Category: LGBTQ+

Jamie by L. D. Lapinski

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The Blurb On The Back:

Have you ever had a secret?

The sort you lie awake at night thinking about?

I have.

A couple of years ago, I told my friends my secret.  About me not being a girl or a boy.  About me being non-binary.  It was a little weird at first, but now things are pretty good. 

Or at least, things were pretty good.

Until we started Year Six.  Until we had to start thinking about secondary schools.  Until I realised there was one school for boys, and one for girls, but no place for me.

That was when everything went wrong

JAMIE was released in the United Kingdom on 30th March 2023.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order JAMIE by L. D. Lapinski from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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You Need To Chill by Juno Dawson

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The Blurb On The Back:

Sometimes people say to me: “What happened to your brother Bill?”

That’s when I look them in the eye and say: “Hun, you need to chill.”

When Bill can’t be found at school one day, the imaginations of the other children run wild.  

Is he on holiday?

Is he lost in the park?

Has he been eaten by a shark?!

It’s up to Bill’s sister to explain …

YOU NEED TO CHILL was released in the United Kingdom on 1st September 2022.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order YOU NEED TO CHILL by Juno Dawson from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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ABC Pride by Dr Elly Barnes and Louie Stowell

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The Blurb On The Back:

ABC Pride

Young readers can learn their ABCs while discovering the fabulous world of Pride!  Simple definitions and colourful illustrations are paired to make learning the alphabet fun and inclusive.  

ABC PRIDE was released in the United Kingdom on 2nd June 2022.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order ABC PRIDE by Dr Elly Barnes and Louie Stowell from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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Only On The Weekends by Dean Atta

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The Blurb On The Back:

Fifteen-year-old Mack is a hopeless romantic.  He’s had a crush on Karim for what feels like forever, so he can’t believe it when gorgeous, popular Karin seems into him too.

But when Mack’s dad gets a film directing job in Scotland, Mack moves with him, and soon discovers how painful long distance love is.  Love shouldn’t only be on the weekends.  It’s made worse by the fact that Karim can be so hard to read.

Then Mack meets actor Finlay on set and experiences something electric.

Mack never thought he’d find love, but now two boys want him.  How long until his old and new life collide?  

ONLY ON THE WEEKENDS was released in the United Kingdom on 24th May 2022.  Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order ONLY ON THE WEEKENDS by Dean Atta from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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You’re The One That I Want by Simon James Green

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The Blurb On The Back:

According to the rule, Freddie has to say “yes”.

Freddie is unremarkable – too unremarkable.  In fact, his teachers and fellow students keep forgetting who he is.  Even his TV-producer mum thinks he’s a disappointment.  After embarrassing himself in front of Jasper Perry (the gorgeous teen star of his mum’s new show), Freddie decides to try something different: saying “yes” to every opportunity.

That’s how Freddie ends up auditioning for the school musical (<u>Grease</u>), actually going to parties, and flirting with hot new boy Zach!  He’s becoming a whole new Freddie – maybe even one that his mum might be proud of.

But the path to love is never smooth, and sometimes you have to get things wrong in order to work out what – and who – you really want.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

You can order YOU’RE THE ONE THAT I WANT by Simon James Green from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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Queer Up: An Uplifting Guide To LGBTQ+ Love, Life And Mental Health by Alexis Caught

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The Blurb On The Back:

Queer, questioning or just curious?

Whether you’re part of the community or an ally looking to learn more, this book is an empowering guide to growing up LGBTQ+.  Packed full of friendly answers to BIG queer questions, discover:

– advice on coming out, sex and relationships, allyship and more.

– mental health support to help you love and value yourself

– inspiring stories from people across the LGBTQ+ spectrum 

QUEER UP: AN UPLIFTING GUIDE TO LGBTQ+ LOVE, LIFE AND MENTAL HEALTH was released in the United Kingdom on 20th January 2022.   Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy of this book.

You can order QUEER UP: AN UPLIFTING GUIDE TO LGBTQ+ LOVE, LIFE AND MENTAL HEALTH by Alexis Caught from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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The Passing Playbook by Isaac Fitzsimons

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The Blurb On The Back:

Fifteen-year-old Spencer is a proud nerd, an awesome big brother and a Messi-in-training.  He’s also transgender.

After a year of bullying, Spencer gets a fresh start at a new school with great friends, a spot on the boys’ soccer team, and maybe even something more than friendship with one of his team-mates.  The only thing is, no one knows Spencer is trans – he’s passing.

So when a discriminatory law forces his coach to bench him, Spencer has to make a choice: cheer his team on from the sidelines or fight for his right to play, even if it means coming out to everyone, including the guy he’s falling for …

You can order THE PASSING PLAYBOOK by Isaac Fitzsimons from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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Serving Face: Lessons On Poise And (Dis)grace From The World Of Drag by Felix Le Freak

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The Blurb On The Back:

Let the world’s most celebrated drag artists transform and empower you with their sick’ning style, wit and wisdom.

