LGBTQIA+
Graphic Novels
The Deep and Dark Blue
Rating: 4.22/5
Author: Niki Smith
TW: Deadnaming
Review: “I loved this. The colors and world were great, the drama and conflict perfect for its intent and audience. The handling of queer intricacies, delightfully positive and uplifting without ever being the defining characteristic.” -Loz
Summary: After a terrible political coup usurps their noble house, Hawke and Grayson flee to stay alive and assume new identities, Hanna and Grayce. Desperation and chance lead them to the Communion of Blue, an order of magical women who spin the threads of reality to their will.
Snapdragon
Rating: 4.49/5
Author: Kat Leyh
TW: Familial abuse (brief),Transphobia (brief)
Review: “that was.....completely wonderful. great for fans of the prince & the dressmaker, or if you’re just looking for a wholesome graphic novel time” -Kat
Summary: Kat Leyh’s Snapdragon is a magical realist graphic novel about a young girl who befriends her town’s witch and discovers the strange magic within herself.
Heartstopper
Book: Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, Vol. 4, Vol. 5
Rating: 4.53/5, 4.6/5, 4.63/5, 4.67/5, 4.63/5
Author: Alice Oseman
Review: “I'm here to tell you that nothing is as precious as Nick & Charlie falling for each other so do not deprive yourself of this experience.” -Kai
Summary: Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more...?
The Girl From The Sea
Rating: 4.2/5
Author: Molly Knox Ostertag
Review: “This book is so unbelievably delightful and I’ll be rereading it a dozen times just to feel all the feelings. A queer, coming-of-age romance featuring a selkie and a plot surrounding friendship dynamics and environmental activism? What is not to love!?” -SP
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret: She can't wait to escape the perfect little island where she lives. She's desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends...who don't understand Morgan at all. Because really, Morgan's biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl.
Nimona
Rating: 4.15/5
Author: N.D. Stevenson
Review: “This was so great! I love Noelle Stevenson's writing & art style. Can she just write a million more graphic novels please?” -Jesse
Summary: Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.
Chef’s Kiss
Rating: 4.03
Author: Jarett Melendez
Review: “Oh my heart, this was SO FREAKING CUTE and I was so invested in these characters!” -Destiny
Summary: When Ben begins developing a crush on Liam, one of the other super dreamy chefs at the restaurant, and when he starts ditching his old college friends and his old writing job plans, his career path starts to become much less clear.
Beetle and the Hollowbones
Rating: 4.3/5
Author: Aliza Layne
Review: “This book is such an adorable and endearing success. Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne is such a brightly colored and energetic graphic novel for young readers that will also resonate with teens and adults.” -SP
Summary: An enchanting, riotous, and playfully illustrated debut graphic novel following a young goblin trying to save her best friend from the haunted mall—perfect for fans of Steven Universe and Adventure Time.
Princess Princess Ever After
Rating: 4.02/5
Author: Kay O-Neill
Review: “Heckin' CUTE. Like, the absolute sugary sweetest cute you can get.” -Chelsea
Summary: When the heroic princess Amira rescues the kind-hearted princess Sadie from her tower prison, neither expects to find a true friend in the bargain. Yet as they adventure across the kingdom, they discover that they bring out the very best in the other person.
How to be Ace: A Memoir of Growing up Asexual
Rating: 4.17/5
Author: Rebecca Burgess
Review: “As someone who has never dated or been in love—and also never had a powerful drive to experience either—I felt so affirmed by reading How to Be Ace.” -Jenny
Summary: Brave, witty and empowering, this graphic memoir follows Rebecca as she navigates her asexual identity and mental health in a world obsessed with sex. From school to work to relationships, this book offers an unparalleled insight into asexuality.
On a Sunbeam
Rating: 4.3/5
Author: Tillie Walden
Review: “I think this is probably now one of my favourite books ever.” -Alice
Summary: As new member Mia gets to know her team, the story flashes back to her pivotal year in boarding school, where she fell in love with a mysterious new student. Soon, though, Mia reveals her true purpose for joining their ship—to track down her long-lost love.
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Our Dreams at Dusk (4 Books)
Rating: 4.3/5
Author: Shimanami Tasogare
Review: “Shimanami Tasogare is wholesome and realistic lgbtq+ manga. I fell in love with this beautiful gift from Yuhki Kamatani and I believe everyone should read it.” -Aleksandra
Summary: Not only is high schooler Tasuku Kaname the new kid in town, he is also terrified that he has been outed as gay. Just as he’s contemplating doing the unthinkable, Tasuku meets a mysterious woman who leads him to a group of people dealing with problems not so different from his own.
