Categories
Our Queerest Shelves

Queer Pinnochio and the Gaybutante Ball

Look, this isn’t directly related to queer books, but I have to tell you that Viola Davis reposted a comic based on an article I wrote. Viola Davis read words I wrote!! It’s funny, I wrote this article a year ago and it completely flopped. But it got a second life as a Twitter thread, and now a third life as a comic! I hope it helps in the fight against book bans.

Speaking of the fight against book bans, Amanda Gorman — after her poem was banned — is raising money for PEN America to fight book bans (you have to open that link on the Instagram app, or go to her IG account through the app). PEN America, along with Penguin Random House, are the ones suing a Florida school district for violating the first amendment by banning books. Or, you can donate directly on their website.

Check out Book Riot’s newest podcast! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a towel with an illustration of a wave in lesbian flag colors

Lesbian Flag Wave Beach Towel by SubtlePrideShop

Some of the new releases this week are very summery, so I had to go looking for some queer beach towels, and this one is stunning (if a little pricey). $58

New Releases

cover of The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes

The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes (Bisexual YA Contemporary)

This is the newest from the author of The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School! Ari is an autistic teenager who rarely speaks, and she feel invisible in her school. So when Luis, one of the popular guys, shows an interest in her, she’s flattered. Then he pressures her into sex at a party, and Ari is torn — she didn’t say no, but she also didn’t say yes. Soon, unflattering rumors about her are flying, and that’s when she gets an invitation to The Luis Ortega Survival Club, where she finds real friendship — and begins to fall for one of the girls in the group as they make a plan to stop this from happening to anyone else.

the cover of Something Like Possible

Something Like Possible by Miel Moreland (F/F YA Contemporary)

Madison has a clear vision for her future as a political staffer, and she knows just how to get there: gaining experience by being a campaign manager in student elections. Luckily for her, her girlfriend is running — but unluckily, Madison was just dumped. Now she’s campaigning for a different candidate that she might also be falling for. Along the way, though, she stumbles on a pattern of harassment within student government that will prove to be a much bigger fight.

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar (F/F YA Contemporary) (Paperback Rerelease)

Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball by Jason June (Gay YA Contemporary)

the cover of Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball

Forever Is Now by Mariama J. Lockington (Bisexual YA Novel in Verse)

If You Still Recognize Me by Cynthia So (Sapphic YA Contemporary) (American Release)

Constellations by Kate Glasheen (Nonbinary YA Graphic Novel)

Sasaki and Miyano, Vol. 8 by Shou Harusono (BL YA Manga)

Love Is Love: The Absolute Must-Have Guide To Coming Out From TikTok’s Favourite Agony Uncles by Matthew Mackinnon and Ryan Payne (LGBTQ YA Nonfiction)

the cover of Candidly Cline

Matteo by Michael Leali (Gay Middle Grade)

Candidly Cline by Kathryn Ormsbee (Sapphic Middle Grade Contemporary) (Paperback Rerelease)

The Small and Tall Ball by Frank J. Sileo and Katie Dwyer (Two Dads Picture Book)

The Good Hair Day by Christian Trimmer and J Yang (Gender Creative Picture Book)

Rebel Girls Celebrate Pride: 25 Tales of Self-Love and Community by Elena Favilli (LGBTQ Children’s Nonfiction)

For more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

There are so many great LGBTQ YA and MG new releases out today, I had to double dip and shout out a few more!

the cover of If You Still Recognize Me

If You Still Recognize Me by Cynthia So (Sapphic YA Contemporary) (American Release)

I’ve been hearing tons of praise of this book since its UK debut, and how we have a U.S. edition! Elsie is in love with her long distance friend Ada, and this summer, she’s finally going to confess. But then her childhood friend Joan reappears in town, just as suddenly as she once ghosted. To make things even more complicated, Elsie is also working on a plan to reunite Ada’s grandmother with the woman that was once her penpal (and maybe her long lost love) as a grand gesture.

the cover of Matteo

Matteo by Michael Leali (Gay Middle Grade)

This is a gay, middle grade retelling of Pinnochio. Matteo is trying to be the boy his father wants him to be when he joins the baseball team The Blue Whales. But he soon starts sprouting leaves and growing bark, and clues point to this being related to a mysterious oak tree in the center of town. Matteo will have to uncover town and family secrets, as well as figure out his own truth, to know what to do next.

the cover of Second Chance Summer

Second Chance Summer by Sarah Kapit (Lesbian Middle Grade Fiction)

Maggie and Chloe used to be best friends. Then Chloe became the star of a TV show, and Maggie, a fat Jewish girl, felt left behind. It’s made worse when Maggie’s dyspraxia results in an embarrassing incident that goes viral. When they’re assigned to the same cabin in summer camp, they’ll have to decide whether to give their friendship another chance. For the queer content, Chloe is a lesbian, and Maggie has two moms.

All the Links Fit to Click

New Podcast Bypasses “Don’t Say Gay” to Bring Queer YA Novel and History to Teens

7 Queer Book Sagas to Lose Yourself In

That’s it for me this week! Until next time, you can find me at my sapphic book blog the Lesbrary and (sigh) Twitter. You can also hear me on All the Books or you can read my Book Riot posts.

Happy reading!
Danika

Categories
Our Queerest Shelves

23 Queer Books Out May 23rd

Buckle up for a whole lot of exciting queer new releases out this week! Gird your Pride TBR! In fact, I have 23 books to highlight that are out on the 23rd — so, of course I had to double up to talk about a couple more of them in Riot Recs.

Also, a very important update on the last newsletter where I talked about two queer books I’ve read that feature a dog named Waffles: I’ve learned that Susie Dumond, Book Rioter and author of the queer romance Queerly Beloved, has a dog named Waffles!! I’ve included a photo of real-life Waffles at the end of the newsletter.

Today, I want to spotlight The Okra Project, a mutual aid collective that provides support for Black Trans people. You can help out at their donate page.

