The Degenerates

Written by: J. Albert Mann Cover Art by: Design: Rebecca Syracuse; Illustration: Sarah Maxwell-Folio Art For ages: YA (14 years and up) Language: English Topics Covered: Historical Fiction, LGBTQ, Growing Up, Mental Health, Disability, Own Voices, Interracial Love, Family, Friendship, Institutionalized Lives, Courage, Bravery, Love.  Summary:  This book is incredible.  I truly hope this book review does it justice, I couldn’t put it…

The Love-Alphabet Rockers

Featured Artists and Guest Artists: Over 60 guest artists join the Alphabet Rockers co-founders, Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Soulati Shepherd. Voices from our next generation — Lillian Ellis, Maya Fleming, Kali de Jesus and Tommy “T3PO” Shepherd III, as well as 123 Andrés, Angel & Koja Adeyoha, Aris Wong, Ashanti Branch, Billy Dean Thomas, Celestina Pearl and…

It Feels Good To Be Yourself; A Book About Gender Identity

Written by: Theresa Thorn Illustrated by: Noah Grigni For ages: 4-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: Self-Acceptance, Self-Esteem, Gender Identity, LGBTQ Youth, Friendship,  Family, Love, Own Voices, Community, POC-Centric Narratives.  Summary: This book is INCREDIBLE.  It was written clearly and in a style that shows us the author is familiar with children, and explaining things to them.  The book affirms and reaffirms…

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me

Written by: Mariko Tamaki Illustrated by: Rosemary Valero-O’Connell For ages: YA graphic novel Language: English Topics Covered: LGBTQ Relationships, Love, Friendship, Social-Emotional Development. Summary: Super quick read, I read this in about an hour!  The story is told from the perspective of Freddy, a biracial Asian teenage girl.  Freddy is hopelessly in love with Laura Dean, her on-again off-again unfaithful girlfriend. …

Our Rainbow

Written by: Partnership between GLAAD & little bee books, additional appreciation to Tierney (creators of the Philly Pride Flag) Illustrated by: C.G. Esperanza (Opening), Mohammed Fayaz (Black/Brown), Love is Wise (Red), Beena Mistry (Orange), Dylan Glynn (Yellow), Cynthia Yuan Cheng (Green), J Yang (Blue), Chris Kindred (Purple), Jeromy Velasco (Closing) For ages: Toddler & up Language: English Topics Covered: LGBTQ, Acceptance,…

Spinning

Written & Illustrated by: Tillie Walden For ages: Young Adults and up Language: English Topics Covered: Sports, LGBT Youth, Growing Up, Women in Sports, Figure Skating, Family, Love.  Content Warning: Assault. Summary: This book is a graphic memoir of the 12 years Tillie spent as a competitive figure skater.  Tillie’s parents are rather uninvolved in her skating, and she is often…