Wash Day Diaries
Rating: 4.41/5
Author: Jamila Rowser
Review: “a new all time favourite - I feel so emotional typing up this review. I have never read a book quite like this before - it was like a warm book-shaped hug” -Faridah
Summary: At times touching, quiet, triumphant, and laugh out loud funny, the stories of Wash Day Diaries pay a loving tribute to Black joy and the resilience of Black women.
Zenobia July
Rating: 4.12/5
Author: Lisa Bunker
TW: forced outing of a side character, peripheral transphobia and islamophobia, and depictions of dysphoria
Review: “I love the found family and the vast array of genders, sexualities and gender expression represented (there’s the main trans girl character, her best friend who’s a genderqueer and I think aro/ace character, a side trans boy character, queer aunts, & a drag Queen uncle).” -Laura
Summary: Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she's in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she's coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was.
Zenobia July
Rating: 4.12/5
Author: Lisa Bunker
TW: forced outing of a side character, peripheral transphobia and islamophobia, and depictions of dysphoria
Review: “I love the found family and the vast array of genders, sexualities and gender expression represented (there’s the main trans girl character, her best friend who’s a genderqueer and I think aro/ace character, a side trans boy character, queer aunts, & a drag Queen uncle).” -Laura
Summary: Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she's in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she's coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was.
Zenobia July
Rating: 4.12/5
Author: Lisa Bunker
TW: forced outing of a side character, peripheral transphobia and islamophobia, and depictions of dysphoria
Review: “I love the found family and the vast array of genders, sexualities and gender expression represented (there’s the main trans girl character, her best friend who’s a genderqueer and I think aro/ace character, a side trans boy character, queer aunts, & a drag Queen uncle).” -Laura
Summary: Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she's in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she's coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was.
Zenobia July
Rating: 4.12/5
Author: Lisa Bunker
TW: forced outing of a side character, peripheral transphobia and islamophobia, and depictions of dysphoria
Review: “I love the found family and the vast array of genders, sexualities and gender expression represented (there’s the main trans girl character, her best friend who’s a genderqueer and I think aro/ace character, a side trans boy character, queer aunts, & a drag Queen uncle).” -Laura
Summary: Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she's in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she's coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was.
Lumberjanes Series (20 Books)
Rating: 4.3
Author: N.D. Stevenson
Review: “THIS WAS SO FUN! It was silly and I loved every minute of it - cannot wait to continue with the series.” -Caz
Summary: At Miss Qiunzilla Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's camp for hard-core lady-types, things are not what they seem. Three-eyed foxes. Secret caves. Anagrams. Luckily, Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are five rad, butt-kicking best pals determined to have an awesome summer together... And they're not gonna let a magical quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way! The mystery keeps getting bigger, and it all begins here
Zenobia July
Rating: 4.12/5
Author: Lisa Bunker
TW: forced outing of a side character, peripheral transphobia and islamophobia, and depictions of dysphoria
Review: “I love the found family and the vast array of genders, sexualities and gender expression represented (there’s the main trans girl character, her best friend who’s a genderqueer and I think aro/ace character, a side trans boy character, queer aunts, & a drag Queen uncle).” -Laura
Summary: Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she's in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she's coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was.
Zenobia July
Rating: 4.12/5
Author: Lisa Bunker
TW: forced outing of a side character, peripheral transphobia and islamophobia, and depictions of dysphoria
Review: “I love the found family and the vast array of genders, sexualities and gender expression represented (there’s the main trans girl character, her best friend who’s a genderqueer and I think aro/ace character, a side trans boy character, queer aunts, & a drag Queen uncle).” -Laura
Summary: Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she's in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she's coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was.
Zenobia July
Rating: 4.12/5
Author: Lisa Bunker
TW: forced outing of a side character, peripheral transphobia and islamophobia, and depictions of dysphoria
Review: “I love the found family and the vast array of genders, sexualities and gender expression represented (there’s the main trans girl character, her best friend who’s a genderqueer and I think aro/ace character, a side trans boy character, queer aunts, & a drag Queen uncle).” -Laura
Summary: Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she's in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she's coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was.
