Great LGBTQ+ books for teens
By Scottish Book Trust
By Scottish Book Trust
These LGBTQ+ books for teens include everything from stories of self-acceptance to queer history. Perfect for LGBTQ+ History Month, Pride Month or any other time of the year!
Here's To Us
Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli
£8.99 £8.54Here’s to Us’ revisits Arthur and Ben’s journey from strangers to boyfriends and to friends then back again. Focusing on first loves, defining relationships and friendships and finding your future in the world of work, Adam and Becky pick up where they left off in ‘What if it’s Us’ and the sequel is just as funny, heartwarming and engaging
All That's Left in the World
Erik J. Brown
£7.99 £7.59This is a classic post apocalyptic road trip survival story, with a lovely slow building queer romance at its heart. The gripping, fast paced plot finely balances the grief and horror of the central characters, with the determination to survive and find a way forward to a more positive future, together.
Felix Ever After
Kacen Callender
£8.99 £8.54Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender is about Felix who is black, queer and transgender but struggling to find what he craves most - a reciprocal one-to-one love relationship. Written by an author who discovered his trans identity in his mid-twenties, the story feels authentic and heartfelt and may strike a chord with others who are troubled by the gender assigned to them at birth.
Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms
Crystal Frasier
£13.99 £13.29This graphic novel is a beautifully uplifting story of two teenage girls competing together on their high school cheerleading squad. Cheer Up! tells a really interesting story about the challenges trans youths face today, even those who have support. The sweet, gentle romance is adorable, and the dialogue sparkles with humour.
This Book is Gay
Juno Dawson
£9.99 £9.49This book is an essential read and excellent starting point for everyone curious about being LGBTQ+. Juno Dawson nails the balance of humour and seriousness when covering a range of topics, from sex and politics to coming out and everything in between.
Loveless (Indigo Exclusive Edition)
Alice Oseman
£9.99 £9.49A funny and emotional coming of age tale featuring an asexual/aromantic protagonist coming to terms with her sexuality. The story feels very genuine and authentic, and showcases how beautiful and magical platonic relationships can be.
You Should See Me in a Crown
Leah Johnson
£7.99 £7.59When Liz Lighty runs for prom queen to win a scholarship for her dream college, she struggles to decide whether to change to fit in with the rich, white high school royalty or to proudly stand out and be the first awkward, queer, black girl to win the crown. This is a brilliantly clever rom-com about self-love and determination.
Fin & Rye & Fireflies
Harry Cook
£7.99 £7.59After Fin's parents catch him kissing a boy, they decide to move away for a fresh start. While this book reveals the harmful impact of homophobia, transphobia and conversion therapy, it ultimately makes for a feel-good read about friendship and self-acceptance.
Queer, There, and Everywhere: 23 People Who Changed the World
Sarah Prager
£8.99 £8.54This gem of a book is a great starting point for learning about LGBTQ+ history and the queer rights movement. Queer, There and Everywhere platforms 23 incredible LGBTQ+ individuals who have shaped world history.
Full Disclosure
Camryn Garrett
£7.99 £7.59The novel tells the story of Simone Garcia-Hampton, a queer black teen born HIV-positive. Simone is forced to navigate a world of fear, discrimination and ignorance that surrounds her inherited disease. Full Disclosure is entertaining, empathetic and laugh-out-loud funny!
Queer Heroes: Meet 53 LGBTQ Heroes From Past and Present!
Arabelle Sicardi and Sarah Tanat-Jones
£14.99 £14.24This book is a beautiful and bold celebration of queer heroes from throughout history—from the ancient Greek poet, Sappho, to Manvendra Singh Gohil, the first openly gay prince. We love the gorgeous full-colour portraits and diverse selection of role models.
Pet
Akwaeke Emezi
£8.99 £8.54A thrilling dystopian novel for today’s generation with a transgender protagonist. Jam inadvertently brings a painting to life. Its aim is to hunt down monsters living in the ideal, perfect city of Lucille. But is all as it seems? Emezi asks difficult questions about what choices a young person can make when the adults around them are in denial.
19 Love Songs
David Levithan
£7.99 £7.59Born from Levithan's tradition of writing a story for his friends each Valentine's Day, 19 Love Songs intertwines these stories with fiction, non-fiction and poetry to create this beautiful collection. This book explores love in all its forms, and there is sure to be a story here to touch the heart of every reader.
The Art of Drag
Jake Hall, Jasjyot Singh Hans, et al.
£20.00 £19.00This lusciously illustrated book will take you on a journey of drag from the ancient theatre to the queens of RuPaul's Drag Race. The Art of Drag is an enthralling and eye-opening read for anyone wanting to delve deeper into the history of this beloved art form.
The Deepest Breath
Meg Grehan
£6.99 £6.64Written in narrative verse, the moving story of a young girl exploring her own emotions and identity. Stevie is too shy to ask for help, so seeks help and refuge in the library. Surely, the answer must be in a book? A coming of age story, this book explores themes of anxiety, family, relationships and being true to yourself.
I Wish You All the Best
Mason Deaver
£8.99 £8.54Featuring a non-binary main character, this book tackles themes such as coming out, family, friendship and romance with compassion and heart. The novel is a shining example of how hope can triumph in the face of adversity.
Queer: A Graphic History
Meg-John Barker and Jules Scheele
£16.99 £16.14We love the clever combination of illustration and information in this graphic novel, which explores the histories of queer thought and theory. This is an engaging and illuminating read.
Juliet Takes a Breath
Gabby Rivera and Celia Moscote
£10.99 £10.44A brilliant exploration of queerness, race and feminism. After coming out to her religious Puerto Rican family, Juliet moves from the Bronx to Portland for an internship with an iconic white feminist and a summer of self-discovery. This book is a great way to learn more about identity politics and intersectionality.
Proud
Various Authors
£8.99 £8.54Brilliant, inclusive, hilarious, heart breaking—this short story anthology from LGBTQ+ authors is full of fantastic reads to dip in and out of.
Wain: LGBT reimaginings of Scottish folktales
Rachel Plummer and Helene Boppert
£12.00 £11.40A stunning retelling of classic Scottish myths, beautifully illustrated by Helene Boppert. This collection of poems will immerse readers in a diverse and inclusive vision of contemporary life. You are sure to become captivated by this enchanting read.