce and the changes it brings. Written for Upper Elementary / Middle Grade readers.
Heads Up: Divorce/family separation, Absent parent, Magic.
🔵 6. Beetle & the Hollowbones – Aliza Layne
Standalone
A goblin witch-in-training investigates a mystery in a spooky mall while navigating friendship and a slow-burn sapphic crush. Written for Middle Grade readers.
Heads Up: Witchcraft/magic.
🟣 7. The Great Greene Heist – Varian Johnson
Series: Jackson Greene Series, Book 1 of 2 (Complete)
A clever middle school heist story featuring teamwork, justice, and humor, with a diverse supporting cast. Written for Middle Grade readers.
Heads Up: Language stupid 4+.
After a better review I no longer consider this book to meet the promises set by Shelf Safe Books I am leaving it here for transparency as I improve my vetting process.
🟣 8. As Far As You’ll Take Me – Phil Stamper
Standalone
A teen musician escapes to London seeking freedom and connection while confronting anxiety, family pressure, and first love. Written for Teen readers.
Heads Up: Anxiety, Family conflict, Homophobia, Alcohol use (teen), Being outed. Languge Fuck 1+, Freaking 1+, hell 2+, damn 1+.
🟣 9. The Language of Seabirds – Will Taylor
Standalone
Twelve-year-old Jeremy discovers his first crush when he meets Evan during a beach vacation with his dad. But his parents' recent divorce and his father's struggles with alcohol complicate an already confusing summer. Written for Upper Middle Grade readers.
Heads Up: Divorce/family separation, Alcohol use (parent), Difficult parent themes.
After a better review I no longer consider this book to meet the promises set by Shelf Safe Books I am leaving it here for transparency as I improve my vetting process.
🟣 10. The Secret of You and Me – Melissa Lenhardt
Standalone
Two women reconnect years after a forbidden relationship, navigating faith, regret, and second chances in a small town. Written for Adults.
Heads Up: Themes of religious pressure. Language 3+F-uck, 2+ Sh-t, 4+hell, 11+ My G-d/ Oh G-d, alcohol/ drug use.
Thanks for stopping by! May your shelves be full, your stories clean, and your day sprinkled with a little magic!
Comments