Check out Book Riot’s newest podcast! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a hand holding up a set of colorful "protect queer kids" postcards

Protect Queer Kids Postcards/Prints – Set of 3 by roctothorpe

Put these up to let the queer kids in your life know you car, or send them as postcards. 50% of the profits go to Black Trans Liberation Kitchen. $5

New Releases

the cover of The Late Americans

The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor (Queer Fiction)

The Late Americans is the newest from Brandon Taylor, the bestselling author of Real Life and Filthy Animals. It follows a group of friends, lovers, and acquaintances living in Iowa City, most of whom are queer. It offers vignettes from a wide range of perspectives, all in a moment of upheaval and uncertainty.

cover of Love At First Set

Love at First Set by Jennifer Dugan (F/F Romance)

I really enjoyed the sapphic YA romances I’ve read from Dugan, especially Hot Dog Girl, so I’m excited to pick up her first adult romance! When Lizzie gets drunk at a wedding and gives a stranger a pep talk in the bathroom, she accidentally convinces the bride to ditch the wedding. And whoops, that runaway bride is Cara, the daughter of the owners of the gym Lizzie works for. As Lizzie tries to keep this secret from them, she finds herself falling for Cara.

All the Things We Don’t Talk About by Amy Feltman (Nonbinary Fiction) (Paperback Release)

The Adult by Bronwyn Fischer (Sapphic Fiction)

the cover of Wild Things

Wild Things by Laura Kay (Sapphic Fiction)

Your Love is Not Good by Johanna Hedva (Queer Fiction)

The Language of Love and Loss by Bart Yates (Queer Fiction)

Rehearsed to Death (Domestic Partners in Crime #2) by Frank Anthony Polito (M/M Cozy Mystery)

Remain Silent by Robyn Gigl (Trans Woman Thriller)

Enchanted By Her by Chelsea M. Cameron (F/F Romance)

the cover of Catering to Love

Catering to Love (Departments of Love #1) by Joshua Ian (M/M Historical Romance)

They Ain’t Proper by M.B. Guel (NB/F Western Romance)

The Battle Drum (The Ending Fire Trilogy #2) by Saara El-Arifi (Sapphic Fantasy)

Trance, Vol. 1 by Joey Capuana, Pablo Collar, and Julio Rojas (Queer Fantasy Comics)

DC Pride: The New Generation (Queer Comics)

Grand Slam Romance by Oliva Hicks and Emma Oosterhous (Queer Graphic Novel)

the cover of Poison Ivy 1: The Virtuous Cycle

Girl Juice by Benji Nate (Sapphic Graphic Novel)

Poison Ivy 1: The Virtuous Cycle by G. Willow Wilson, Marcio Takara, and Arif Prianto (Sapphic Comics)

My Dear Agent, Volume 1 by Ebino Bisque (BL Manga)

Manner of Death, Vol. 1 by Yukari Umemoto and Sammon (M/M Thriller Manga)

I Could Not Believe It: The 1979 Teenage Diaries of Sean DeLear by Sean DeLear, edited by Michael Bullock and Cesar Padilla (Queer Diaries)

Surviving the Future: Abolitionist Queer Strategies edited by Scott Branson, Raven Hudson, and Bry Reed (Queer Nonfiction)

Working-Class Queers: Time, Place and Politics by Yvette Taylor (Queer Nonfiction)

For more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

There are so many great queer books out today, I had to talk about a couple more! Here are two queer comics out this week.

Grand Slam Romance cover

Grand Slam Romance by Ollie Hicks and Emma Oosterhous (Queer Graphic Novel)

Mickey and Astra were best friends with a romantic undertone when Astra disappeared to train as a softball star in Switzerland. Now, she’s back, and Mickey’s life is turned upside down. They are still angry — and still attracted to her. They’ll stop at nothing to beat Astra, including betraying their team and dating Astra’s ex. Oh, and did I mention Astra is a magical girl?

the cover of Dc Pride the New Generation

DC Pride: The New Generation (Queer Comics)

DC and Marvel both have Pride collections out this year (Marvel’s comes out in June) — perfect for queer superhero fans. This includes stories about Superman (Jon Kent), Nubia, Tim Drake, Kid Quick, Connor Hawke, Aquaman (Jackson Hyde), Green Lantern (Jo Mullein), Alysia Yeoh, the Ray, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Batwoman.

a photo of Waffles, a tan-colored dog with short legs, lying on the couch with a toy

Meet Susie Dumond’s adorable dog Waffles! Clearly, this is the correct name for a dog, at least in the queer book world.

That’s it for me this week! Until next time, you can find me at my sapphic book blog the Lesbrary and (sigh) Twitter. You can also hear me on All the Books or you can read my Book Riot posts.

Happy reading!

Danika

Categories
Our Queerest Shelves

Sapphic YA Books With Dogs Named Waffles

I meant to make this newsletter themed on queer books where pets play a major part, and then I realized that I’ve read and enjoyed two different sapphic YA books that have a dog named Waffles in them. Amazing. Also, you should know about these lesbian books about cats: Cats (and their Dykes) and The Lesbian Sex Haiku Book (with Cats!).

Queer books, BIPOC books, and sex education books continue to be targeted by book banners. We know these can be life-changing — even life-saving — for kids to have access to. That’s why today I’m highlighting EveryLibrary, which helps fight back against book bans. You can donate to help out, sign up as a volunteer, or join the mailing list on their homepage to stay up to date.

Check out Book Riot’s newest podcast! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a sticker of cats in pride flag colors

LGBT+ Cat Vinyl Sticker by KleoStudios

Because your car needs a queer pride cat vinyl sticker, obviously. $5

New Releases

Unfortunately, this week’s YA and children’s new releases are disproportionately by white authors. Do better, publishers.

the cover of Court of the Undying Seasons

Court of the Undying Seasons by AdriAnne Strickland (Pansexual Demigirl YA Fantasy)

Castle Courtsheart is a school where students train to become vampires — or die in the attempt. Fin is there to get revenge for her mother, killed by vampires. But her plan quickly goes awry, and soon she has a murder mystery to solve. A queer YA book with a murder mystery + a slow burn romance + a magical vampire school setting?? Who could resist?

the cover of The Dog Knight

The Dog Knight by Jeremy Whitley, illustrated by Bre Indigo and Melissa Capriglione (Middle Grade Fantasy Graphic Novel)

DOG KNIGHT!! Frankie is a nonbinary middle schooler who saves a golden retriever from bullies and is offered a job by the Pawtheon, a group of dog superheroes. Frankie just has to demonstrate the “six dog virtues of loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and smell” to become the Dog Knight. This looks like the perfect book to give to the dog-obsessed kid in your life…including your dog-obsessed inner child.

