What YA Friendly Book Are You Currently Reading? Showing 351-400 of 1,359

[Gabby]

Just finished reading and REALLY liked it!!

[Kaje]

Great! I added them to the group bookshelf: Hobbled tagged with m/m, coming-out, and mystery shelves; Finding Ashlynn was on the shelf; I added Sunshine and Buttercups with M/M, coming-out, short-story and high-school shelves. If you want to go into the shelf to edit them and add more appropriate shelf-tags that would be great.

[Liz]

I just finished and absolutely loved it. The narrator has a great voice and the story is grounded and feels very real. I do need to issue a tissue warning. In fact, keep the box handy while you read. But don't let the warning put you off. The book is wonderful!

[Ulysses]

Carole Cummings, "The Queen's Librarian." I just posted a review (which has no plot coverage at all, so safe for spoilers) here and on Amazon. Although the story centers on twenty-somethings, it is a light-hearted, but brilliantly funny period farce - if by period you mean a brit-seeming fantasy world with magic, in which a young gay couple is embraced as perfectly normal in the course of things. Any LGBTQ teen with a romantic heart will enjoy this novel, laugh at the humor and thrill to the relationship between Alex and Lucas. As I said in my review - this is book 6 of the Harry Potter series (which I love deeply) if only J.K. Rowling had had the guts to make Neville Longbottom gay. If only. Highly recommended...The Queen's Librarian

[Kaje]

I really enjoyed that one too - funny and sweet.

[Ed]

Recently finished reading Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez. Not a new book I know but new to me and quite enjoyable. I posted a review on goodreads a short while ago as well as on my blog http://eahartnett.wordpress.com/

[Kaje]

Ed wrote: "Recently finished reading Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez. Not a new book I know but new to me and quite enjoyable. I posted a review on goodreads a short while ago as well as on my blog http://eahart..."

That's still one of my favorite YA series. I also like his The God Box for a view of Christianity and LGBT.

[Michael]

Kaje wrote: "Ed wrote: "Recently finished reading Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez. Not a new book I know but new to me and quite enjoyable. I posted a review on goodreads a short while ago as well as on my blog ht..."
The God Box is great!

[Ed]

I'll keep The God Box in mind despite the fact that I am an atheist. I try to maintain an open mind about subjects even when I don't subscribe to them.

[Miriasha]

Finally getting around to reading and it's AMAZING, don't know why I waited this long!

[Ed]

Miriasha wrote: "Finally getting around to reading and it's AMAZING, don't know why I waited this long!"

This is near the top of my To Read list so thanks for the feedback. I just started reading Sacré Bleu: A Comedy d'Art which is somewhat outside my typical reading. A friend had recommended it to me and since in 10 days I will be Paris bound it sounded like a great prelude to my trip.

[Kaje]

Miriasha wrote: "Finally getting around to reading and it's AMAZING, don't know why I waited this long!"

I loved that book - 5 stars from me. My review is here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Miriasha]

Kaje wrote: "Miriasha wrote: "Finally getting around to reading and it's AMAZING, don't know why I waited this long!"

I loved that ..."

I'll check that out once I'm done, I don't want to be spoiled!

This book feels so much like books I read when I was younger and very sheltered from queer reality. Reading a book that feels the same but with my own awareness and the presence in the books feels incredible in a way I can't describe.

Having queer characters in literature, ESPECIALLY for young adults (or children!) is SO IMPORTANT.

[Kaje]

I agree, and the selection is getting better all the time. This one is subtle and lovely.

[Miriasha]

Kaje wrote: "I agree, and the selection is getting better all the time. This one is subtle and lovely."

I'm thinking about that word - subtle. And you're right. Although a lot of times I look for books that SHOUT it from the rooftops, I'm halfway through this book and it's still subtle, but it's not being secretive, either. It's not hiding, it's just matter-of-fact. This, at least not where I am in it, is not a coming out book, it's a coming of age book. And even then, it's still subtle and wonderful and feels so genuine, so true, so, as Ari said about Dante's paintings, honest.

[Sandra]

I recently finished reading which is YA, non-explicit, but contains a profound message. The book comes with trigger warnings in regards to the emotional, physical and sexual abuse that one of the MC suffered prior to the start of the book, some of which is mentioned throughout.

I personally think this book is suitable for YA (15 and up, I would say), considering that it also contains homophobia and bullying, and a tons of resources at the end for anyone who might need them.

[Kaje]

Sandra wrote: "I recently finished reading Omorphi which is YA, non-explicit, but contains a profound message. The book comes with trigger warnings in regards to the emotional, physical and s..."

Another book I want to get to - I have heard it called triggering, so I would repeat that warning, but if that's not a problem for you I've seen some really good reviews. And it's good to have confirmation that it fits YA levels. (I'm not surprised C. added good resources to that book too - that's a particular mission of the author.)

