A Reading List for LGBT+ History Month

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the two loners start spending time together, they develop a special friendship – the kind that changes lives and
lasts a lifetime.

This incredibly moving and powerful book follows two teen boys learning to open themselves up to love, despite the world being against them.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Alex Claremont-Diaz is handsome, charismatic, a genius – pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House ever since his mother became President of the United States. There’s only one problem; when the tabloids get hold of a photo of Alex and Prince Henry, U.S/British relations take a turn for the worse and Alex and Henry become the centre of an international scandal.

This transatlantic romance centres on a relationship that could have serious diplomatic consequences.

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

To be together with someone for twenty years seems like an eternity. Paul has been gay his whole life
and he’s confident about almost everything. He doesn’t have to hide his feelings like best friend Tony or even cope with loving the wrong guy like his other best friend Joni. But heartbreak can happen to anyone and falling in love changes everything.

This is a happy, meaningful comedy about finding love, losing love, and doing what it takes to get love back in a crazy-wonderful world.

Leah on the Off Beat by Becky Albertin

When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat, but real life isn’t always so rhythmic. Her mum knows she’s bisexual, but Leah hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends. Not even her openly gay BFF, Simon.

Coming out for some people can be hard to do – a book like this helps the reader understand and/ or process the thoughts and feelings that can come along with such a big moment.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Charlie and Nick are at the same school, but they’ve never met…until one day when they’re made to sit together. They quickly become friends and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is more interested in Charlie than either of them realised.

Heartstopper started as a web comic before being made into a series of books and is now also a show on Netflix. This story is about love, friendship, loyalty, mental illness and is a simply delightful read.

Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann

Alice had her whole summer planned: non-stop all-you-can-eat buffets, marathoning her favourite TV shows (best friends totally included) and working at the library to pay her share of the rent. The only thing missing from her perfect plan? Her girlfriend (who ended things when Alice confessed she’s asexual). Alice is done with dating—no thank you, do not pass go, done.

A thought-provoking book about an asexual person making their way through life.

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

Amanda Hardy is the new girl at school. All she wants is to make friends and fit in. But she’s holding
back. Even from Grant, the guy she’s falling in love with. Amanda has a secret. At her old School she used to be called Andrew.

The story of trans girl and her journey, this is an insightful look at the discrimination, violence and prejudice many trans people experience. This book will answer questions about the unique experience a trans teen may go through.

Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman

Everyone knows that Nick and Charlie are the perfect couple. But now Nick is leaving for university, and Charlie will be left behind at Sixth Form. Everyone’s asking if they’re staying together, which is a stupid question – they’re ‘Nick and Charlie’! But as the time to say goodbye gets inevitably closer, both Nick and Charlie question whether their love is strong enough to survive being apart. Or are they delaying the inevitable?

What We Left Behind by Robin Talley

Toni and Gretchen are the couple everyone envied in high school. They’ve been together forever. They never fight. They’re hopelessly in love. When they separate for their first year at college, they’re sure their relationship will stay rock solid. The reality of being apart, however, is very different.

The story of two U.S. university students’ changing relationship: their struggle to find their true gender identity, and how that may affect their love for each other.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

On September 5th, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: they’re going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: there’s an app for that. A love story with a difference – an unforgettable tale of life, loss and making each day count. And, yes, they both die at the end…

Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley

It’s 1959. The battle for civil rights is raging. And it’s Sarah’s first day of school as one of the first black
students at previously all-white Jefferson High. No one wants Sarah there. Not the Governor. Not the teachers. And certainly not the students – especially Linda, daughter of the town’s most ardent segregationist.

A story of first love set against a backdrop of shocking racism and prejudice. Incredibly well written, this tense, riveting story seamlessly combines fiction with historical fact.

The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

When Nishat comes out to her parents as gay, they say she can be anyone she wants – as long as she isn’t herself – because, ‘Muslim girls aren’t lesbians’. Nishat doesn’t want to lose her family, but she also doesn’t want to hide who she is, which only gets harder once Flávia walks into her life.

This book tackles so many important issues like homophobia, cultural appropriation, racism and more but the more difficult parts of the book are well balanced with sweet, and fun moments.