Lose You to Find Me by Erik J. Brown (M/M YA Contemporary)

Kings of B’more by R. Eric Thomas (Queer YA Contemporary) (Paperback Rerelease)

the cover of Venom & Vow

Fresh by Margot Wood (Sapphic YA Fiction) (Paperback Rerelease)

We’ll Never Tell by Wendy Heard (Queer YA Thriller)

Saint Juniper’s Folly by Alex Crespo (Queer YA Horror)

Venom & Vow by Anna-Marie McLemore and Elliott McLemore (Trans YA Fantasy)

I Have Something to Tell You—For Young Adults: A Memoir by Chasten Buttigieg (Gay YA Memoir)

The Beautiful Something Else by Ash Van Otterloo Nonbinary Middle Grade Contemporary

the cover of The Beautiful Something Else

Cinda Meets Ella by Wallace West (Queer Picture Book)

Pride and Joy: A Story About Becoming an Lgbtqia+ Ally by Frank J. Sileo and Kate Lum-Potvin (LGBTQ Children’s Nonfiction)

It’s Totally Normal!: An LGBTQIA+ Guide to Puberty, Sex, and Gender by Monica Gupta Mehta and Asha Lily Mehta (LGBTQ YA Nonfiction)

For more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Inspired by The Dog Knight, here a couple of my favourite queer reads featuring pets! These ones are both F/F love stories.

“Né łe” by Darcie Little Badger

Forty chihuahuas and one husky are in stasis, on their way to Mars. When they wake up early, a veterinarian also in stasis on board is woken up to take care of them. Her and the pilot — both Indigenous women — fall for each other while managing a whole herd of puppies. Yes, it’s as cute as it sounds.

This was originally published in Love Beyond Body, Space, and Time edited by Hope Nicholson. The press was closed, however, after Nicholson confessed to sexual misconduct. The book seems to be back in print, but I’m not sure where the proceeds from the book are going. If you can get your hands on a used copy, though, this story is well worth reading!

the cover of My Cute Little Kitten Vol. 1 by Milk Morinaga

My Cute Little Kitten Vol. 1 by Milk Morinaga

Milk Morinaga wrote the iconic yuri manga series Girl Friends. In this series, Rena and Yuna have been roommates since college. But Rena is secretly in love with Yuna. When Yuna adopts a stray kitten and wants them to move to a new, pet-friendly apartment together, Rena finally tells Yuna the truth about her feelings — and Rena doesn’t react in the way she expected.

I also have to give a shout out to two (!) different (!) sapphic YA books with dogs named Waffles that I wanted to pet: The Girls Are Never Gone by Sarah Glenn Marsh and This is What it Feels Like by Rebecca Barrow.

All the Links Fit to Click

Roxane Gay, Carrie Brownstein, Roberta Colindrez, Jane Lynch To Star in Audible Adaptation of Dykes To Watch Out For

Feral Sapphic Sci-fi and Fantasy

Dykette Has Plenty of High Femme Camp Antics

That’s it for me this week! Until next time, you can find me at my sapphic book blog the Lesbrary and (sigh) Twitter. You can also hear me on All the Books or you can read my Book Riot posts.

Happy reading!
Danika

Categories
Our Queerest Shelves

Swoony Queer Romances by Asian American Authors

Hello from the heat wave! I live in the area of Canada with the mildest weather, which means we are all very delicate flowers, and I am struggling with these record-breaking temperatures. But an air conditioner is supposed to arrive today, so fingers crossed the sleepless overheating nights are over!

Today, I wanted to highlight the charity SAGE, which advocates and provides services for LGBT elders. You can find out more on their website and you can support them on their donation page.

Check out Book Riot’s newest podcast! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a Read Queer Books Bookmark

Read Queer Books Bookmark by BookishlyUK

The readers of this newsletter don’t really need reminding, but this Read Queer Books bookmark was too good to miss. $5

New Releases

the cover of Fake Dates and Mooncakes

Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee (M/M YA Romance)

This cover alone is irresistible. A cute queer baking romance? With a corgi sidekick?? Dylan is in a mooncake baking competition for teen chefs when he meets Theo, who is wealthy, handsome, and extremely distracting, especially when he asks Dylan to be his fake date to a wedding. When he brings rich people problems with him, though, Dylan will have to decide what’s more important: the competition that could save his parents’ restaurant, or this fledgling romance?

the cover of Miss Major Speaks

Miss Major Speaks: Conversations with a Black Trans Revolutionary by Toshio Meronek and Miss Major (Trans Memoir)

Miss Major is an icon in queer history, a veteran of the Stonewall Riots who has spent decades fighting for trans rights, as well as starting a needle exchange clinic and organizing for sex workers’ safety. In this memoir, she advises this generation of activists how to handle the obstacles in their way and how to learn from the conversations and strategies of activists who came before.