[Sandra]

Kaje, I wrote up a review, but I still didn't have enough words to convey how profoundly that book affected me. It's absolutely worth shedding all the tears I cried while reading.

[Kaje]

Good to know - I like emotional books.

[Alyssa]

Reading by Lizzy Ford.

[Kellyanne]

I've just got done reading "Annie on my mind" very cute and a little sad about first love and heartache but I really liked it!!
And I am trying hard to get my hands on "rainbow boys" and then the next bk "rainbow high" I'm gonna have to get a giant book haul on amazon!!
Can anyone suggest a few good LGBT books to read for someone just starting out in the genre... I read sooo much and besides Annie on my mind and the Queer as folk novels... I am new to the genre.. And have no clue where to start lol
I prefer YA books like the speak novels... Or a lighter read since my other novels that I read are like huge door stop fiction lol
But I can easily get into a more complex book on this subject.. I'm excited reading the different comments and posts you all have up!! I have just barely cracked the door in the huge house if LGBT fiction!! Can't wait to read more!!
Much love
Kellyanne

[Kellyanne]

Oh and sorry I read more of the YA advice book book posting.. Annie on my mind dealt with girls that were real young and it was a definately YA novel ;)

[John]

Kellyanne wrote: "I've just got done reading "Annie on my mind" very cute and a little sad about first love and heartache but I really liked it!!
And I am trying hard to get my hands on "rainbow boys" and then ..."

Annie on My Mind is considered by many to be the first lesbian YA book. You might be interest in I'll Get There. It Better Be Worth The Trip which is considered the first gay YA book.

I've been using the Lambda Literary Awards LGBT Children’s/Young Adult winners and nominees as a checklist.

http://www.lambdaliterary.org/complet...

One of my all time favorites so far not only in this category but as a novel is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. If you're looking for something F/F try The Miseducation of Cameron Post.

Here's the 2013 list:

1. Adaptation, Malinda Lo, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
2. The Adventure of Tulip, Birthday Wish Fairy, S. Bear Bergman and Suzy Malik, Flamingo Rampant
3. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Benjamin Alire Saenz, Simon & Schuster/ Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers [WINNER]
4. Ask The Passengers, A.S. King, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
5. Beautiful Music for Ugly Children, Kirstin Cronn-Mills, Flux Books
6. Every Day, David Levithan, Knopf Books for Young Readers
7. Kiss the Morning Star, Elissa Janine Hoole, Amazon Children’s Publishing
8. The Miseducation of Cameron Post, emily m. danforth, Balzer + Bray
9. Personal Effects, E.M. Kokie, Candlewick Press
10. Silhouette of a Sparrow, Molly Beth Griffin, Milkweed Editions

[Kellyanne]

Dear John,
Thank you so much!! I appreciate all the recommendations !!
Hugs, Kellyanne

[Christen]

Currently reading by Julia Crane.

[Kaje]

After a couple of weeks of good but not stellar reads, I really enjoyed Know Not Why .

This is a lovely book, funny and sweet with tug-at-your heart moments. The characters are quirky, almost to the point of caricature, but they don't quite fall off the edge, and you end up rooting for them. Although the MCs are in their early twenties, this is very much a YA-style book. Sex is off page, and this is a first-person account of self-discovery and coming out. If you like that type of story, and can handle a touch of almost-OTT situational humor, this is the book to read. Highly recommended.

[Kim]

After having finished a week or so ago the first book in Leila Rasheed's At Somerton series, Cinders & Sapphires , I'm looking forward now to getting started on a Netgalley advance e-copy of the next book, Diamonds & Deceit . The first book was mostly a bubblegum read, like an ABC Family version of Downton Abbey. I'm hopeful that the queer characters who appeared in the first will get a bit more page time and development in the second book.

[Rainbowheart]

Just finished The Secret Ingredient by Stewart Lewis. Awesome and heartfelt story about a teen girl adopted by two dads.

[Tara]

Finally reading Omorphi and liking it so far at page 136. Christy and one of my characters share a lot of stregths after such hard childhoods. So, of course I'm loving Christy as a character.

[Josée]

I'm reading The Straight Crimes by Matt Juhl. So far it's pretty interesting - in this book, the minority is straight, the majority is gay. Same hardships but inverted

The Straight Crimes

[Kellyanne]

Josée thats actually a book i found to be a great contrast. I love LGBT fiction and non fiction. But as with any genre, I can get that all too familiar feeling of, deja vù.. It was really refreshing to read a novel like that one. It had a few not overly annoying quirks. But the novel for the most part was a great read and one that i do recommend to my straight and homosexual friends:):)
I hope you enjoy it! Happy reading!

