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Explore LGBTQ+ Voices: A Curated Book List from Free Library

LGBTQ+ narratives have significantly influenced cultural landscapes, contributing through unique stories, art, and community engagements. A specially curated list of books from the Free Library of Philadelphia showcases these contributions through a diverse range of literature, including picture books, novels, memoirs, and poetry. This collection reflects the themes of identity, resilience, and creative expression, offering readers a broad spectrum of voices and experiences.

This selection was thoughtfully compiled by the committee and staff at the Free Library of Philadelphia.

Kids and Middle Grade

Board Books

Pride Colors by Robin Stevenson

This photographic concept book introduces young children to the Pride flag and explains the significance of its colors.

We Are Little Feminists: Families by Archaa Shrivastav

This book features real-life families and uses poetic language to build vocabulary and connections, celebrating gender and ethnic diversity.

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

This book illustrates that regardless of family structure, love is the defining element that unites families.

My Two Dads And Me by Michael Joosten

A delightful board book highlighting diverse and loving families with two dads.

My Two Moms And Me by Michael Joosten

This board book follows the daily lives of families with same-sex parents, celebrating diversity and love.

Picture Books

Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Anne Passchier and Michael Genhart

This book explains the meanings of the rainbow flag colors through diverse family representations culminating in a Pride parade.

‘Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick

This celebratory tale honors the fight against inequality within the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing strength in unity.

Grandad’s Pride by JoĆ«lle Retener

Milly and her grandfather start a pride parade in their town after discovering a Pride flag, combining activism with celebration.

Who You Will Be by Taylor Rouanzion

New parents encourage their child to explore and express their identity through the colors they choose.

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff

Aidan, a trans boy, prepares for a new sibling, discovering that love is the most important part of being a brother.

Call Me Gray by Andrew Larsen

This story highlights a child’s journey to self-identity as they change their name to “Gray,” supported by their father’s love.

Not He Or She, I’m Me by A.M. Wild

This book follows a nonbinary child through their day, celebrating their identity and the use of gender-neutral pronouns.

Strong by Rob Kearney

This memoir from the first openly gay professional strongman explores the joy of embracing one’s strengths.

Middle Grade

Skating on Mars by Caroline Huntoon

12-year-old Mars navigates their nonbinary identity while participating in a gendered sport.

The Queen Bees of Tybee County by Kyle Casey Chu

Derrick, a Chinese-American, explores his queer identity through a beauty pageant and his newfound interest in drag.

A World Worth Saving by Kyle Lukoff

14-year-old A uncovers a sinister force while attending a support group, discovering the strength to fight back.

Chris Makes a Friend by Alex Gino

Chris finds solace in new friendships during a summer spent with her grandparents, discovering unexpected connections.

Emma and the Love Spell by Meredith Ireland

Emma, a 12-year-old Korean-American, uses her magical abilities to keep her friend’s family from moving away.

Splinter and Ash by Marieke Nijkamp

Two characters find solace in each other while overcoming isolation and proving their worth.

Maeve Mulvaney Has Had Enough by Kelly Mangan

Maeve, an aspiring comic artist, starts a superhero-themed activism club in response to bullying.

Mountain Upside Down by Sara Ryan

Alex Eager faces the challenges of a long-distance relationship and family issues while advocating for library funding.

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith

Nonbinary Callie dreams of becoming a knight and battles bigotry while facing ancient threats outside the kingdom.

Teens and Young Adults

Hello Sunshine by Keezy Young

Following Alex’s disappearance, friends investigate dark magic and demons, exploring themes of mental health and love.

Crush and Lobo by Mariko Tamaki

Crush confronts her father, Lobo, in space prison, on a journey of self-discovery and family dynamics.

DC Pride: To the Farthest Reaches

This volume highlights the presence and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community across the universe.

Blood Night Market Vol. 1 by Chise Ogawa

Set in a city of vampires and humans, this story follows Sotetsu’s encounters with a vampire gourmand, exploring themes of desire and identity.

My Roommate From Hell by Cale Dietrich

Owen’s life takes a turn when he strikes a fake dating deal with Zar, a prince of hell, leading to unexpected sparks.

Este Libro es Gay by Juno Dawson

An inclusive and inspiring guide on sexual identity, providing insights and experiences from across the spectrum of identities.

Love Makes Mochi by Stefany Valentine

Goth fashion designer Lilyn finds inspiration and romance while studying in Tokyo, balancing her unique style with traditional aesthetics.

The Transition by Logan-Ashley Kisner

A transgender teen’s life takes an unexpected turn during post-op recovery after being bitten by a werewolf.

Adult Reads

Shubeik Lubeik by Deena Mohamed

This graphic novel merges magic with socio-political themes in Cairo, exploring the complexities of wishes in a bureaucratic society.

Becoming a Man: Half a Life Story by Paul Monette

This acclaimed memoir chronicles the author’s journey of self-discovery and coming out.

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel

A graphic memoir offering a darkly humorous look into the author’s relationship with her father.

Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde’s autobiographical work explores the impact of various women on her life and development.

Boy Erased by Garrard Conley

This memoir recounts Garrard Conley’s experience with conversion therapy and his journey to self-acceptance.

Not My Father’s Son by Alan Cumming

Actor Alan Cumming shares the emotional story of his complex relationship with his father and family secrets.

Philly Authors

City of Sisterly and Brotherly Loves by Marc Stein

This book highlights Philadelphia’s role in the national gay and lesbian movement, challenging the focus on New York and San Francisco.

While Standing in Line for Death by CAConrad

CAConrad’s book of (Soma)tic poetry rituals offers a testament to the healing power of poetry after personal tragedy.

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