by Mariko Tamaki Illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell 2 stars A slow-paced story about what happens when the power of love works against you and how it can overshadow other aspects of your life. Freddy loves Laura Dean. But their on-again-off-again relationship leaves her confused and wondering, is it worth staying with someone you love if…
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Edited by g. haron davis Stories by Saundra Mitchell, Sonora Reyes, Renée Reynolds, A. R. Capetta, Cory McCarthy, Francesca Tacchi, Ayida Shonibar, Nik Traxler, g. haron davis, Jonathan Lenore Kastin, Mason Deaver, Ash Nouveau, Cam Montgomery, Dove Salvatierra, and Emery Lee 5 stars Generally with anthologies, there are some stories that resonate with a reader…
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5 stars I went into this expecting a simple, easy-going romance read, but was pleasantly surprised. It tackled a lot of issues with insight and humor. The fabulous femme teen, Riley Weaver knows joining the Gaybutante Society will help him on his journey to podcast stardom. But when he makes a bet with Skylar, who…
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Illustrated by Xochitl Cornejo 5 stars A delightful picture book that normalizes questioning one’s gender identity, surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family, and finding a good fit for you. Payden doesn’t quite feel like a boy and sets out to talk to friends and community members about how they found their pronouns. The books…
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by Dianna E. Anderson 3 stars Overall, an interesting read. Anderson tackles quite a few topics in this book, mostly centering around the language of trans identity and gender-nonconformity, and the issues of a world that seeks binaries. The book is a bit tricky to pin down because it’s a little bit of everything. Part…
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Illustrated by Soofiya 5 stars A fantastic read that is educational, supportive, affirming, and inclusive. What a great book. Dawson brings a touch a humor to a topic that can often be scary, stressful, and frustrating. She also offers advice and support along the way. While the book is targeted toward teens and young adults…
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by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings Illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas 5 stars A sweet story detailing Jazz’s social transition as a girl including changing her name, using the girls’ bathroom, growing her hair long, and playing on the girls’ soccer team. Her story is told in simple language appropriate for young readers. It focuses on…
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by Beth Lincoln Illustrated by Claire Powell 5 stars An absolutely fantastic read. Lincoln creates a fun blend of The Westing Game and Lemony Snicket with a style and characters all her own. Each member of the Swift family is named by the Family Dictionary with the expectation they will live up to their name. But Shenanigan isn’t so…
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by Jacqueline Woodson 5 stars A beautiful novel that tackles many difficult topics in an approachable way. When a group of students are told by their teacher that every Friday they will meet without an adult in the old art room to talk about whatever they want, they are hesitant. But as the year goes…
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5 stars A fantastic autobiographical novel-in-verse that beautifully showcases Woodson’s voice. Set in the 1960s and 1970s, Woodson shares stories from her life living in Ohio, South Carolina, and New York. Woodson tackles so many themes in this book. From family upheaval to moving to a new place, experiencing death of family members to standing…
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