Books matching: identity and acceptance
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- #1
Pantomime is a captivating and genre-defying YA with brilliant LGBTQ+ rep and a magical circus setting - slow burn, but totally worth the ride for those seeking a heartfelt, original story.
Pantomime by Laura Lam is a captivating tale set in a world that combines elements of Victorian culture with futuristic settings. The story revolves around Iphigenia Gene, a young woman who escapes her predetermined fate to join a traveling circus as a trapeze artist. Alongside her is Micah Grey, a runaway with a mysterious past, as they navigate their journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The book seamlessly weaves together themes of identity, magic, and societal expectations, creating a rich and immersive world that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
"They say magic left the world with the Chimaera and the Alder. Whether they perished or abandoned us for the stars, the magic has leeched from the earth and left us only its scattered remnants. Its V...2013•400 pages - #2
A rare, fast-paced blend of psychological sci-fi and adventure, more successful as a meditation on identity than as an action thriller. Worth checking out for genre curiosity or fans of philosophical sci-fi, but pace yourself for a bumpy second act.
'Beyond Rejection' by Justin Leiber follows the story of Ismael Forth, who wakes up in a new body after his original one is stolen for an illegal mind implant. The narrative explores themes of identity, rebirth, and the philosophical implications of transferring consciousness. Set in a sci-fi world, the novel delves into gender dysphoria, corporate conspiracies, and the complexities of self-acceptance in a new form. The writing style combines adventurous investigation with philosophical musings, creating a unique blend of action and introspection.
August 1980•192 pages - #3
A deeply empathetic and resonant graphic novel about finding yourself in a world that feels unsafe. Not always an easy read, but incredibly important for anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t belong.
'Flamer' by Mike Curato is a graphic novel that follows Aiden, a 14-year-old Filipino American boy, as he navigates a week at Boy Scout camp. Aiden is struggling with his identity, dealing with bullying, and coming to terms with his sexual orientation. The story touches on themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and the challenges of adolescence, all depicted through vivid illustrations in black, white, and shades of orange.
September 2020•369 pages - #4
'Can't Take That Away' by Steven Salvatore is a powerful and emotional story that follows Carey Parker, a genderqueer teen who dreams of becoming a famous singer but faces constant bullying at school for their gender expression. The book explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of music. Carey's journey of self-discovery is beautifully portrayed, with each chapter subtitled with identifying pronouns to reflect their genderfluid identity. The story delves into Carey's experiences with bullying, misgendering, and the challenges of standing out in a world that often tries to force conformity.
The narrative also focuses on Carey's relationships with friends like Phoebe, Monroe, Joey, Cris, and Blanca, who provide support and camaraderie amidst the struggles Carey faces. The book addresses important issues such as mental health, queerphobia, and the significance of finding one's own voice and standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity.
I should probably pay attention to Mr. Kelly’s lecture right now, but I’m struggling to focus; I stare out over mountains blanketed in dead trees, his voice nothing but static as I follow a lone bird...March 2021•375 pages - #5
"Outsider" in the series "Exodus End" by Olivia Cunning continues the story of Trey, Ethan, and Reagan as they navigate through a polyamorous relationship filled with love, challenges, and personal growth. The plot delves into the characters' struggles with family expectations, jealousy, and self-doubt, all while trying to find their happiness and build a strong bond together. The writing style captures the emotional roller coaster of the characters, blending romance, suspense, and heartwarming moments that keep readers engaged throughout the story.
Ethan stood in the wings, his attention riveted to the man putting every ounce of his soul into the guitar strings beneath his fingertips. He’d never tire of watching Trey play live. He was, however,...September 2016•464 pages
(Also, see 30 recommendations for the series Exodus End ) - #6
A powerful, lyrical, and innovative YA novel that's a must-read for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ stories, especially those craving representation, history, and hope. Even if the style isn't for everyone, its heart and message resonate long after the final page.
'Two Boys Kissing' by David Levithan is a powerful and poignant story that follows the lives of seven gay teenage boys as they navigate issues of identity, relationships, and acceptance. The narrative is uniquely narrated by a Greek chorus of gay men who have passed away from AIDS, providing a perspective that spans generations and highlights the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals. At the center of the story are Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds aiming to break the world record for the longest kiss as a statement against hate crimes, while the book delves into the lives of other teens dealing with various challenges related to their sexual orientation.
