LGBTQ+ inclusive books for young people aged 12-14
We hope you and the children in your life enjoy the books from this list. As with any resources for children and young people, do make sure you check them first to ensure they suit the child or young person’s abilities and needs.
- Celebrating difference
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Colour Outside the Lines: Stories about Love
by Sangu Mandanna, Published by Soho Press, ISBN 1641290463
A wonderful, positive anthology of stories about race, gender, sexuality, and love that celebrates the beauty of difference. Portraying teen protagonists ‘of all colours’ in multicultural and LGBTQ+ relationships, standing up for their beliefs, for each other and for themselves.
This book will be an inspiration for teens struggling with labels and bigotry, as the characters gather the strength to express their beliefs in defence of their identities. It is a call to arms for celebrating beautiful and complex identities.
Other themes: Friendship, relationships
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
Moonstruck, Vol 1: Magic to Brew
by Grace Ellis, published by Image Comics, ISBN 1534304770
When Julie and Selena go on a disastrous date, a spell is cast, placing a curse on their friend. The search for a solution tests their nerve as well as their relationships. A theme of embracing who you are, rather than trying to fit in, runs through this graphic novel.
Other themes: Friendship, relationships, coming of age, emotional literacy, graphic novel, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
- Challenging gender stereotypes
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Lumberjanes 1: Beware the Kitten Holy
by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters and Brooke Allen, published by Boom Entertainment, ISBN 1608866874
Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-types is not your average summer camp and the Lumberjanes are not your average campers. Will they discover the mystery behind those robotic foxes in the woods? There’s only one way to find out!
Other themes: Graphic novel
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
Mooncakes
by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu, published by Lion Forge, ISBN 154930304X
Mooncakes is a truly magical graphic novel which revolves around Nova (a witch who lives with her grandmothers) and Tam (a werewolf). There's a mysterious demon to be battled, but Nova and Tam still find time to fall in love along the way.
Other themes: Family, relationships, graphic novel, disability representation, representation of LGBTQ+ People of Colour, lesbian representation, trans representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
The Witch Boy
by Molly Knox Ostertag, published by Scholastic ISBN: 0133808951X
Aster is from a big, magical family and is expected to follow his father into a career as a shapeshifter. The only problem is, he wants to be a witch and that’s something boys and men just don’t do in his family. This graphic novel is great for older primary aged children as well as younger teenagers.
Publisher's age recommendation: 10-14. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir
by Liz Prince, published by Zest Books, ISBN 1936976552
Growing up, Liz Prince wasn't interested in dressing in pink tutus or playing pretty princess like the other girls in her neighbourhood. But she wasn't exactly one of the guys, either. She was somewhere in between. But with the forces of middle school, high school, parents, friendship, and romance pulling her this way and that, ‘the middle’ wasn’t exactly an easy place to be. Tomboy follows award-winning author and artist Liz Prince through her early years and explores – with humour, honesty, and poignancy – what it means to ‘be a girl’.
Other themes: Coming of age, graphic novel
Publisher's age recommendation: 13-18. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
- Coming of age
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Drama
by Rana Telgemeier, published by Scholastic, ISBN 0545326990
When Callie gets involved in the high school production, there’s even more drama than she might have anticipated. Putting on a play is not straightforward – and neither is friendship when you develop feelings for one of your friends. With not one but two twists to this tale, it’ll have teenagers reading to the very end.
Other themes: Relationships, graphic novel, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 11-12. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
Heartstopper Volume 1
by Alice Oseman, published by Hodder Children's Books, ISBN 1444951386
When Charlie and Nick meet at school, it seems like they couldn’t possibly be any different from each other. However, they find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. Heartstopper is an LGBTQ+ coming-of-age story in graphic novel form.
Other themes: Relationships, graphic novel, gay representation, representation
Publisher's age recommendation: Not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
Leah on the Offbeat
by Becky Albertalli, published by Penguin, ISBN 9780241331057
Set in the same world as Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, this book focusses on Simon’s friend Leah. Follow Leah as she explores her bi identity, navigates changing friendships and plans her big move to college.
Other themes: Bi representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
Two Boys Kissing
by David Levithan, published by Knopf Books, ISBN 0307931900
Two 17-year-old boys, Harry and Craig, decide to take part in a 32-hour kissing marathon to set a new Guinness World Record. The boys’ kissing becomes a focal point to explore the lives, loves and struggles of a long-time couple, a broken-up couple, a new couple, and a boy searching to be part of a couple. Based on true events.
Other themes: Relationships, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
- Coping with change
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Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy
by Bre Indigo and Rey Terceiro, published by Little, Brown Young Readers US
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy is a modern retelling of Little Women, set in New York City. This graphic novel includes a few departures from the original story, including Jo coming out as gay. It also handles issues including being a mixed-race family and dealing with cancer.
Other themes: Family, relationships, graphic novel, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9, 10-11 and 12-14.
My Brother’s Husband
by Gengoroh Tagame, published by Blackfriars, ISBN 034913457X
When his husband dies, Mike goes to visit his twin brother and niece in Japan. It takes a while for his brother-in-law to adjust, but they develop a friendship. A fantastic graphic novel for teenagers.
