Building an Inclusive Classroom Library: 33 LGBTQ+ Books for Middle School Students

Creating an inclusive classroom library with LGBTQ+ books for your students, is an essential part in fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students.

Introduction: Building an Inclusive Classroom Library

Creating an inclusive classroom library is essential for fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment for all students. With the growing diversity in today’s classrooms, it is crucial to ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

One effective way to achieve this is by incorporating a wide range of literature that reflects various identities and experiences, including those of LGBTQ+ individuals. LGBTQ+ literature not only helps students who identify as LGBTQ+ to see themselves represented in the books they read, but it also promotes empathy, understanding, and acceptance among all students.

By including stories that feature LGBTQ+ characters and themes, we can help students develop a broader perspective and appreciation for diversity. As educators, we have the unique opportunity to introduce our students to stories that can shape their views and experiences in profound ways.

With an ever-growing selection of LGBTQ+ books available for young readers, now is the perfect time to enrich your classroom library with these valuable resources. I’ve curated books that I have read and books currently in my classroom. These books came recommended to me by friends in the LGBTQ+ community.

***Disclaimer: Although I don’t think these titles are inappropriate for students, you know your community better than I do. Different demographics feel differently about LGBTQ+ content. That being said, ensuring all my students feel welcomed is high on my priority list and I have support from my school. Please do your due diligence.

Section 1: LGBTQ+ Books for Younger Middle School Students (Grades 6-7)

These LGBTQ+ books feature relatable characters, engaging plots, and age-appropriate themes that help introduce students to diverse perspectives in a sensitive and accessible manner. These books are more subtle nuanced, therefore suitable for younger middle school students.

Each book has been carefully chosen for its ability to resonate with younger readers while providing meaningful representation of LGBTQ+ experiences.

4. Jen Wang

• “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda“
  • This modern classic follows Simon, a high school junior, who is trying to keep his sexuality a secret while dealing with a blackmailer threatening to out him. The book’s humor and heartfelt moments make it accessible for 7th grade readers.

2. Adam Silvera

• “They Both Die at the End“
  • In a world where people receive a phone call on the day they will die, two boys meet on their last day and develop a profound connection. The book’s low reading level and absence of explicit content make it suitable for 7th graders. I love this book. Make sure you have tissues!

3. Leah Johnson

• “You Should See Me in a Crown“
  • This story follows Liz Lighty, a girl who runs for prom queen to win a scholarship. The book deals with themes of ambition, friendship, and LGBTQ+ identity, and is ideal for 6th and 7th graders.

1. Becky Albertalli

• “The Prince and the Dressmaker“
  • A charming graphic novel about a prince who secretly enjoys wearing dresses and the dressmaker who helps him. Its beautiful illustrations and positive message make it perfect for grades 6 and 7. This is such a sweet story!

5. Rainbow Rowell

• “Pumpkinheads“
  • This graphic novel tells the story of two friends working their last shift at a pumpkin patch. The light-hearted romance and inclusive representation make it an excellent choice for younger middle school readers.

6. Lisa Bunker

• “Zenobia July“
  • Zenobia, a transgender girl, navigates a new school and solves a cyber mystery. The book’s themes of self-acceptance and friendship are well-suited for grades 6 and 7.

7. Jacqueline Woodson

• “The House You Pass on the Way“
  • This short novel follows Staggerlee, a girl exploring her identity during a summer with her cousin. Its gentle exploration of LGBTQ+ themes makes it suitable for younger middle school readers.

8. Kyle Lukoff

• “Too Bright to See“
  • A ghost story that is also a journey of self-discovery for a transgender boy. The book’s sensitive handling of identity and growing up makes it appropriate for grades 6 and 7.
• “Different Kinds of Fruit“
  • This novel deals with issues of family, friendship, and identity as Annabelle navigates her 6th-grade year. Its relatable characters and themes are perfect for younger middle school students. I highly recommend this book!

9. Holly Goldberg Sloan

• “To Night Owl From Dogfish“
  • Told through emails, this book follows two girls who are brought together by their dads’ relationship. The engaging format and lighthearted tone make it a great pick for grades 6 and 7.

10. Kacen Callender

• “King and the Dragonflies“
  • This novel tells the story of King, a boy grappling with his brother’s death and his own identity. Its exploration of grief and acceptance is suitable for grades 6 and 7.

11. JMM Nuanez

• “Birdie and Me“
  • A heartwarming story about a girl and her non-binary sibling finding their place in a new town. Its gentle exploration of identity and family makes it perfect for younger middle school readers.

12. Michael Leali

• “The Civil War of Amos Abernathy“
  • Amos, a history-loving boy, navigates friendship and his LGBTQ+ identity while reenacting Civil War events. The book’s mix of history and modern issues is well-suited for grades 6 and 7.

13. Ngozi Ukazu

• “Check, Please!”
  • This graphic novel follows Eric, a figure skater turned hockey player, who is navigating college life and coming out. The humor and relatable college experiences make it accessible for 7th graders.

