Guest Post: Pride Month Middle Grade Recommendations

By: Guest Post

Hello, everyone! My name is Tracy, and I am the gal behind the Bookstagram @tracycatherinereads. I enjoy reading middle grade, YA, and adult fiction, though middle grade has my whole, entire heart. I’m from Vermont, but I reside in Florida with my partner and our three kids. We are a big bunch of nerds and reading is a central part of our lives, whether it’s reading aloud, independently, or visiting our favorite bookshop or local library.

For our family, Pride is all year long but in the month of June, we love honoring and celebrating our LGBTQIA community. Here are five queer middle grade reads and authors I recommend—enjoy!

 - - - - - - - - - -

George
by Alex Gino

This book has excellent transgender representation, and the writing is thoughtful and sweet while being both sensitive and to-the-point. I was a theater kid growing up, so naturally, I loved this story and the way gender roles are considered in the theater. This is a must read for everyone! I gobbled it down, readers.

 

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
by Jessica Townsend
Fans of OwlCrate Jr are probably no stranger to author Jessica Townsend. She is the author behind the wondrous Nevermoor series. If you want to escape to a wonderful world of magic, mayhem, and a giant cat, look no further. I love Nevermoor for its excitement, but I adore it because there are a wide range of characters across abilities, races, and sexual orientations.

 

King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender

Our family listened to the audiobook of King and the Dragonflies and we were all captivated by Kacen Callender's stunning writing. I appreciate that this narrative shines a light on the young, Black, and queer experience. It is also a story that asks readers to consider their own truth and how this aligns with their integrity and compassion for others. This story is both heartbreaking and a homecoming. King’s story is not one you will want to miss.

 

Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World

by Ashley Herring Blake

This is one of the first middle grade novels I read that featured girls who happen to like other girls. Ashley Herring Blake writes middle grade novels that are rich with queer representation. All of her titles include queer main characters. I especially love Ivy’s story and how she navigates her way through school and friendship, and ultimately into joy in her identity.

 

A Home For Goddesses and Dogs
by Leslie Connor

I picked this one up on a whim around Christmas time not knowing it had any queerness whatsoever. I was so pleasantly surprised to see that it includes a queer family! One of my favorite things about this story is that there isn't a emphasis on a queer family dynamic—it simply exists and it’s normal. This story will 100% pull on your heartstrings and you will mourn its pages when you're done. One of my favorite reads of the year!

- - - - - - - - - - 

In addition to these titles, I recommend you check out previous queer authors and stories that have been included in OwlCrate Jr boxes, such as Victoria Schwab, Molly Brooks, John August, and Neil Patrick Harris.

So, there you are, readers! I hope that this Pride month brings you whatever it is you need. Love, validation, celebration. However and whoever you are, know that your story matters.

—Tracy