Dykette by Jenny Fran Davis (Queer Fiction)

Greenland by David Santos Donaldson (Queer Fiction) (Paperback Rerelease)

the cover of Dykette

Concerning My Daughter by Kim Hye-jin, translated by Jamie Chang, and narrated by Michelle H. Lee (Queer Fiction) (Audiobook Rerelease)

Glassworks by Olivia Wolfgang-Smith (Queer Fiction)

Game Misconduct by Ari Baran (M/M Romance)

Roux for Two by Aurora Rey (Cis F/Trans M Foodie Romance)

The Accidental Bride by Jane Walsh (F/F Historical Romance)

the cover of Light Carries On

A Long Time Dead by Samara Breger (Lesbian Vampire Horror Romance)

Light Carries On by Ray Nadine (Queer Graphic Novel)

Enlightened Transsexual Comix by Sam Szabo (Trans Graphic Novel)

apocrifa by Amber Flame (Queer Poetry)

I am the Most Dangerous Thing by Candace Williams (Queer Poetry)

From Here by Luma Mufleh (Gay Woman Memoir)

the cover of The DC Book of Pride

A Trans Man Walks Into a Gay Bar: A Journey of Self (and Sexual) Discovery by Harry Nicholas (Gay Trans Guy Memoir)

Ma and Me: A Memoir by Putsata Reang (Queer Memoir) (Paperback Rerelease)

The Yards Between Us: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Football by R.K. Russell (Bisexual Memoir)

The T Guide : Our Trans Experiences and a Celebration of Gender Expression-Man, Woman, Nonbinary, and Beyond by Gigi Gorgeous & Gottmilk with Swan Huntley (Trans Nonfiction)

The DC Book of Pride: A Celebration of DC’s LGBTQIA+ Characters by Jadzia Axelrod (LGBTQ Nonfiction)

For more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

In honor of Fake Dates and Mooncakes as well as AAPI Heritage Month, here are two more queer YA romance novels by Asian American authors! I wasn’t able to find any queer romances by Pacific Islander authors, but if you have any recommendations, please let me know.

the cover of Café Con Lychee

Café Con Lychee by Emery Lee

Theo and Gabi’s parents have competing restaurants — an Asian American café and a Puerto Rican bakery — which has made them rivals. But when both businesses are threatened by the opening of a new fusion café, they realize they’ll have to work together to fight back, coordinating an underground snacks operation. But as they spend more time together, that rivalry transforms into something else.

Also check out Emery Lee’s Meet Cute Diary for a queer and trans YA fake dating romance!

the cover of She Gets the Girl

She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick

Molly is a mixed race, Korean American teen who has started college with a major crush on a girl — but she can’t get the nerve up to talk to her. Alex just got in a major fight with her girlfriend for flirting with every girl she meets. So she has a plan: she’ll help Molly go on a date with her crush and prove that she can be just friends. But things don’t exactly go to plan.

Also check out Alyson Derrick’s Forget Me Not, an F/F YA amnesia romance!

All the Links Fit to Click

Vanity Fair: In Dykette, Jenny Fran Davis Makes Her Contribution to the Lesbian Lexicon

Trans Books To Read If You Love Bridgerton

That’s it for me this week! Until next time, you can find me at my sapphic book blog the Lesbrary and (sigh) Twitter. You can also hear me on All the Books or you can read my Book Riot posts.

Happy reading!
Danika

Categories
Our Queerest Shelves

The Love Story of Lady Camembert and Princess Brie

We have to talk about the bananapants explosion of popularity of This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. A Twitter account with the name “bigolas dickolas woIfwood” tweeted out the cover and said “read this. DO NOT look up anything about it. just read it. it’s only like 200 pages u can download it on audible it’s only like four hours. do it right now i’m very extremely serious.” It’s now been retweeted more than 10,000 times. The book rose up to #7 on the Amazon bestseller list overall. In its different formats, it took up 3/4 of the top 4 spots in Sci-Fi bestsellers. Bless you, Bigolas Dickolas.

Today I wanted to highlight Black Trans Advocacy, which advocates for health, housing, and employment equality for Black trans people. You can find out more about them on their website, and you can support them at their donation page.

Check out Book Riot’s newest podcast! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

an image of a print showing a princess with dark skin sitting on a horse, leaning down towards a female knight with pale skin and short hair looking up at her

Princess and Lady Knight Art Print by RayleeArtShop

We’re talking about a few queer fantasy graphic novels today, I had to include a princess and her lady knight art print. Swoon. $6

You can also get this as a bookmark for $5!

New Releases

Wow, there are sure are a ton of queer YA and kids’ books out this week! Unfortunately, they’re almost all by white authors, which is very disappointing. We need more diverse queer books!

the cover of Breakup, Makeup

Breakup, Makeup by Stacey Anthony (Nonbinary YA Contemporary)

Eli is a nonbinary makeup artist with one chance of getting into their dream SFX school: Makeup Wars. The winner of the competition gets a scholarship. But among all the fierce competition is Eli’s ex-boyfriend, Zach. Will they be able to make up?

the cover of Only This Beautiful Moment

Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian (Gay YA Contemporary/Historical)

This novel follows three generations of Iranian boys in Tehran and Los Angeles. In 1939, Bobby is thrust into the glitzy and dangerous world of Hollywood. In 1978, Saeed is sent to Los Angeles against his will after his parents find out he’s involved in the revolution. And in 2019, out gay teen Moud goes with his father Saeed to visit his dying grandfather in Tehran and uncovers family secrets.

You Don’t Have a Shot by Racquel Marie (F/F YA Contemporary)

The Rules of Us by Jennifer Nissley (Lesbian and Gay YA Contemporary)

the cover of They Hate Each Other

If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude (Sapphic YA Contemporary)

Never Trust a Gemini by Freja Nicole Woolf (Lesbian YA Contemporary)

They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody (M/M Fake Dating YA Contemporary)

This is the Way the World Ends by Jen Wilde (Sapphic YA Thriller)

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz (Sapphic YA Graphic Novel)

Hana and Hina After School Vols. 1-3 by Milk Morinaga (High School Yuri Manga) (Rerelease)

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich cover

Joy, to the World by Kai Shappley and Lisa Bunker (Trans Girl Middle Grade Contemporary)

I Am a Rainbow! by Mark Kanemura, illustrated by Steve Foxe Richard Merritt (LGBTQ Picture Book)

Dad and Daddy’s Big Big Family by Seamus Kirst and Karen Bunting (Two Dads Picture Book)

Door by Door: How Sarah McBride Became America’s First Openly Transgender Senator by Meeg Pincus and Meridth McKean Gimbel (Trans Nonfiction Picture Book)

For more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

In honor of the release week of The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz (which is what inspired the title of this newsletter), I wanted to talk about some other queer fantasy graphic novels! These ones are both middle grade, but they have appeal for readers of all ages.

the cover of DeadEndia: The Watcher's Test

DeadEndia: the Watcher’s Test
by Hamish Steele

Barney is a trans guy who has started working at an amusement park — and secretly moved into the haunted house attraction with his dog, Pugsley. But things get even more complicated when it turns out to contain a portal to hell. When Pugsley is possessed, Barney has to work with his co-workers — including his crush Logan — to save him…and the world. There’s also a Dead End: Paranormal Park TV show!