Content note: This book focuses on the theme of bereavement.
Other themes: Relationships, friendship, family, graphic novel, gay represenation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
Nothing Ever Happens Here
by Sarah Hagger-Holt, published by Usborne Publishing, ISBN 1474966233
When Izzy’s dad comes out as trans, it takes her a while to get used to it. And while there are ups and downs in their friendship, Izzy’s friend Grace turns out to be an excellent source of support.
Other themes: friendship, family, trans representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 9+. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
- Emotional literacy and mental health
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The Fascinators
by Andrew Eliopulos, published by QuilTreeBk, IBSN 0062888048
Sam is turning 18, openly gay and living in a small town. The book follows him as he navigates relationships, friendships and planning for his future. However, Sam and his friends are not ordinary teenagers – they’re ‘magickers’, dedicated to cultivating their magical powers.
When one of Sam’s friends steals a spell book from a mysterious group, the friends find themselves caught up in a terrifying plot with far-reaching consequences.
Content note: This book includes references to abuse.
Other themes: Coming of age, relationships, friendship, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 13+. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
- Family
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See you at Harry’s
by Jo Knowles, published by Walker Books, IBSN 1406346071
After a bereavement, a family find it hard to adjust. Meanwhile, one family member is also in the process of coming out as gay. A book about growing up and coping with change and loss.
Content note: This book deals with the theme of bereavement.
Other themes: Coming of age, relationships, friendship, emotional literacy, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 12+. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
Strange Boy
by Paul Magrs, published by Simon & Schuster, ISBN 0689836570
David’s an outsider. He’s smart, sensitive – and convinced he has secret superpowers. Life for him and his brother is a constant whirl of would-be stepfamilies, and overbearing friends and relations. And even aged ten, he’s not sure what he thinks about fancying girls when 14-year-old John down the road seems so much more interesting.
Other themes: Relationships, friendship, coping with change, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
The Magic Fish
by Trung Le Nguyen, published by Random House Graphic ISBN: 593125290
This beautiful graphic novel tells story of Tiến, a 13 year old boy struggling to tell his parents that he's gay. Tiến’s story is interwoven with three traditional versions of well-known fairytales, which act as metaphors for the experiences of both Tiến and his mum.
Other themes: Coming of age, graphic novel
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
What’s up with Jody Barton?
by Hayley Long, published by Macmillan Children’s Books, ISBN 9781447267829
16-year-olds Jody and Jolene are identical twin sisters living above their parents’ diner London. When a new boy, Liam, comes to the diner, both Jody and Jolene fall for him. Jody decides not to tell her sister, but instead help her sister move forward with Liam all whilst hiding a big secret. Through this complicated love triangle, Long explores sexuality, cyberbullying and gender.
Other themes: relationships, bi representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 12+. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
- Friendship
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Death in the Spotlight: A ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ mystery
by Robin Stevens, published by Puffin, ISBN 0141373822
Two schoolgirls continue their adventures as detectives, solving the case of a double murder at the Rue Theatre.
Other themes: Lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
Last Bus to Everland
by Sophie Cameron, published by Macmillan Children's Books, ISBN 1509853189
Brody Fair has always felt like an outsider. Brody knows he's gay, but can't tell anyone – not even his best friend, Megan. When he meets Nico, Zahra and Kasia and finds the magical world of Everland, he's swept away into a world of romance, magic and new friendship. But Everland isn't all it seems – and Brody has to face the fact that he might not be able to hide behind the magic forever.
Other themes: Family, relationships, coming of age, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 12+. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
Rick
by Alex Gino, published by Scholastic, ISBN 9780702301827
We follow Rick as he starts middle school, gets a bit wiser and starts to learn the difference between good friends and bad friends. During this time, he also realises there’s a name for people that aren’t attracted to people of any gender. With the help of his new friends, he comes to accept his asexuality.
Other themes: Family, ace representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 11-12. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
The Strangeworlds Travel Agency
by JD Lapinski, published by Aladdin Paperbacks ISBN: 01534483527
‘The Strangeworlds Travel Agency’ is a series of three fun, adventure filled books. The main character, Johnathan, is trans and gay. This is hinted at in the first of the series of books but is made more obvious in the second and third. However, Johnathan’s LGBTQ+ identity is incidental and not the main focus of the story. Come to Strangeworlds for the inclusion, stay for the adventure.
Content note: The Strangeworlds series makes reference to bereavement.
Other themes: Family, trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: 8-12. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
- Non-fiction
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Rainbow Revolutions
by Jamie Lawson, Eve Lloyd Knight, published by Wren & Rook ISBN: 01526361256
This graphic novel presents key moments from LGBTQ+ history in straightforward and easy to understand way.
‘Rainbow Revolutions’ is great resource for older secondary age students who want to know more about LGBTQ+ history in the English-speaking world.
Content note: This book makes reference to the holocaust, family alienation and police violence. It also refers to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
Other themes: Graphic novel
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
- Relationships
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Boy Meets Boy
by David Levithan, published by Knopf Books, ISBN 0375832998
Follow the story of Paul and his best friends Joni and Tony – who has an uncommonly strict religious background – through their romantic high school experiences, set in a fictional gay friendly small town in New Jersey, USA.
