AHS Reads – Pride!
In honor of Pride Month, this week’s list features books with LGBTQIA+ people at the center. The books cover a range of genres including realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy and nonfiction. Each title is available online through Overdrive/Libby or Hoopla, or you can purchase print copies (with free shipping!) from Books Inc. As always, if you have questions or would like more recommendations, please get in touch with me at criemer@ausdk12.org.
Ms. Riemer
Lies We Tell Ourselves, by Robin Talley
Set in 1959, African American Sarah Dunbar faces serious harassment as one of 10 students integrating an all-white high school. When she and White classmate Linda Hairston are forced to work together on a project they try to understand their attraction to each other when there are so many reasons they shouldn’t be together. (Overdrive/Libby)
Ship It, by Britta Lundin
Claire is a superfan of the tv show Demon Heart, and writes queer fanfic about the two leads, Smokey and Heart. At a convention, Demon Heart fans are upset when she is shut down after asking when the men will finally admit they love each other. Claire is asked to join their convention tour and use her social media platform to help clean up the public relations disaster. While on tour she meets fellow fan Tess. As Claire works to help Demon Heart, she works on her own heart as she and Tess grow closer together. (Hoopla)
Cosmoknights, by Hannah Templer
This graphic novel tells the story of a far distant future where princesses are prizes. Wealthy sponsors send mecha-clad warriors into battle to win them - and assets from their kingdoms. A team of queer women fighters infiltrate the game to liberate the princesses and upend this feudalistic patriarchy. (Hoopla)
All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages, edited by Saundra Mitchell
17 acclaimed young adult authors across the queer spectrum contribute stories of LGBTQIA+ teens through history, from the 1300’s to current day. The stories cover a diversity of genres, including romance, fantasy, self-discovery and adventure. (Overdrive/Libby)
This Is Kind of an Epic Love Story, by Kheryn (Kacen) Callender
Nate doesn’t believe in happy endings, especially after his best friend turned girlfriend breaks his heart. Things change when Nate’s childhood best friend Oliver moves back to town and - maybe - he can tell Oliver his true feelings. (Overdrive/Libby)
They Both Die at the End, by Adam Silvera
In this urban fantasy, people are notified of their impending death one day before it will happen. Those people can take advantage of an entire industry of last days services and experiences. Mateo and Rufus connect on Last Friend and make the most of their one day relationship. (Overdrive/Libby)
Bloom, by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau
In this sweet graphic novel, it’s summer, and Ari is stuck in the city working in his family’s bakery. He’s tired of it and wishes he could get away. Hector, who loves baking, comes to town and takes a job at the bake shop. Ari begins to see things differently as he and Hector grow closer. (Overdrive/Libby)
Gender Queer, by Maia Kobabe
This graphic novel documents Kobabe’s exploration of eir* journey of self-identity as a non-binary, asexual person. The narrative includes interesting information regarding the biological roots of non-binary people. *Kobabe’s chosen pronoun (Hoopla)
I Wish You All the Best, by Mason Deaver
Queer, non-binary Ben is getting closer to their new friend Nathan. Ben struggles with anxiety but must find a way to manage it if they are to explore the feelings they and Nathan have for each other. (Overdrive/Libby)
Queer, There, and Everywhere, by Sarah Prager and Zoë More O’Ferrall
This non-fiction work contains biographies of 23 queer people throughout history, some well known, some whose contributions have been glossed over. We learn how each of the people whose lives are highlighted here impacted the world. (Hoopla)