The Prince and the Dressmaker cover

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Prince Sebastian has a secret. By night, he’s Lady Crystallia, the fashion icon. His best friend Frances is the only one who knows about his other persona, and she’s the one who makes him stunning dresses. But Sebastian is supposed to find a bride soon, and Frances wants to be known for her incredible dressmaking skills, not kept a secret forever. Soon, he’ll have to merge his two lives, or leave behind his love of dresses. (This one has a gender-nonconforming main character, but no specific identity label attached.)

All the Links Fit to Click

The Lesbrary (that’s me!): 50+ New Sapphic Books Out in May 2023

These LGBTQ Reads Prove That Book Bans Are Regressive Trash

That’s it for me this week! Until next time, you can find me at my sapphic book blog the Lesbrary and (for now) Twitter. You can also hear me on All the Books or you can read my Book Riot posts.

Happy reading!
Danika

Categories
Our Queerest Shelves

Queer Jewish American Books To Read in May!

Happy Jewish American Heritage Month! There seem to be more Jewish queer books, especially YA, coming out this year than I’ve seen before, which is great to see. I have a few recommendations for you today, with a link to even more to add to your TBR.

Today, I wanted to highlight the Trans Lifeline, a crisis hotline for trans people that also gives microgrants to help trans people change legal documentation to reflect their gender. You can find out more at their website, and you can help out at their donation page.

Check out Book Riot’s newest podcast! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a colorful portrait of Leslie Feinberg

Leslie Feinberg Art Portrait Print by BlakeChamberlain

For Jewish American Heritage Month, let’s celebrate a groundbreaking queer Jewish American author: Leslie Feinberg. If you haven’t read hir books, get on that! You can get Stone Butch Blues for free on hir website. But if you already know and love hir work, here is a gorgeous print. $25 for a 8″ x 10″ print, $30 for a 12″ x 16″ print.

New Releases

the cover of To Shape a Dragon's Breath

To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose (Bisexual Fantasy)

First of all, a moment for the cover. Then, imagine How to Train Your Dragon, but Indigenous and bisexual. When 15-year-old Anequs finds a dragon egg and bonds with the baby dragon, her people celebrate: it’s been generations since one has been seen on the island. Now she has to go to an Anglish dragon school on the mainland to learn how to raise him, but she won’t assimilate: “Anequs and her dragon may be coming of age, but they’re also coming to power, and that brings an important realization: the world needs changing — and they might just be the ones to do it.”

the cover of Our Hideous Progeny

Our Hideous Progeny by C. E. McGill (Queer Frankenstein Retelling)

When Mary discovers the papers of her great-uncle Victor Frankenstein, they reveal a way to secure her and her husband’s future. As they chase this lead across the Scottish wilds, Mary will meet (and possibly fall for) her husband’s sister — and a rival will threaten not only their goal, but their lives.

The Batter’s Box by Casey Morales and Carlie Slattery (M/M Sports Romance)

The Problem with Perfect by Philip William Stover (M/M Romance)

the cover of A Second Story

A Shadow Crown (The Halfling Saga #2) by Melissa Blair (Bisexual Fantasy)

A Second Story by J.A. Collignon (M/M Cozy Fantasy)

Twilight Out of Focus, Vol. 1 by Jyanome (Gay Manga)

Chasing After Aoi Koshiba, Vol. 4 by Hazuki Takeoka and Fly (F/F Manga)

I am the Most Dangerous Thing by Candace Williams (Queer Poetry)

Wild Dances: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision by William Lee Adams (Queer Memoir)

the cover of The LGBTQ + History Book

Journal of a Black Queer Nurse by Britney Daniels (Lesbian Memoir)

The Boy Who Sat by the Window: The Story of the Queen of Soho by David Hodge (Gay Memoir)

Boyslut by Zachary Zane (Bisexual Memoir)

We See Each Other: A Black, Trans Journey Through TV and Film by Tre’vell Anderson (Trans Nonfiction)

The LGBTQ + History Book (DK Big Ideas) by DK and Willow Heath (LGBTQ Nonfiction)

For more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

May is Jewish American Heritage Month! So today I have a few queer Jewish American books for you to pick up.

the cover of Milk Fed

Milk Fed by Melissa Broder

The first thing you need to know is that this is a weird and uncomfortable read. It’s also a personal favorite. Rachel is 24, a “lapsed Jew who has made calorie restriction her religion.” When she meets Miriam, a fat Orthodox Jewish woman, she’s forced to confront everything she’s repressed about her desires. It’s a book that asks, What is your worst fear of your body? Isn’t that person worthy of love? I have a full review at the Lesbrary if you want all my thoughts on this one!

what if it's us book cover

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

This is a joint effort by two of the biggest names in queer YA. Arthur is a gay Jewish American teenager spending the summer in NYC. He has a post office meet cute with Ben, a gay Puerto Rican teenager fresh off a break up. But if they’re meant to be, why is it so hard for the two of them to actually get together?

cool for the summer book cover

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

This is a perfect summer read inspired by Grease. Lara has had a crush on Chase for years, and she finally has a shot with him. The only complication is when Jasmine walks through the school’s doors — the girl Lara had a perfect, confusing summer romance with: “But if she’s finally got the guy, why can’t she stop thinking about the girl?” Both Lara and Jasmine are Jewish.

For more, check out the LGBTQ Reads list for Jewish American Heritage Month!