14. Raina Telgemeier

• “Drama“
  • A graphic novel about a girl involved in her school’s drama production who navigates crushes and friendships. Its relatable middle school setting and lighthearted tone are perfect for younger readers. My students LOVE this book!

15. Mike Curato

• “Flamer”
  • Set in a summer camp, this graphic novel explores the protagonist’s struggle with identity and bullying. Its honest portrayal of adolescence is suitable for mature 7th graders. I write “mature” because this book contains bullying, which can be heavy for kids.

16. Noelle Stevenson

• “Nimona”
  • This graphic novel features a shape-shifting sidekick to a supervillain, blending humor and action. Its engaging story and unique art style make it suitable for grades 6 and 7.

17. Molly Knox Ostertag

• “The Witch Boy”
  • This graphic novel tells the story of a boy in a magical family who wants to become a witch instead of a shapeshifter. Its themes of identity and acceptance are perfect for younger middle school readers. Molly Knox Ostertag also wrote “The Girl From The Sea“. My students also love that book!

By incorporating these LGBTQ+ books into your classroom library, you can help create a more inclusive and understanding environment for all students.

LGBTQ+ Books for Older Middle School Students (Grades 8-9)

In this section, we focus on LGBTQ+ books that are more suitable for older middle school students, typically in grades 8 and 9. These books delve deeper into complex themes and feature more mature content, making them appropriate for students who are ready to engage with more nuanced and sophisticated narratives.

None of these books are overly explicit but require an older maturity when reading them.

18. Rainbow Rowell

• “Carry On”
  • A magical adventure and a love story between two boys at a wizarding school, often compared to Harry Potter with a queer twist. Its engaging plot and mature themes make it suitable for grades 8 and 9.

19. Benjamin Alire Sáenz

• “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”
  • This coming-of-age novel explores the deep friendship and eventual romance between two boys. The poetic writing and profound themes are perfect for older middle school students.

20. Aiden Thomas

• “Cemetery Boys”
  • A story about a trans boy who tries to prove his identity to his traditional Latinx family and ends up summoning a ghost. The book’s mix of fantasy and cultural themes make it appropriate for grades 8 and 9. I love this book because being gay within minority families can be tricky to navigate.

21. Trung Le Nguyen

• “The Magic Fish”
  • This beautifully illustrated graphic novel combines fairy tales and a boy’s struggle with coming out to his parents. Its layered storytelling and artistic appeal are well-suited for older middle school readers.

22. Maggie Thrash

• “Honor Girl”
  • A graphic memoir about the author’s experiences at a summer camp and her first crush on another girl. Its candid and heartfelt narrative makes it a great fit for grades 8 and 9.

23. Maia Kobabe

• “Gender Queer”
  • An autobiographical graphic novel that explores the author’s journey of gender identity and coming out as nonbinary. Its mature themes and honest portrayal of personal experiences make it suitable for older students.

24. David Levithan

• “Every Day”
  • This novel follows “A,” a genderless spirit who inhabits a different body each day and falls in love with a girl. The unique premise and exploration of identity are appropriate for grades 8 and 9. I an excerpt from this book with my 7th graders and they loved it. I think parts are more appropriate for an older audience but short excerpts are good for 7th, as well.

25. Katie O’Neill

• “Princess Princess Ever After”
  • A charming graphic novel about two princesses who embark on a quest and fall in love. Its positive representation and engaging story make it suitable for younger and older middle school students alike. I have this story in my high school class and the kids love it!

26. James Tynion IV

• “The Backstagers”
  • This graphic novel series follows a group of theater kids who discover a magical world behind the scenes. Its mix of fantasy and LGBTQ+ themes is perfect for older middle school readers.

27. Adiba Jaigirdar

• “The Henna Wars”
  • A contemporary romance about two girls competing in a business competition while navigating cultural identity and family expectations. Its relevant themes and relatable characters make it ideal for grades 8 and 9. It’s a really well written story.

28. Casey McQuiston

• “I Kissed Shara Wheeler”
  • A mystery and romance novel about a girl who embarks on a scavenger hunt to find her missing rival, who she kissed before disappearing. The intriguing plot and LGBTQ+ representation are suitable for older students.

29. Madeline Miller

• “The Song of Achilles”
  • A retelling of the Iliad focused on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus. Its mature themes and literary style make it appropriate for advanced readers in grades 8 and 9. This is harder to read and should be reserved for more advanced students.

30. Nina Varela

• “Crier’s War”
  • A dystopian fantasy about a human girl and an automaton princess who uncover secrets that could change their world. The complex plot and themes of love and rebellion are suitable for older middle school readers. It’s great for dystopian themed choice time!

31. Ryan La Sala

• “The Honeys”
  • A horror novel with explicit language, about a genderfluid teen investigating their twin sister’s death at an elite summer camp. Its suspenseful plot and mature content make it fit for mature 8th and 9th graders.

32. Natasha Ngan

• “Girls of Paper and Fire”
  • This fantasy novel features a forbidden romance between two girls in a world where they are forced to serve a demon king. Its dark themes and rich world-building are suitable for older middle school students.

