Great middle grade LGBTQ+ books

When Archie can't understand why his parents have separated, he sets out on a quest with his two best friends to find a way to bring this family back together. This touching debut novel explores the complexity of family, gender and sexuality with kindness and humour.

12-year-old Flick Hudson finds herself at the Strangeworlds Travel Agency: a magical place that allows you to travel to other worlds. On this book, author L.D. Lapinski said: 'It's important to show queer characters having adventures, forming non-romantic relationships and doing things where their queerness isn't actually a factor.'

Take a journey through the lives of fifty revolutionary queer figures who made history in this illustrated biography collection. Rainbow Revolutionaries celebrates members of the LGBTQ+ community who have shaped the world and our everyday lives. It's a perfect book for dipping in and out of and reading aloud.

Morgan has a secret she can't tell anyone – not her sad mother processing her divorce, her brother who's become angrier and angrier since her father left and definitely not her friends who don't seem to understand her. Morgan's secret is she wants to kiss a girl – and not just any girl – she's fallen for Keltie, a selkie! But as she and Keltie get closer, Morgan discovers Keltie has secrets of her own.

With an introduction from Sue Sanders, the founder of LGBT History Month, this is the perfect book to read in February. Its beautiful illustrations are paired perfectly with fascinating information and facts—an informative and inspirational read.

Quinn is still figuring out how to process the death of her best friend Dylan, she blames herself for her death and has drifted away from her family. Set against the backdrop of a magical realist summer camp, this story about grief, resilience and first loves is heart-wrenching and life-affirming.

This book is a beautiful and bold celebration of queer heroes from throughout history—from the ancient Greek poet, Sappho, to Manvendra Singh Gohil, the first openly gay prince. We love the gorgeous full-colour portraits and diverse selection of role models.

Nimona, an impulsive young shapeshifter, can't wait to become the evil sidekick of Lord Ballister Blackheart, the most devious supervillain whose desperate to wreak some serious havoc. This is a fun twist on fantasy and fairytales filled with heart and self discovery.

Written in narrative verse, The Deepest Breath is the moving story of a young girl exploring her emotions and identity. Stevie is too shy to ask for help, so seeks refuge in the library. Surely, the answer must be in a book? A coming of age story, this book explores themes of anxiety, family, relationships and being true to yourself.

A beautiful story of self-acceptance, family and friendship. Becky is struggling to understand her identity as she develops feelings for a girl at school. Josh is desperate to discover more about his anonymous father. Heart-breaking and heart-warming in equal measure, this is a story of identity and understanding.

Bea is thrilled to hear that her Dad and his boyfriend will be getting married as it seems she’ll finally have a sister. But as the wedding approaches, Bea realises that the road to creating a new family is not always smooth. This book explores the joy, questions and surprises that can come with blended families with heart and compassion.

Set in the hot and humid Louisiana bayous, this book explores grief, friendship, racism, homophobia and above all the power of honesty.