June is Pride Month and to celebrate I'm recommending to you four books featuring LGBT characters/romances. These books are wonderfully written with powerful messages. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Love is beautiful and should be celebrated. Happy Pride Month everyone!
1. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan (400 pages) (Rating: 9.5/10)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Features: Female/Female Romance
Trigger Warnings: Sexual Assault
I have a full review for this novel up on my blog already, but it more than warrants talking about again. It is a unique fantasy in that it is set in an Asian inspired world and it features two strong female characters with a beautiful romance that feels believable and never rushed. This novel is ideal for anyone looking for a special fantasy with a powerful female/female romance.
2. Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (303 pages) (Rating: 8.75/10)
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Features: Male/Male Romance
Trigger Warnings: Homophobia
This book is a very quick read, but despite that it packs a punch. It’s already a pretty well known novel, but if you haven’t given it a read yet then I most definitely recommend doing so. While the main focus of the novel is the romance between protagonist Simon and the mysterious Blue, it also tackles the issue of coming out to family and friends. This novel is ideal for someone young who is struggling with their identity and/or coming out.
3. Autoboyography by Christina Lauren (407 pages) (Rating: 8.75/10)
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Features: Male/Male Romance with Bisexual Main Character
Trigger Warnings: Homophobia
What I loved most about this story was how supportive the main character, Tanner’s family was in regards to his sexuality. The story gives a voice to a group of young people who may feel pushed to the margins even within their own community. It is important to note that religion (more specifically the Mormon faith) is heavily featured and prominent to the story line. This novel is ideal for anyone looking for a sweet male/male romance or a book featuring a bisexual main character.
4. If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo (273 pages) (Rating: 9.5/10)
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Features: Transgender Main Character
Trigger Warnings: Transphobia, Sexual Assault, Underage Drug Use/Drinking, Suicide Attempt
This novel is an own voice’s novel, meaning it was written by a trans woman. As I read this novel I truly came to care for the main character, Amanda. She began to feel real to me. I loved how she had supportive friends and family, but how her struggles weren’t overlooked. This novel was difficult to read at times, but regardless is an important story ideal for young trans people and their allies.
