There’s a new YA-lovin’ bookseller in town, friends! Her name is Gina, and she’s been recommending fantastic books all over the place! If you’re looking for graphic novels, aw-inducing romance, and more great stories with LGBTQ+ characters, this is the list for you!
Here are some of her recent faves:
The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith
This graphic novel captured my heart in an instant. The focus on blue and pink was a beautiful, subtle detail in a story about gender. Hawke and Grayce protect each other while learning about themselves and the result is a heartwarming tale that will stay with me for years to come.
What If It’s Us? by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera
If you’ve ever been in a relationship where you kept saying the wrong thing, this book will resonate with you. Ben and Arthur fight for each other through every misunderstanding. From fandom and fanfiction references, to the New York streets and homemade food, to friends who never give up on each other, this book truly feels like coming home.
Check Please! Book 1: #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu
I didn’t expect to be so taken with a story about a Southern-raised vlogger who joins his college hockey team, bakes pies, and falls in love with the team’s MVP. The ongoing conflict of him being scared of the physical aggression in the sport is endearing and heart wrenching as it interferes with the sport he loves. I loved watching these different characters navigate their relationships and sexual identities while having a team of supportive friends heckling them constantly. I’m looking forward to the sequel!!!
NOTE: Ngozi Ukazu is coming back to BookPeople for book #2! Come meet the author April 7th.
The Prince & the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Being closeted is a strange, complicated feeling that LGBTQIA readers can viscerally relate to in this story. Prince Sebastian knows in his heart what makes him happy, but he goes to great lengths to hide his hobby from his family (and subjects). This story is all about finding an ally who accepts and supports you, then turning one ally into many. Dive into the optimism and gorgeous artwork that will leave you refreshed and smiling.
Ash by Malinda Lo
Describing this book as a lesbian Cinderella retelling doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. This fairy tale is so remarkably well told that it stands alone. Ash falls in love with the idea of escaping to the fairy world before she even believes she can actually fall in love. Lo has created a fairy tale about self love and handles the lesbian relationship as it should be handled: as if it’s totally normal. No one is surprised by a woman loving a woman. Any reader will feel accepted and seen by the world of Ash.
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