The book beautifully weaves together themes of love, acceptance, and the evolving landscape of LGBTQ rights, drawing readers into the emotional journey of the characters and offering a poignant reflection on the experiences of gay youth past and present. Levithan's writing style is described as raw, emotional, and eye-opening, engaging readers with its lyrical quality and heartfelt storytelling that leaves a lasting impact on those who read it.
It’s hard to think of such things when you are busy dreaming or loving or screwing. The context falls away. We are a spirit-burden you carry, like that of your grandparents, or the friends from your c...August 2013•214 pages - #7
The Other Boy by M.G. Hennessey tells the story of Shane, a pre-teen transgender boy navigating the challenges of middle school while being true to himself. When Shane's secret is revealed at school, he faces bullying and must deal with the complexities of friendships and family dynamics. The book showcases Shane's courage, his supportive friends like Josh, and his relationships with his parents, depicting both struggles and triumphs in a relatable manner.
The writing style is accessible and engaging, making it a quick read that effectively captures the emotional journey of a transgender youth. Hennessey balances serious themes with relatable situations, providing insight into Shane's life while emphasizing the importance of acceptance and understanding. Readers can easily empathize with the characters and their experiences, making it an important book for young readers and adults alike.
September 2016•244 pages A heartfelt and music-filled coming-of-age story that offers much-needed trans representation, even if some moments feel a little too easy or neatly resolved. Well worth a read for those wanting thoughtful YA or a glimpse into a different kind of teen experience.
Gabe, a transgender youth, struggles to navigate his identity as he transitions from being known as Liz to living as Gabe full-time. With the support of his best friend Paige and neighbor John, who shares his passion for music, Gabe hosts a late-night radio show called Beautiful Music for Ugly Children. Through his show, Gabe finds a sense of belonging and connection with his listeners, but faces challenges and threats from those who are not accepting of his true self. The book portrays Gabe's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the complexities of relationships while exploring themes of identity, acceptance, and finding one's place in the world.
Beautiful Music for Ugly Children is praised for its realistic portrayal of a transgender protagonist, Gabe, who is comfortable in his own skin and identity. The book incorporates music references, relatable characters, and authentic teenage experiences, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read for those looking for a coming-of-age story with a focus on self-acceptance and belonging.
While I fumble with the next CD, I attack the airwaves. “And that’s Mika, with ‘Grace Kelly.’ Now let’s have some Green Day. Here’s ‘American Idiot.’ This is Beautiful Music for Ugly Children, on comm...October 2012•269 pages- #9
In "Like Other Girls" by Britta Lundin, Mara Deeble gets kicked off her basketball team and seeks a new sport to prove herself. She joins the football team, inspired by her lifelong passion for the game, but things quickly complicate as several other girls join, including her crush Valentina and rival Carly. Mara navigates the challenges of being a girl in a male-dominated sport, confronting her own identity, friendships, and the pressure of societal expectations.
The writing style is engaging and relatable, capturing the messy realities of high school life and the unique struggles of a butch girl in a conservative town. Lundin skillfully explores themes of gender, friendship, and self-acceptance with a blend of humor and heartfelt moments. The character development is strong, immersing the reader in Mara's journey of self-discovery amidst the complexities of her relationships and the realities of misogyny in sports.
August 2021•384 pages - #10
A sweet, magical, and inclusive graphic novel that's visually stunning and brimming with heart - an absolute must-read for fans of queer stories and cozy adventures.
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker is a graphic novel that follows the story of Nova, a young witch who lives with her lesbian grandmas in a New England town. Nova works at her grandmothers' bookshop where she sells magic books and investigates supernatural disturbances in the town. One night, she encounters a white wolf that turns out to be her childhood friend Tam, a non-binary werewolf. Together, they must work to solve a magical mystery and stop a cult from taking over the forest. The book seamlessly weaves in themes of found family, love, and magic, offering a heartwarming and inclusive story that resonates with diverse readers.
The book features diverse representation, including characters who are hard of hearing, non-binary, lesbian, and witches. The story explores themes of identity, family diversity, and acceptance, with a focus on LGBTQ relationships. The art style is praised for its beauty and engaging nature, capturing the magical elements of the story and enhancing the reader's experience.
October 2019•262 pages










