(Note: I apologize for all of these list posts and such - "filler posts", as I sometimes call them. Don't worry, for next Monday there should be a book review up on the blog; can't do it this Friday because that'll be our monthly reflection. If you have any suggestions for posts, feel free to tell me. I am always looking for post ideas!)
1. Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg
This is the first LGBT+ book that I have read. (I have read some other books before this where LGBT+ was a small subcategory, but this was the first with it being a big part of the book.) I did think that it was a good book (I will reread it so that I can give it a proper review), even if I was a little upset with Rafe (the main character) due to some of his decisions. Particularly the decision which describes a big portion of the book, which is his decision to not tell any of his new classmates that he is gay. Not only does he not mention it (which would be fine), but he lies and implies that he likes girls, which really got me mad. I still thought it was a great book, though. Em agrees.
2. Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin
This was the second book that I have read with a main LGBT+ theme. (Kinda going in chronological order, here.) Symptoms of Being Human has a genderfluid individual named Riley as the narrator and main character. The book follows Riley as they try to navigate a new school, new classmates (who could be good or bad), and their dad's public job as a congressman, all while dealing with their identity. Riley's therapist suggests that they start a blog to help deal with stress and pressure, and when they do this, they don't expect the amount of attention that it gets. What I really like about this book is that it shows that, even if Riley is genderfluid, they are still human. To read my full book review on Symptoms of Being Human, click here.
3. Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings
Unlike the other books I have listed so far, this one is not fiction and is actually a memoir written by Jazz Jennings, a transgender teen who has become a strong voice in the LGBT+ community for LGBT+ youth. I have to be honest when I say that I haven't actually started it yet. I have, however, read a bit of the first chapter and have been looking forward towards its release. In the book, she discusses some hardships and challenges that she has faced being transgender, and guides readers along her journey.
The next two books are books where a LGBT+ theme is present but not as large.
4. Rumble by Ellen Hopkins
Like most other LGBT+ books for teens that I have seen, this one includes the LGBT+ community with the subject of gay individuals. But that's okay. Anyway, moving on, in this book, the main character/narrator, Matt, had a gay brother who unfortunately committed suicide after being bullied nonstop for his sexuality. Not only does the book say that being gay is alright through this tragic event, but Hopkins also brings up the topic again when the a few students at Matt's school, along with a few parents, try to ban books with gay content from the school. The book is mostly about Matt trying to accept what happened and to overcome the guilt he bears. To read my full book review on Rumble, click here.
5. How Many Letters Are in Goodbye? by Yvonne Cassidy
Rhea, the main character of How Many Letters Are in Goodbye? is a lesbian who has a hard time accepting this fact. Not only is there that, but she also has run away from "home" (if she can even call it that), lost both of her parents, and lives life with only a portion of her right arm due to a childhood accident. This book is about self-discovery, and I am currently making my way through it. There should be a book review on it publishing next Monday, if I stick to the schedule.
The following are some LGBT+ books that I am thinking about reading.
The Inside of Out
The Art of Being Normal
Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel
I was in London recently and happened to be there during their Pride Day - such a joyful group. And London had welcomed the celebrants by changing their street lights. Instead of lighting up as a green person walking, the lights showed a green heart, or two green female (or male) symbols. Thanks for this post.
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