All the Links Fit to Click

2023 Publishing Triangle Award Winners Announced

Quiz: Which Queer Short Story Collection Should You Read?

That’s it for me this week! Until next time, you can find me at my sapphic book blog the Lesbrary and (sigh) Twitter. You can also hear me on All the Books or you can read my Book Riot posts.

Happy reading!
Danika

Categories
Our Queerest Shelves

It’s a Good Week for Queer Percy Jackson Fans

Happy release week for The Sun and the Star! I’ve been a fan of Mark Oshiro since the early days of Mark Reads and Mark Watches, so I’ve been happy to see them write for one of the biggest fandoms around. Also, I love that Rick Riordan brought on a queer co-author for a book with a queer main character. Talk about using your platform for good!

Queer books, BIPOC books, and sex education books continue to be targeted by book banners. We know these can be life-changing — even life-saving — for kids to have access to. That’s why today I’m highlighting EveryLibrary, which helps fight back against book bans. You can donate to help out, sign up as a volunteer, or join the mailing list on their homepage to stay up to date.

Check out Book Riot’s newest podcast! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of a keychain charm of chibi  Will Solace and Nico DiAngelo holding hands

Solangelo Ship Charm by pukaparade

For the Will Solace and Nico DiAngelo fans, celebrate their official (and very gay) book out this week with a Solangelo charm. $16

New Releases

cover of Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst

Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst (Sapphic Fiction)

Mickey is a queer Black writer in NYC stuck in a job that doesn’t respect her. Her girlfriend, Lex, is supportive, but Lex’s mother’s undermining of their relationship is driving a wedge between them. When Mickey is fired and quickly replaced, she leaves everything behind to go back home to Maryland to decide what to do next. Bumping into her ex just makes things more confusing. You can hear my full thoughts in the latest All the Books episode!

the cover of Stars Collide

Stars Collide by Rachel Lacey (F/F Romance)

Eden Sands and Anna Moss are both singers looking to break out. Eden has been a star for 20 years, but her latest album flopped, and she just went through a divorce. Anna is a new artist looking to be taken more seriously. A duet could be just what they both need — even if Eden initially balks at the idea. When they begin to rehearse, though, the find the chemistry between them isn’t just of the musical variety.

The Humble Lover by Edmund White (Queer Fiction)

Best Men by Sidney Karger (M/M Romance)

cover of Changing Spaces

Changing Spaces by Karmen Lee (F/F Romance)

Dragonfall by L.R. Lam (Queer Fantasy)

I Thought You Loved Me by MariNaomi (Queer Mixed Media Memoir)

The Pride Atlas: 500 Iconic Destinations for Queer Travelers by Maartje Hensen (Queer Travel Book)

For more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

This week has so many new releases, let’s talk about a couple of queer middle grade books out now! Including one of the most anticipated new releases of the year: The Sun and the Star.

the cover of The Sun and the Star

The Sun and the Star (Percy Jackson) by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

Nico di Angelo was a major character in the Percy Jackson, The Heroes of Olympus, and The Trials of Apollo series. Now, he’s the main character of this standalone adventure, along with his boyfriend and fellow demigod Will Solace. Together, they will venture into the depths of the Underworld to try to rescue Bob — but the journey will test their relationship, and Nico will be forced to make a sacrifice.

the cover of Ellie Engle Saves Herself

Ellie Engle Saves Herself! by Leah Johnson

From the author of You Should See Me In a Crown and Rise to the Sun, this middle grade fantasy follows Ellie, who enjoys being out of the spotlight. She goes along with her best friend Abby’s plans to make her mark on the world. She also might have a bit of a crush on Abby, but she’s keeping that to herself. When Ellie wakes up one day with magic powers — and then a video of her using them goes viral — she’ll have to find a new way of navigating the world.

All the Links Fit to Click

LGBTQ Reads: Queer Jewish books to read for Jewish American Heritage Month and queer books by AAPI authors to read for AAPI Heritage Month

Making history with their words: 17 trailblazing queer and trans poets of our generation

Read Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli Book Excerpt

Revisiting Radclyffe Hall’s Groundbreaking Lesbian Novel The Well of Loneliness, 95 years on

Gutter Talk: Seeking Comfort in Black Cat’s Gay Chaos

That’s it for me this week! Until next time, you can find me at my sapphic book blog the Lesbrary and (for now) Twitter. You can also hear me on All the Books or you can read my Book Riot posts.

Happy reading!
Danika

Categories
Our Queerest Shelves

Deadly Sapphic Mermaids and ’90s Traveling Theatre Troupes

Hi, friends! I’m Erica, another Editor at Book Riot, here to chat queer books with you while Danika’s out for the day.

I’m in the Northeastern United States, where the weather has been doing whatever it’s wanted the past few weeks. This year’s spring has been more of a winterspring-ishsummer, and I am planning on trundling my way on over to get a matcha latte after writing this to get a few minutes of non-rainy sunshine.

Book-wise, Danika’s got a couple new releases to tell you about, while I have a couple new coming-of-age books by AAPI authors to bring in the beginning of AAPI Month.

Before we get started, though, make sure to check out Book Riot’s newest podcast! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.

Bookish Goods

a photo of someone wearing a black shirt that says Libraries Are for Everyone with a book and a rainbow

Libraries are for Everyone Shirt by GoodGoodCat

Because book banners need to be reminded that libraries are for everyone, not just cis straight white people. $19

New Releases

imogen, obviously book cover

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli (Bisexual YA Contemporary)

This is the newest book from the author of Simon vss the Homo Sapiens Agenda (AKA Love, Simon). Imogen is a “hopelessly straight” queer ally whose favorite movie is But I’m a Cheerleader and who collects editions of One Last Stop. When she visits her best friend Lilli in university, she finds out Lilli has told her queer ground of friends that Imogen and Lilli are exes. So now they all believe Imogen is bi — including Tessa, who gives Imogen butterflies. She must be mentally queerbaiting, appropriating queerness…right?

the cover of Chasing Pacquiao

Chasing Pacquiao by Rod Pulido Queer YA Contemporary

Bobby is a queer Filipino American teen whose plan for surviving his notoriously rough high school is keeping his head down. That fails when he’s outed and becomes a target. He turns to the example set by champion Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao to learn how to fight back. When Pacquiao makes his anti-queer stance public, though, Bobby will have to find a new way to stand up for himself.

