5th February 2020
A guest blog by Charlie Morris
It’s LGBT History Month in February, where we celebrate the stories of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender individuals that have helped us in our journey to being a more fair, equal and inclusive society for everyone. One way to help ensure a future that is accepting and kind is to share books that encourage empathy, and give LGBT characters a story of their own. Here are some suggestions to add to your book shelves in 2020.
The Girls by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovlie.
This is the story of four little girls who are best friends, each with their own interests and passions. As they grow up, we see them support each other through thick and thin. We can see from Jenny’s illustrations that the girls attend Pride (a march to celebrate and fight for LGBT rights) and support one of their own as she forges a life with her wife.
Julian Is A Mermaid by Jessica Love
A picture book about self-confidence and love, and a radiant celebration of individuality.
We Are Family by Patricia Hegarty and Ryan Wheatcroft
All families are different - and yet in many ways the same! This book uses a gentle rhyming text to follow eight different families, celebrating their everyday differences as well as the similarities they share.
Introducing Teddy by Jessica Walton
A sweet and gentle story about being true to yourself and being a good friend, Introducing Teddy can also help children understand gender identity.
Plenty of Hugs by Fran Manushkin and Kate Alizadeh (out in April)
Two mommies spend a sunny day with their toddler in this cozy, rhyming picture book that is a loving celebration of family. This cheerful book follows a family from morning to night in lively rhyme that rolls off the tongue.
Llama Glamarama by Simon James Green and Gary Parsons (out in June)
A hilarious, rhyming story with a powerful message about celebrating
differences.
Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O’Neill
Join Sadie and Amira, two very different princesses with very different strengths, on their journey to figure out what “happily ever after” really means-and how they can find it with each other.
Lumberjanes by Shannon Watters, Noelle Stevenson , Grace Ellis , Brooke Allen Friendship to the max! Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are five best pals determined to have an awesome summer together...and theyre not gonna let any insane quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way!
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Heartstopper is about love, friendship, loyalty and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie's lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.
Nothing Ever Happens Here by Sarah Hagger-Holt
Izzy's family is under the spotlight when her dad comes out as Danielle, a trans woman. Izzy is terrified her family will be torn apart. Will she lose her dad? Will her parents break up? And what will people at school say? Izzy's always been shy, but now all eyes are on her. Can she face her fears, find her voice and stand up for what's right?
The Deepest Breath by Megan Grehan
Written in accessible verse `chapters' and in a warm and reassuring style, The Deepest Breath will be of special relevance to young girls who are starting to realise that they are attracted to other girls, but it is also a story for any young reader with an open mind who wants to understand how people's emotions affect their lives.
The Strangeworlds Travel Agency by LD Lapinski (out in April)
When 12-year-old Flick Hudson accidentally ends up in the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, she uncovers a fantastic secret: there are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right suitcase. A magical adventure for 9+ readers that will take you to whole new worlds.
Death in the Spotlight by Robin Stevens
Hazel and Daisy must take centre stage and solve the crime . . . before the murderer strikes again.
PROUD by various
A stirring, bold and moving anthology of stories and poetry by top LGBTQ+ YA authors and new talent, giving their unique responses to the broad theme of pride. Compiled by Juno Dawson.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
This is not about being ready, it's not even about being fierce, or fearless, IT'S ABOUT BEING FREE. Michael waits in the stage wings, wearing a pink wig, pink fluffy coat and black heels. One more step will see him illuminated by spotlight. He has been on a journey of bravery to get here, and he is almost ready to show himself to the world in bold colours ... Can he emerge as The Black Flamingo?
Wranglestone by Darren Charlton
In a post-apocalyptic America, a community survives in a national park, surrounded by water that keeps the Dead at bay. But when winter comes, there's nothing to stop them from crossing the ice. Then homebody Peter puts the camp in danger by naively allowing a stranger to come ashore and he's forced to leave the community of Wranglestone. Now he must help rancher Cooper, the boy he's always watched from afar, herd the Dead from their shores before the lake freezes over. But as love blossoms, a dark discovery reveals the sanctuary's secret past. One that forces the pair to question everything they've ever known.
The Love Hypothesis by Laura Steven (out in March)
Physics genius Caro Kerber-Murphy knows she’s smart. With straight As and a college scholarship already in the bag, she’s meeting her two dads’ colossal expectations and then some. When Caro discovers a (definitely questionable) scientific breakthrough that promises to make you irresistible to everyone around you, she wonders if this could be the key. What happens next will change everything Caro thought she knew about chemistry – in the lab and in love.
Afterlove by Tanya Byrne (out in August)
Ash Persaud is about to become a grim reaper in the afterlife, but she is determined to see Poppy Morgan, the love of her life again - the only thing that separates them is death. AFTER-LIFE COMES LOVE .
Dangerous Remedy by Katherine Dunn (out in May)
The first in a dazzling, commercial, historical adventure series set in the extravagant and deadly world of the French Revolution. A whirlwind of action, science and magic reveals, with a diverse cast of fearless heroines, a band of rebels like no other.
Hideous Beauty by William Hussey (out in May)
Dylan is forced to come out after his secret relationship with Ellis is exposed on social media, but to his surprise, everyone is really supportive - or appears to be. But Dylan's and El's happiness is short-lived, and following a tragic accident, Dylan begins to realize how little he knows about the boy he loves...or those closest to him.
Boy Queen by George Lester (out in August)
Fall wig first into a world of big hair, high heels and even higher stakes in George Lester's debut novel Boy Queen. Life's a drag until you try . . .Robin Cooper's life is falling apart, there's only one thing for him to do: bring it to the runway.
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Charlie Morris is Senior Publicity and Marketing Executive at Little Tiger Group, a former independent bookseller, and social media manager for the Pride in Publishing network. At Little Tiger, Charlie works across all children’s books from board books to Young Adult fiction. Find her on twitter @charlieinabook
