In literature, representation is important. In a past interview, author Kalynn Bayron stated, “We need more stories that reflect the vast range of queer experiences…I feel very fortunate to be in community with authors who are really putting in the work.” Bayron is a prolific writer of fiction that features LGBTQ+ characters, like her middle-grade series that include the two books The Vanquishers and Secret of the Reaping. Book three, Rise of the Wrecking Crew, is due out in October.
In the past few years, the publication of LGBTQ+ books by Black authors has increased. There is always more work to do regarding LGBTQ+ representation, but this list of middle-grade books has some great options for Pride Month and beyond.
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1. In Search of Superpowers: A Fantasy Pin World Adventure
Briana Lawrence | Joanna Cacao | Andrews McMeel Publishing | January 30, 2024 | Amazon | Bookshop
2. Secret of the Reaping (Bk. 2)
Kalynn Bayron | Bloomsbury Children’s Books | October 10, 2023 | Amazon | Bookshop
3. Alex Wise vs. the End of the World
Terry J. Benton-Walker | Labyrinth Rd/PRH | September 26, 2023 | Amazon | Bookshop
4. Ellie Engle Saves Herself
Leah Johnson | Disney Hyperion | May 2, 2023 | Amazon | Bookshop
5. Starting From Scratch
Jazz Taylor | Scholastic Inc. | April 4, 2023 | Amazon | Bookshop
6. Cameron Battle and the Escape Trials (Bk. 2)
Jamar J. Perry | Bloomsbury Children’s Books | February 28, 2023 | Amazon | Bookshop
7. The Vanquishers (Bk. 1)
Kalynn Bayron | Bloomsbury Children’s Books | September 20, 2022 | Amazon | Bookshop
8. Moonflower
Kacen Callender | Scholastic | September 6, 2022 | Amazon | Bookshop
9. Pauli Murray: Shouting for the Rights of All People
Deborah Nelson Linck | Angela Corbin | Morehouse Publishing | May 17, 2022 | Amazon | Bookshop
10. In the Key of Us
Mariama Lockington | Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) | April 26, 2022 | Amazon | Bookshop
11. Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist and Civil Rights Activist
Rosita Stevens-Holsey | Terry Catasús Jennings | Yellow Jacket | February 8, 2022 | Amazon | Bookshop
12. Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms (Bk. 1)
Jamar J. Perry | Bloomsbury Children’s Books | February 1, 2022 | Amazon | Bookshop
13. Thanks a Lot, Universe
Chad Lucas | Harry N. Abrams | May 11, 2021 | Amazon | Bookshop
14. Meow or Never
Jazz Taylor | Scholastic Inc. | January 5, 2021 | Amazon | Bookshop
15. The Only Black Girls in Town
Brandy Colbert | Little, Brown BYR | March 10, 2020 | Amazon | Bookshop
16. King and the Dragonflies
Kacen Callender | Scholastic Press | February 4, 2020 | Amazon | Bookshop
17. Hurricane Child
Kacen Callender | Scholastic Press | March 27, 2018 | Amazon | Bookshop
18. The Stars Beneath Our Feet
David Barclay Moore | Knopf BYR | September 19, 2017 | Amazon | Bookshop
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