Zenobia July
Rating: 4.12/5
Author: Lisa Bunker
TW: forced outing of a side character, peripheral transphobia and islamophobia, and depictions of dysphoria
Review: “I love the found family and the vast array of genders, sexualities and gender expression represented (there’s the main trans girl character, her best friend who’s a genderqueer and I think aro/ace character, a side trans boy character, queer aunts, & a drag Queen uncle).” -Laura
Summary: Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she's in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she's coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was.
The Backstagers
Books: Vol. 1: Rebels Without Applause, Vol. 2: The Show Must Go On, Vol. 3: Encore
Ratings: 3.94/5, 4.14/5, 3.52/5
TW: Some scary images, bullying.
Review: “I love this so MUCH! I am a musical theatre geek. I rarely think of the backstage crew and this story is all about the quirky people who help run the show. To top it all off, there is a door under the stage that leads to a place of magical theatre and you can get lost there. I love the characters, the art, the musical actors and how they are made fun of. This is perfect for me. LOVE!” -Calista
Summary: When Jory transfers to an all-boys private high school, he's taken in by the only ones who don't treat him like a new kid, the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers. Not only does he gain great, lifetime friends, Jory is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain. With the unpredictable twists and turns of the underground world, the Backstagers venture into the unknown, determined to put together the best play their high school has ever seen.
Gender Queer
Rating: 4.34/5
Author: Maia Kobabe
Review: “This memoir is so damn liberating!!!
And yes, everyone deserves a family like that. Loved this one so much!” -RT
Summary: Maia's intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma of pap smears.
The Magic Fish
Rating: 4.55
Author: Trung Le Nguyen
Review: “This was such a stunning story, both in terms of the writing and illustrations!” -Jesse
Summary: Tiến loves his family and his friends…but Tiến has a secret he's been keeping from them, and it might change everything.
The Prince and the Dressmaker
Rating: 4.37/5
Author: Jen Wang
Review: “I'm not exaggerating when I say books like this really do restore a little of my faith in humanity.” -Emily May
Summary: Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride―or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia―the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!
Pumpkin Heads
Rating: 4.04/5
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Review: “This is such a sweet, fun book. Perfect for autumn!” -Emily May
Summary: But this Halloween is different
Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together.
Their last good-bye.
The Witch Boy
Book: The Witch Boy, The Hidden Witch, The Midwinter Witch
Rating: 4.23/5, 4.31/5, 4.3/5
Author: Molly Knox Ostertag
Review: “This book has killed me and I am dead, typing out reviews from beyond the grave because I know how to live the best afterlife.” -Erica
Summary: In thirteen-year-old Aster's family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn't shifted . . . and he's still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be.
Monstress Series (5 Books)
Rating: 4.36
Author: Marjorie Liu
Review: “I loved absolutely everything about this graphic novel. To date, it is by far the best graphic novel I have ever read.” -Melanie
Summary: Set in an alternate matriarchal 1900's Asia, in a richly imagined world of art deco-inflected steampunk, MONSTRESS tells the story of a teenage girl who is struggling to survive the trauma of war, and who shares a mysterious psychic link with a monster of tremendous power, a connection that will transform them both and make them the target of both human and otherworldly powers.
Juliet Takes a Breath
Rating: 4.19/5
Author: Gabby Rivera
Review: “So much of this book is hilarious and charming. I kept finding myself laughing out loud. And the gorgeous, moving turns of phrase made me catch my breath.” -Roxane
Summary: Juliet Milagros Palante is leaving the Bronx and headed to Portland, Oregon. She just came out to her family and isn’t sure if her mom will ever speak to her again. But Juliet has a plan, sort of, one that’s going to help her figure out this whole “Puerto Rican lesbian” thing.
The Bride was a Boy
Rating: 4.19/5
Author: Chii
Review: “Pretty quick read but it’s adorable and informative to read if you’re not knowledgable about transgender issues or LGBT+ in Japan.” -Moni
Summary: The heartwarming transgender love story, based on true events!
Tea Dragon Society
Rating: 4.36/5
Author: Kay O’Neill
Review: “I was NOT expecting the cute! This was so sweet and immersive. Where can I find my own tea dragon?” -Kaz
Summary: After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik.
Check, Please
Rating: 4.26/5
Author: Ngozi Ukazu
Review: “This was such a sweet and cute graphic novel.” -Kevin
Summary: A collection of the first half of the megapopular webcomic series of the same name, Check, Please!: #Hockey is the first book of a hilarious and stirring two-volume coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life.