The Lion’s Legacy by L.C. Rosen (Queer YA Contemporary)

Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa (Nonbinary YA Contemporary)

the cover of Ander & Santi Were Here

I Like Me Better by Robby Weber (Queer YA Contemporary)

Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl by Brianna R. Shrum and Sara Waxelbaum (Lesbian YA Contemporary)

Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson (Sapphic Middle Grade Fantasy)

Young Queer America: Real Stories and Faces of LGBTQ+ Youth by Maxwell Poth and Isis King (LGBTQ Nonfiction)

Pardalita by Joana Estrela, translated by Lyn Miller-Lachmann (Sapphic YA Graphic Novel)

You Need To Chill by Juno Dawson (Trans Picture Book)

For more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

the cover of Chlorine

Chlorine by Jade Song

Chlorine has a bit of horror, a bit of romance, and a little bit of folklore. It follows Ren, who has been obsessed with mermaid folklore since she was little. Now on her high school swim team, her days center around her love for the water and her teammates who are also the only friends she has. But she’s also under pressure — the pressure of an inappropriate coach, her parents, and a society that judges women and young girls more harshly. It’s this pressure that causes Ren to push herself past where her mind and physical body can go.

This is for the girlies who don’t mind a little body horror in their bildungsromane.

cover of The Sea Elephants by Shastri Akella

The Sea Elephants by Shastri Akella (July 11)

You’ll have to wait a bit for this one, but July isn’t really that far away, with how this year is zooming by. The Sea Elephants has been compared to Shuggie Bain and A Burning, and is set in India in the 1990s. After his twin sisters die, Shagun escapes a grief-stricken home and an intolerant father by attending an all-boys boarding school. He soon comes across a traveling theatre troupe, and it’s among its members that he feels he truly belongs for once. As he travels with the troupe, he finds that he’s a natural storyteller, telling the stories of the Hindu myths of his childhood with ease. It’s also with the troupe he meets the photographer Marc and falls in love. But his past starts to bubble up and threaten the life he’s built for himself.

And that’s all I have! It’s been fun, it’s been real, and if you want to keep in touch, check out the In Reading Color newsletter, In The Club newsletter, and Hey YA podcast.

Danika will be back for Thursday.

Until then, happy reading!

Erica

Categories
Our Queerest Shelves

I Was a Queer Teen Medium

It’s the end of April, and we’re finally getting some nice weather here. I’m a simple soul, and as soon as I get five minutes of sunshine, the world seems like a much better place. My dogs are sunbathing on the porch together right now, and I might just join them shortly.

Speaking of making the world a better place, I want to spotlight The Okra Project, a mutual aid collective that provides support for Black Trans people. You can help out at their donate page.

Over at Book Riot’s newest newsletter, The Deep Dive, I wrote about the history and future of scratch and sniff books — that newsletter will be going out shortly. In the meantime, read about the strange phenomenon that is Colleen Hoover’s explosive rise to fame, the best reading trackers for power readers, and lots more. Subscribe and choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com

Bookish Goods

photo of a queer and fearless round black enamel pin

Queer & Fearless Lapel Pin by AFinkandInk

Since the theme today is queer horror, this pin seemed fitting. $12

New Releases

For another queer YA book out this week, check out today’s sponsor!

that self-same metal book cover

That Self-Same Metal (Forge & Fracture Saga #1) by Brittany N. Williams (Queer YA Fantasy)

Joan Sands is a queer Black woman whose family is Orisha-blessed, able to sense the Fae hiding among London society. Her gift is being able to control metal, which she uses in her job managing the stage blades for Shakespeare’s company. But when Joan injures a powerful Fae, she gets pulled into a world of dangerous Fae politics.

this delicious death book cover

This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottingham (Sapphic YA Horror)

Since the Hollowing, a small segment of the population has an uncontrollable hunger for human flesh. But it’s no big deal: there’s Synflesh, a synthetic alternative, and things are pretty much back to normal. Zoey, Celeste, Valeria, and Jasmine are all hollow girls who go to a music festival to celebrate their upcoming graduation. But then — oops! — Val goes feral and eats one of the boys in a band. And now it also looks like someone is trying to hunt down all the hollow attendees. This is being pitched as Jennifer’s Body meets iZombie, and it has a cis bisexual main character and a trans bi love interest!

Take the Mic: Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance edited by Bethany C. Morrow (YA Anthology Including LGBTQ Stories) (Audiobook Rerelease)

The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes Lesbian YA Contemporary (Paperback Rerelease)

the cover of Robin and Her Misfits by Kelly Ann Jacobson

Harley Quinn: Ravenous by Rachael Allen (Queer YA Superhero Fiction)

Robin and Her Misfits by Kelly Ann Jacobson (Queer YA Robin Hood Retelling)

Grandad’s Pride (Grandad’s Camper) by Harry Woodgate (LGBTQ Picture Book)

Gender Heroes: 25 Amazing Transgender, Non-binary and Genderqueer Trailblazers from Past and Present! illustrated by Filipa Namorado (Trans Nonfiction Picture Book)

For more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

This Delicious Death has got me thinking about queer YA horror, so here are a couple more to pick up! While that one looks like a campy good time, these two are darker, so check out the content warnings before diving in.

the cover of The Spirit Bares Its Teeth

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White (September 5, 2023)

Andrew Joseph White’s debut novel was Hell Followed with Us, another YA horror novel featuring a trans guy main character hellbent on revenge. In The Spirit Bares Its Teeth, Silas is an autistic trans guy in Victorian England with a gift as a medium. He’s sent to a finishing school to eventually be married off as a Speaker wife (against his will), but there, he encounters ghosts who want the true story of this school told. You can preorder this now!

cover image of The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass showing a drawing of a Black teen boy about to be grabbed by a ghost

The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass

Jake Livingston is also a teen medium. And he’s one of the few Black students at St. Clair Prep, dealing with the racism of students and teachers. When a new Black student, Allister, shows up, a romance begins to bloom between them, but Jake’s moment of happiness — and his life — is endangered when the ghost of a school shooter begins to haunt him.