However you want to werk it – out-there eleganza, easy-breezing realness and everything in-between – Serving Face is like the gentle hand of your Drag Mother guiding you towards a life more fabulous.  Featuring interviews with 20 artists, it has all the inspiring motivational and practical tips and tricks you need to jack up your confidence and tease out your own special blend of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.  So dive in, discover your inner diva and bring joy, love and laughter to life’s runway. 

You can buy SERVING FACE: LESSONS ON POISE AND (DIS)GRACE FROM THE WORLD OF DRAG by Felix Le Freak from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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Nothing Ever Happens Here by Sarah Hagger-Holt

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The Blurb On The Back:

”I wonder what people would think if they could take the front off our house, like a doll’s house, and watch us.  All in the same house, but everyone separate.  No one talking, but everyone thinking the same thing. Will we ever be a normal family again?”

Izzy’s family is under the spotlight when her dad comes out as Danielle, a trans woman.  Now shy Izzy must face her fears, find her voice, confront the bullies and stand up for her family.

Warm, honest and hopeful, this is a story about the power of family, friendship and being true to yourself.

You can buy NOTHING EVER HAPPENS HERE by Sarah Hagger-Holt from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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My Daddies by Gareth Peter and Garry Parsons

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The Blurb On The Back:

Whether hunting for treasure in a dragon’s cave or dodging deadly dinosaurs – story time with these two amazing dads is pure magic.

A rhyming, read-aloud celebration of the imagination and the love that brings all kinds of family together.

You can buy MY DADDIES! by Gareth Peter and Garry Parsons from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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Eight Pieces Of Silva by Patrice Lawrence

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The Blurb On The Back:

Silva’s door is open.  My brain nudges me.  She’s not in there.  All the time I’ve been hanging around and trying not to disturb her, she wasn’t here at all …

Becks and Silva live under the same roof, but they couldn’t be less like sisters.

Becks likes watching loud superhero movies, girls, and chatting to anyone and everyone.  Silva likes privacy; her bedroom is her oasis, and she has an unspoken rule that none of her family are allowed inside.

But then Silva goes missing.

Becks enters Silva’s room.

And finds eight clues about Silva’s secret life.

Can Becks piece the jigsaw together and find her, before it’s too late? 

You can order Eight Pieces Of Silva by Patrice Lawrence from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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Resisters: 52 Young Women Making Herstory Right Now by Lauren Sharkey and Manjit Thapp

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The Blurb On The Back:

”We’re not the future.  We’re doing it right now.”

Across the world, young women are uniting to create change and stand up for what they believe in.

Resisters introduces you to 52 activists doing just that.  Some are campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights, to save the environment or to combat feminist issues like period poverty.  While others are active in STEM, politics and diversity.  Yet, whether it be Twitter campaigns or life-saving apps, their great ideas are changing the world as we know it!

Packed with inspiring true stories, tips and takeaways, this is a must-have for those who dare to make a difference. 

You can order Resisters: 52 Young Women Making Herstory Right Now by Lauren Sharkey and Manjit Thapp from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

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The Blurb On The Back:

This is Michael’s story.

Join him as he enters the world with tiny feather eyelashes.  Travel from school to college, where he discovers his flock, and comes to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen.  At university, take a seat in the audience and watch him find his wings as a drag artist, The Black Flamingo.

A bold story about discovering that only YOU get the privilege of choosing who you are.  There is power in embracing your uniqueness.  What’s your story?  

You can order THE BLACK FLAMINGO by Dean Atta from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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Pride: The Story Of The LGBTQ Equality Movement by Matthew Todd

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The Blurb On The Back:

In June 1969, police raided New York gay bar The Stonewall Inn, and the LGBTQ equality movement was born.  Pride charts the events of that night in New York, the days and nights of rioting that followed, the ensuing organisation of the LGBTQ community – and the 50 years that followed in which activists and ordinary people have dedicated their lives to reversing the global position.

Pride documents the milestones in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, from the victories of early activists to the passing of legislation barring discrimination, and the gradual acceptance of the LTBTQ community in politics, spot, culture and the media.  Rare images and documents cover the seminal moments, events and breakthroughs of the movement, while personal testimonies share the voices of key figures on a broad range of topics, including Maureen Duffy on the early days of the movement, Asifa Lahore on religion, Jake Shears on music, Will Young on mental health and Paris Lees on trans representation.  Pride is a unique celebration of LGBTQ cultures, an account of the ongoing challenges facing the community, and a testament to the equal rights that have been won for many as a result of the passion and determination of this mass movement.

You can order Pride: The Story Of The LGBTQ Equality Movement by Matthew Todd from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

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The Blurb On The Back:

”I used to think to make people feel afraid was a curse, an awful thing … But I’d love for them to fear me … I want them to look at me and weep.”

On the even of their divining, the day Lil and her twin sister Kizzy are to discover their fate, they’re captured and enslaved by the cruel Boyar Vallarta.

Far away from their beloved Traveller community, and forced to work in the harsh castle kitchens, Lil finds some comfort in the storm-eyed Mira, a fellow slave who she’s drawn to in ways she doesn’t understand.  But too soon she also learns about the Dragon, a mysterious and terrifying man of myth, who takes girls as gifts.