[Alyssa]

Reading by Lizzy Ford.

[Rainbowheart]

Alyssa, curious if that has LGBT content?

[Kaje]

Which is not to say you can't mention here if it doesn't - just that we're curious and always updating our lists...

[Rainbowheart]

Last night finished reading Defy the Dark by Saundra Mitchell. It's a collection of stories, so not all have LGBT content. The ones with queer themes are "Ghost Town" by Malinda Lo (lesbian MC) and "This Was Ophelia" (FTM trans and gay MCs).

[Rainbowheart]

Also Willful Impropriety: 13 Tales of Society, Scandal and Romance by Ekaterina Sedia.

There's a ton of queer themes in this book! Seriously should be read by fans of short stories because most of them have LGBT characters.

"Steeped in Debt to the Chimney Pots" by Steve Berman (gay MC)

"The Unladylike Education of Agatha Tremain" by Stephanie Burgis (lesbian MC)

"Outside the Absolute" by Seth Cadin (genderqueer, I think)

"Resurrection" by Tiffany Trent (FTM, I think)

"The Dancing Master" by Genevieve Valentine (lesbian MC)

"False Colors" by Marie Brennan (not lesbian, but cross-dressing girl)

"At Will" by Leanna Renee Hieber (not lesbian, but cross-dressing girl who falls in love with gay male character)

[Rainbowheart]

I've really been reading short story collections looking for trans characters. This one didn't have any trans characters but it did have a lot of queer themed stories.

21 Proms by David Levithan

Mostly gay guys, only one (I think) with a lesbian. But the story "Shutter" by Will Leitch had what I believe is an asexual MC. It's told from the point of view of her dad, so it was hard to tell, but there had never been any boys she was interested in and she only went to prom to please her dad who wanted her to be "normal."

[Kaje]

I liked that book although it is heavily M-M - there were some nice short stories in it.

[Rainbowheart]

Yeah, aside from "Shutter," my favorite was "Lost Sometimes" by David Levithan, which is about two gay boys.

[Kaje]

I love David's writing style a lot.

[Rainbowheart]

Not so much into the non fiction, but....

The Letter Q: Queer Writers' Notes to their Younger Selves by Sarah Moon

This was interesting to read. Not really stories. It's just the authors writing advice to themselves as kids and teenagers. A lot of famous queer writers in this, but also a lot I never heard of. Also a lot of the writers only write adult books, not YA. I'm pretty sure almost everyone in this collection was already out before they wrote their essays, except I totally didn't know that Bruce Coville was bi. He's married to a woman so, you know, like a lot of people I just assumed that meant he was straight, lol.

[Rainbowheart]

Also...

The Full Spectrum: A New Generation of Writing About Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Other Identities by David Levithan

No famous people in this one. Just essays by real life teens and young adults.

[Rainbowheart]

So back to fiction....

Hear Us Out!: Lesbian and Gay Stories of Struggle, Progress, and Hope, 1950 to the Present by Nancy Garden

The author wrote like a non fiction introduction to each of her stories. It was really interesting especially for teens who don't have a good sense of queer history, they can follow along decade by decade. The stories were also good. They lean more toward the lesbian side, but there were some gay stories. One that I enjoyed was about two gay boys who lost their virginity to each other on the night of Stonewall. No trans characters in this book. No bi characters either, as far as I remember.

[Rainbowheart]

Also read Foretold: 14 Tales of Prophecy and Prediction by Carrie Ryan.

There is only one queer themed story in this collection, but it's good. The title is "One True Love" and it's by Malinda Lo. It's a fairy tale about lesbian princesses. The world can always use more lesbian princess stories!

[Rainbowheart]

Also The Poison Eaters and Other Stories by Holly Black.

Dark paranormal tales, two of which are queer themed. "In Vodka Veritas" and "The Coat of Stars" have gay male characters.

[Kim]

In addition to Laura Lam's Pantomime , I'm in the midst of Gail Carriger's Curtsies & Conspiracies . Both Carriger's adult Parasol Protectorate series and this YA Finishing School series feature (to varying extents) the marvelous, cross-dressing lesbian Genevieve Lefoux.

[Rainbowheart]

Oh, cool, I had no idea the Finishing School series had a lesbian character! I added the titles to the group shelf.

[Kim]

Rainbowheart wrote: "Oh, cool, I had no idea the Finishing School series had a lesbian character! I added the titles to the group shelf."

Well, she's very young in that series, but also very sure of her identity. =)

[Rainbowheart]

Yeah, I looked up reviews and saw that Vieve is about 10. That's actually even more interesting. Not too many obviously queer preteens in books.

[Grace]

I have most recently read Malinda Lo 2 books and . I have to say that they were wonderful. I'm looking forward to reading more by her.