Other themes: Friendship, coming of age, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
Girl2girl – The Lives of Young Lesbian and Bisexual Women
by Norrina Rashid and Jane Hoy (editors), published by DIVA, ISBN 187374145-6
A book written by and for LGBTQ+ young women questioning their sexuality. Their voices resonate through poems, autobiographies, jokes, messages and advice to each other. Young women from 14 to 21 tell it like it is as they struggle to discover themselves and find a way to live openly in a homophobic, biphobic and transphobic world. There are also contributions from parents and important advice for teachers, plus a helpful resource list of support groups and organisations in the UK and North America.
Other themes: Coming of age, lesbian representation, bi representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
I’ll Be The One
by Lyla Lee, published by Katherine Tegen Books ISBN: 62936913
‘I’ll Be The One’ follows Skye’s involvement in a TV talent competition. Not only does she show the world who she is, she finds love and friendship along the way too. This novel is great for young teens and deals with issues around body image and fatphobia as well as love, friendship and family relationships.
Content note: This book deals with the theme of fatphobia.
Other themes: Family, friendship
Publisher's age recommendation: 13+. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
Star Crossed
by Barbara Dee, published by Aladdin Paperbacks ISBN: 9781481478496
‘Star Crossed’ follows Mattie as she takes on the role of Romeo in the middle school production of Romeo and Juliet. When she falls for Juliet in real life, it takes Mattie a while to get used to the idea. This is a great book for younger teenagers.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
These Witches Don't Burn
by Isabel Sterling, published by Razorbill ISBN: 451480341
Hannah is going through a lot: a breakup with her ex-girlfriend Veronica, an unexpected crush on the new girl in town, and the circumstances surrounding a mysterious fire. But if that wasn’t enough, Hannah’s life gets more complicated when her coven becomes under threat. Can Hannah stop the Blood Witch and protect her coven before it's too late?
Content note: This book makes reference to arson, death and bereavement.
Other themes: Coming of age, coping with change, friendship
Publisher's age recommendation: 12+. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
Totally Joe
by James Howe, published by Atheneum, ISBN 0-689-83957-X
Joe is a 12-year-old who has always known who he is. He tells all about his secret boyfriend and non-conforming fashion choices in his homework assignment. But what if it falls into the wrong hands?
Other themes: Coming of age, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 10-14. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
Wain: LGBT Reimaginings of Scottish Folklore
by Rachel Plummer and Helene Boppert, published by The Emma Press Children's Books ISBN: 9781910139479
Wain is a beautifully illustrated poetry collection based on Scottish Folktales, retold with an LGBT slant.
Other themes: Challenging gender stereotypes, coming of age, trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
You Should See Me in a Crown
by Leah Johnson, published by Scholastic, ISBN 0702304328
Liz is a reluctant candidate for prom queen, but she needs the scholarship that comes with the title. The story follows the lead-up to prom, with love and heartbreak along the way.
Other themes: Coming of age, friendship, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 12-13. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
- Trans Inclusion
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Beautiful Music for Ugly Children
by Kirstin Cronn-Mills, published by Flux, ISBN 0738732516
Running his own radio show creates a space for Gabe to be himself. However, as the show gains in popularity, will people find out that he’s trans before he’s ready for them to?
Publisher's age recommendation: 12-18. Our age recommendation: 12-14.
Melissa (formerly known as George)
by Alex Gino, published by Scholastic USA, IBSN 0545812577
Melissa is a 10-year-old with a secret. The secret is that she’s a girl. A lovely book about a trans girl growing in confidence.
Publisher's age recommendation: 11-12. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
Parrotfish
by Ellen Wittlinger, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, ISBN 1416916229
Angela Katz-McNair has never felt quite right as a girl, so coming out as a boy called Grady feels right him. However, he isn't prepared for the reaction he gets from everyone else. Grady’s life is miserable until he finds friends in some unexpected places – like the school geek, Sebastian and Kita, a senior who might just be Grady’s first love.
Other themes: Family, friendship, relationships
Publisher's age recommendation: 12-99. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
The Art of Being Normal
by Lisa Williamson, published by David Fickling Books, ISBN:1910200328
Two young people. Two secrets. David Piper has always been an outsider. Only David’s two best friends know the real truth – David is a girl.
On the first day at his new school, Leo Denton has one goal – to be invisible. Attracting the attention of the most beautiful girl in year eleven is definitely not part of that plan.
Other themes: Relationships, friendships
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 12-14 and 15+.
The Pants Project
by Cat Clarke, published by Sourcebooks Young Readers ISBN: 9781728215525
The main character in ‘The Pants Project’ has a lot to deal with all at once. He's started a new school, he’s trying to make new friends and he’s also coming to terms with the fact that he is trans. The last thing he needs is to be forced to wear a skirt to school. A great book for older primary school children and younger teenagers, ‘The Pants Project’ would be a great addition to a school library.
Content note: This book depicts incidents of homophobic and transphobic bullying.
Other themes: Friendship
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.