Queer fiction for intermediate readers

Exploring identity

When we think of LGBTQIA+ narratives within adolescent fiction, we probably think of the wave of gay young adult (YA) romance that was popularised by books like Love Simon and Two Boys Kissing. We might even think about the gorgeous array of recent picture books that feature genderqueer and trans protagonists like Julian is a Mermaid and My Rainbow.

When it comes to intermediate-level literature, queer fiction becomes a bit sparser. Perhaps because we link being queer with romance and sex. And, while these are relevant to a lot of wonderful stories, exploring one’s sexuality or gender is fundamentally about exploring one’s identity.

Our intermediate school years are when a lot of us will end up questioning and confirming our identities, and queer children are no exception. Seeing representation of people their age going through coming-out journeys or simply owning their queerness and having other extraordinary journeys can help them articulate their experiences and boost confidence.

My stand-out titles

Here are some great titles that cater to intermediate students who are questioning or confirming their identities.

Graphics

Steven Universe / Lumberjanes / The Backstagers (by various) are three fun and light fantasy series that create expansive, fabulous worlds. All have large casts of characters at multiple points of the gender and sexuality spectrum. Most are suitable for intermediate readers. Lumberjanes and The Backstagers have also been published as novels.

The Comic Book Treasury blog provides a handy Lumberjanes reading order.

The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag — for any genderqueer or gender non-conforming readers, this book artfully conveys the struggle of not knowing how to label yourself. Instead of exploring the gender stereotypes we navigate in our own reality, Ostertag chooses to create a fun world of magic where men become shapeshifters and women become witches. And one boy is determined to defy these norms.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh — the author might be the queen of queer fantasy, and Snapdragon is a prime example. Layered features and quirky gay and trans women bonding over potions, skeletons and opossums.

Novels

Nothing Ever Happens Here by Sarah Haggers-Holt is about Izzy’s journey to accepting her father as a trans woman. Nothing Ever Happens Here not only details the experience of coming out as a trans person but also emphasises the importance of being an ally and supporting loved ones as they discover their truths.

Rick by Alex Gino — it almost goes without saying that Alex Gino’s two books Rick and Melissa (originally titled George) are perfect examples of middle-grade, coming-out texts. But I do want to particularly highlight Rick as one of the few books (for any age) to tackle what it’s like coming out as an asexual.

Nate Expectations by Time Federle is a great read where the main protagonist both questions and later confirms his sexuality without it being the central plot of any of the books. Nate is an outstanding example of gay representation because his queerness, while explored, is not the sole qualifier for his awesomeness.

Hurricane Child by Khreyn Callender is one of the few queer romances aimed at a younger audience and it is unforgettable. Amongst the picturesque Virgin Islands, two girls will set out on a treacherous adventure into the eye of a hurricane. Expect many snuggles and hand-holdings.

Birdie and Me by J.M.M. Nuanez — Jack must help her self-diagnosed ‘gender creative’ brother, Birdie, confront and navigate a close-minded home environment without compromising his character. Another great book about being an ally that explores the negative effects of suppression without dissolving into melodrama.

Need for greater representation

There is a growing range of excellent queer fiction available to intermediate readers, in particular for the gay, lesbian and trans community. However, some adolescent experiences aren’t being explored.

Currently, there are few books that represent the intersex community at a secondary level and even fewer for intermediate students. The non-binary, pansexual and bisexual communities are also under-represented. It is also interesting to note that, of the queer texts available for intermediate readers, to our knowledge few (if any) are by New Zealand authors.

For education about these communities, the National Library school lending collection has an impressive array of non-fiction that focuses on queer people. We are always on the lookout for new titles to strengthen collections for young people.

Audit collections for diversity

I would encourage all educators and librarians to check out the selection of queer texts available at your school. Are the books suitable for a range of students, from junior to senior? Do they represent different people throughout the queer community? Do they follow different types of plots, characters and genres? Our blog post Diverse schools need diverse collections has information about checking collections for diversity.

If you find any gaps, our Schools Lending Collection has many titles to help supplement your collection. Ask your loan coordinator about sending us a request.

Read more about our school lending service

Find out more

Find out more about building an inclusive collection.

One of our Book and Beyond exemplars has been created to help explore Alice Olson’s YA graphic novel Heartstopper.

Hennepin County Library has a list of LGBTQ+ inclusive middle-grade books.