33. Becky Albertalli

• “Leah on the Offbeat”
  • The sequel to “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda,” focusing on Simon’s best friend Leah as she navigates her senior year and her own bisexuality. Its relatable high school setting makes it suitable for advanced 8th graders and 9th graders.

By including these books in your classroom library, you can offer older middle school students stories that not only reflect their experiences but also challenge and inspire them to think critically about the world around them.

Resources for Free LGBTQ+ Books

In this section, we will highlight various organizations and resources that provide free or low-cost LGBTQ+ books for educators. These resources can help you expand your classroom library without straining your budget, ensuring that your students have access to diverse and inclusive literature.

Hope in a Box

Hope in a Box is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educators with LGBTQ+ books for their classrooms at no cost. The organization aims to foster a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students by ensuring they see themselves represented in the books they read. The process is simple: you can apply online, and if selected, you will receive a box full of carefully curated LGBTQ+ books suitable for your classroom.

First Book Marketplace

First Book Marketplace offers a wide range of discounted books and educational resources for educators serving children in need. You can search their extensive catalog for LGBTQ+ books and filter the results to find the most appropriate titles for your students. First Book also offers grants and funding opportunities to help educators purchase books.

GLSEN Rainbow Library

GLSEN’s Rainbow Library program sends LGBTQ+ books to schools across the United States for free. The program is designed to provide students with access to literature that reflects their identities and experiences, promoting a more inclusive school environment. Educators can apply online to receive a Rainbow Library, which includes a set of age-appropriate books and other resources.

Mackin

Mackin Educational Resources offers a comprehensive collection of books and digital resources for educators. You can browse their catalog for LGBTQ+ books and apply additional filters to find the best matches for your classroom needs. Mackin also provides support for building diverse and inclusive libraries through their custom curation services.

Kind Cotton

Kind Cotton is an organization that sells socially conscious apparel and donates a book to a child in need with every purchase. They focus on providing diverse and inclusive books, including those featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes. By purchasing from Kind Cotton, you can support their mission while also adding to your classroom library.

Tuma’s Books on Instagram

Tuma’s Books is an Instagram-based bookshop run by an ELA teacher who curates and sells diverse books, including those with LGBTQ+ themes. Follow their account for recommendations, giveaways, and opportunities to purchase inclusive literature for your classroom.

By utilizing these resources, you can ensure that your classroom library includes a diverse range of LGBTQ+ books, providing your students with the representation and support they need. Expanding your library with these resources fosters a more inclusive and accepting school environment.

Additional Online Lists and Recommendations

In this section, we provide links to additional online resources and curated lists that can help you find and select LGBTQ+ books for your middle school classroom. These resources offer a variety of book recommendations and allow you to explore different titles based on specific themes, genres, and grade levels.

Booksource

Booksource offers a comprehensive collection of LGBTQ+ books suitable for middle school students. Their catalog is designed to help educators build a diverse and inclusive library by providing books that reflect various identities and experiences.

Juggling ELA

Juggling ELA is a blog dedicated to providing resources and recommendations for English Language Arts teachers. They offer curated lists of LGBTQ+ books that are essential for any classroom library. They have lots of great reviews.

Goodreads

Goodreads is a vast online community where readers can find book recommendations, reviews, and lists. The platform features numerous user-created lists of LGBTQ+ books suitable for middle school students. You can browse through these lists to find popular titles and read reviews from other educators and readers.

By exploring these additional online lists and recommendations, you can discover a wealth of LGBTQ+ books to enhance your classroom library. When you incorporate diverse literature, you create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Conclusion: LGBTQ+ Books for a More Inclusive Classroom Library

Creating an inclusive classroom library is a powerful way to support all students, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+. By providing access to literature that reflects a variety of experiences and identities, you help foster a sense of belonging and empathy among your students.

As educators, we have the unique opportunity to help children feel validated in a world that might not accept them. By including LGBTQ+ books in our classrooms, we can challenge stereotypes, promote acceptance, and inspire students to appreciate the richness of human diversity. Every book added to your library is a step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

What’s Next?

Finally, here are a few steps you can take to start building an inclusive LGBTQ+ classroom library:

1. Explore the Book Lists: Use the curated lists and recommendations provided in this post to find LGBTQ+ books suitable for your students’ age and reading levels.
2. Utilize Free Resources: Take advantage of organizations like Hope in a Box, GLSEN Rainbow Library, and First Book Marketplace to obtain free or low-cost LGBTQ+ books for your classroom.
3. Engage with Online Communities: Join platforms like Goodreads, Teachers Pay Teachers, and educational blogs to stay updated on new LGBTQ+ books and recommendations.
4. Create a Safe Space: Foster an inclusive environment by openly discussing the importance of diversity in literature and encouraging respectful conversations among your students.
5. Share Your Experiences: Comment below and connect with other educators to share your successes and challenges in building an inclusive library. Your insights can help others in their journey to create supportive learning environments.

I care a lot about my classroom library. I try to curate a wide selection of books in the hopes that I will be able to turn as many students as possible into readers. If you liked this list, make sure to check out my list on the best study spots for middle school and my post on navigating middle school for parents!

Happy reading!