For more queer horror, check out 15 LGBTQ Haunted Horror Novels, 8 of the Best Queer Horror Books, and Great New Queer Horror.

All the Links Fit to Click

LGBTQ Reads: Happy Lesbian Visibility Day 2023!

Just as You Are Is the Gayest Rom-Com I’ve Ever Read

That’s it for me this week! Until next time, you can find me at my sapphic book blog, the Lesbrary and (for now) Twitter. You can also hear me on All the Books or you can read my Book Riot posts.

Happy reading!
Danika

Categories
Our Queerest Shelves

The Most Visible Lesbian is the Moon

Happy Lesbian Visibility Day Eve! It’s never a bad time to read a lesbian book, but it’s a good excuse.

Did you see that Kevin Bacon is running a campaign to raise money for the ACLU’s Drag Defense Fund? You can buy a Drag is an Art, Drag is a Right shirt, tote bag, notebook, or mug — or donate directly.

What’s the secret behind Colleen Hoover’s explosive popularity? What’s the best reading tracker for power readers? And do you really *need* to read more this year? Check out these thoughts and more from experts in the world of books and reading by subscribing to Book Riot’s newest newsletter, The Deep Dive. Subscribe and choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com

Bookish Goods

a pin with an illustration of a crescent moon and a skull wearing a flower crown facing each other with the text "the moon is a lesbian"

The Moon Is A Lesbian Enamel Pin by Abprallen

Of course, for Lesbian Visibility Day, I had to represent one of the most visible lesbians: the moon. $10

New Releases

the cover of Rosewater

Rosewater by Liv Little (Queer Fiction)

This one has been getting a ton of buzz — in fact, Goodreads named it a Buzziest Debut Novel of 2023. It follows Elsie, a queer Black 28-year-old poet who finds herself floundering when she’s evicted. She calls up her old friend, Juliet, who she hasn’t spoken to in a year. Soon, she’s crashed on her couch and deciding what to do next between Drag Race reruns. This is being compared to Queenie and Luster.

cover of Just As Your Are

Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg (Queer Romance)

Liz works for a queer magazine that’s saved from shuttering when it’s bought out by two rich lesbians — but the acquisition comes with a whole lot of cuts and changes that Liz chafes against. When she has to work closely with her new boss Daria, she’s sure her snark will get her fired, but instead Liz finds herself reluctantly attracted to her. This one has a butch love interest and a gender-questioning main character.

The Skin and Its Girl by Sarah Cypher (Sapphic Fiction)

The Red Book of Farewells by Pirkko Saisio, translated by Mia Spangenberg (Queer Fiction)

the cover of Remnants of Filth: Yuwu (Novel) Vol. 1

Curious Minds by Rachel Gold (Sapphic Romance)

Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard, narrated by Jennifer Aquino Sapphic Fantasy (Audiobook Rerelease)

Remnants of Filth: Yuwu (Novel) Vol. 1 by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou (BL Historical Fantasy)

Mermaid Huntress: An Ice Massacre Graphic Novel (Volume 1 and Volume 2) by Tiana Warner, April Pierce, and Riah LeBlanc (Sapphic Fantasy Graphic Novel) (Rerelease)

Decapitated Poetry by Ko-Hua Chen, translated by Wen-Chi Li and Colin Bramwell (Queer Poetry)

My Yellow Heart by VI Khi Khi Nao (Queer Poetry)

Not Everyone is Going to Like You: Thoughts From a Former People Pleaser by Rinny Perkins (Queer Graphic Essays)

Men at War: Loving, Lusting, Fighting, Remembering 1939-1945 by Luke Turner (LGBTQ History)

Baby Making for Everybody: Family Building and Fertility for LGBTQ+ and Solo Parents by Marea Goodman LM CPM and Ray Rachlin LM CPM (LGBTQ Nonfiction)

For more new releases, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

Tomorrow is Lesbian Visibility Day! Let’s celebrate with some lesbian books. Of course, there are many to choose from in a huge range of genres, styles, tones, formats, and more, but here are a couple options.

cover of The Verifiers by Jane Pek

The Verifiers by Jane Pek

Claudia is a Chinese American lesbian who has just been recruited to a dating detective agency. She’s supposed to be verifying users’ online identities, making sure they’re not lying about themselves, but when a client disappears, she goes outside the parameters of her job to investigate — and finds a lot more than what she bargained for, including corporate wrongdoing.

the cover of This Is What It Feels Like

This is What It Feels Like by Rebecca Barrow

This is one of my favourite books, and it deserves way more attention. It follows three main characters: Dia, Jules, and Hanna. They used to be in a band together in high school, but then their friendship blew up. Now they have to come back together to participate in a battle of the bands with a big prize. One of the main characters is a lesbian and there’s a cute F/F romance. Each of the three friends are dealing with big life issues — including alcoholism recovery, being a young mom, and grief — and they will have to find a way to navigate their new relationships to each other. (Also, how gorgeous is that cover?)

Okay, just one more bonus rec if you’re looking for a lesbian romance: D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C Higgins.

For even more, check out 10 Books That Actually Use the Word Lesbian to Describe Their Characters, 15 of the Best Fantasy Lesbian Audiobooks, and 8 Remarkable Black Lesbian Fiction Books.

All the Links Fit to Click

LGBTQ+ book bans are ‘actively harming children’, authors warn

9 Poets With New Queer Books To Check Out This National Poetry Month

9 Steamy Novels Featuring Bisexual Romances

Frog and Toad on Apple TV needs to be gay or else what’s the point?

That’s it for me this week! Until next time, you can find me at my sapphic book blog, the Lesbrary. You can also hear me on All the Books or you can read my Book Riot posts.

Happy reading!
Danika