They may not have had their divining day, but the girls will still discover their fate …  

You can order The Deathless Girls by Kiran Millwood Hargrave from Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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Trans Global: Transgender Then, Now And Around The World by Honor Head

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The Blurb On The Back:

TRANS GLOBAL explores the fascinating long history of transgender around the world. This book uncovers the cultures and people of the past and present who have embraced, challenged or quietly subverted society’s expectations about gender. Find out:

– which cultures accepted a non-binary lifestyle for centuries before ‘transgender’ became a label;

– who fights for the acceptance of the trans community;

– what it is like for young trans people just starting out on their journey. 

You can order TRANS GLOBAL: TRANSGENDER THEN, NOW AND AROUND THE WORLD by Honor Head from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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The Last Place You Look by Kristen Lepionka

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The Blurb On The Back:

Sarah Cook, a beautiful blonde teenager disappeared fifteen years ago, the same night her parents were brutally murdered in their suburban Ohio home. Her boyfriend Brad Stockton – black and from the wrong side of the tracks – was convicted of the murders and sits on death row, though he always maintained his innocence. With his execution only weeks away, his devoted sister, insisting she has spotted Sarah at a local gas station, hires PI Roxane Weary to look again at the case.

Reeling from the recent death of her cop father, Roxane finds herself drawn to the story of Sarah’s vanishing act, especially when she thinks she’s linked Sarah’s disappearance to one of her father’s unsolved murder cases involving another teen girl. Despite her self-destructive tendencies, Roxane starts to hope that maybe she can save Brad’s life and her own. 

You can order THE LAST PLACE YOU LOOK by Kristen Lepionka from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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The 57 Bus: A True Story Of Two Teenagers And The Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater

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The Blurb On The Back:

One teenager in a skirt.

One teenager with a lighter.

One moment that changes both of their lives forever.

If it weren’t for the 57 bus, Richard and Sasha would never have met.  Although they live in the same city, they are from radically different worlds.  But one single reckless act changes both of their lives forever.

What happens next is a story of race and discrimination, but also of recovery, reconciliation and hope.  It’s about the good and bad in all of us, and how your whole life can change in the time it takes to flick a cigarette lighter.

And remarkably, it’s all true.

You can order THE 57 BUS: A TRUE STORY OF TWO TEENAGERS AND THE CRIME THAT CHANGED THEIR LIVES by Dashka Slater from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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The Gender Games by Juno Dawson

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The Blurb On The Back:

”It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!” are the first words almost all of us hear when we enter the world.  Before our names, before we have likes and dislikes – before we, or anyone else, have any idea who we are.  And two years ago, as Juno Dawson went to tell her mother she was (and actually, always had been) a woman, she started to realise just how wrong we’ve been getting it.

Gender isn’t just screwing over trans people, it’s messing with everyone.  From little girls who think they can’t be doctors to teenagers who come to expect street harassment.  From exclusionist feminists to ‘alt-right’ young men.  From men who can’t cry to the women who think they shouldn’t.  As her body gets in line with her mind, Juno tells not only her own story, but the story of everyone who is shaped by society’s expectations of gender – and what we can do about it.  

Featuring insights from well-known gender, feminist and trans activists including Rebecca Root, Laura Bates, Gemma Cairney, Anthony Anaxagorou, Hannah Witton, Alaska Thunderfuck and many more, The Gender Games is a frank, witty and powerful manifesto for a world in which everyone can truly be themselves.

You can order THE GENDER GAMES by Juno Dawson from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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Flying Tips For Flightless Birds by Kelly McCaughrain

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Friendship, romance and accepting who you are … that’s a lot for two confused clowns to juggle.

Twins Finch and Birdie Franconi are stars of the flying trapeze.  But when Birdie suffers a terrifying accident, Finch must team up with the geeky new kid.  Hector Hazzard, to form an all-boys double act and save the family circus school.

Can clowning around in the ring help them deal with real life – and face up to how they feel outside the spotlight?  

You can order FLYING TIPS FOR FLIGHTLESS BIRDS by Kelly McCaughrain from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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From Prejudice To Pride: A History Of The LGBTQ+ Movement by Amy Lamé

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The Blurb On The Back:

FROM PREJUDICE TO PRIDE looks at the rise and achievements of the LGBTQ+ movement for equal rights and the different communities, pioneers and stories of heartbreak and courage that have marched alongside it.

Follow LGBTQ+ history from ancient civilisations to the present-day, and learn about key events including the trial of Oscar Wilde, the Stonewall riots, the AIDS crisis and same sex-sex marriage.

Gain insight into the shifting attitudes that have challenged lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and the experiences that help us understand what it means to be LGBTQ+ today.

You can order FROM PREJUDICE TO PRIDE: A HISTORY OF THE LGBTQ+ MOVEMENT by Amy Lamé from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Waterstone’s or Bookshop.org UK.  I earn commission on any purchases made through these links.

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