LGBTQ+ YA Books: Reading With Pride

“We Are Okay” by Nina LaCour
When a traumatic loss and subsequent betrayal turn Marin’s world upside-down, she decides to leave everything and everyone behind to start fresh at college. This works for a few months until her ex-girlfriend, Mabel, drives up to visit during winter break to talk things through. Alternating between the past and present, we see Marin’s struggle as she attempts to move through the pain of heartache, loss, and abrupt change. This book will break your heart in all the right ways and is a great choice for anyone wanting to read a book featuring imperfect, complicated relationships.
 

“Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue” by Mackenzie Lee
Looking for a book where a young bisexual British lord embarks on an unforgettable Grand Tour of Europe with his best friend/secret crush, only to end up on a shenanigan-filled adventure? Henry “Monty” Montague doesn’t care that he’s not the perfect gentleman, in fact, he prefers it that way, but his days of freedom are about to end after his trip across the continent. With the responsibilities of adulthood on the horizon, his escapade turns into the chance for one last hurrah and to flirt with his crush across the continent! But when a reckless decision brings trouble around, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy who has his heart.
 

“If I Was Your Girl” by Meredith Russo
Amanda may be the new girl in school who just wants to fit in, but that can be hard when you’re keeping a secret that makes you feel like you need to keep people at a distance. Things change though when she meets a guy that she can’t help but want to open up to. Amanda is terrified that she’ll lose their relationship if he finds out that Amanda used to be Andrew. Will the truth cost Amanda her new life, and her new love? Or will she find happiness and acceptance? Join in on Amanda’s journey post-surgery as she takes the plunge into becoming who she always knew she could be. If you’re looking for a book about acceptance and gaining confidence in yourself, look no further. 
 

“Loveless” by Alice Oseman
Georgia doesn’t get the whole dating, kissing, making-out thing her friends call love. That concept surrounds her everywhere, but it’s not her thing. It's not until she gets to college that she discovers the A range of the LGBTQ+ spectrum and finds the words that feel right; identifying as asexual/aromantic. Changing the narrative that she's been told her whole life isn't easy, though. Mistakes are bound to happen on the journey of inviting people into a newly found articulation of an always-known part of your identity. But Georgia's determined to get her life right, with the help of her friends, and to embrace who she is. This story is a great read for anyone working to find themself, or looking for a boost of inner strength.