New Releases: May 21, 2024

Picture Books

The Rainbow Parade by Shane Jordan & Rick Hendrix (text) and Jieting Chen (illustration)

Join the celebration at the Rainbow Parade and witness a heartwarming story of acceptance and friendship. In this joyful picture book, LGBTQ+ advocates Shane Jordan and Rick Hendrix take young readers on a colorful journey of self-expression and acceptance.

Set at a stormy pride parade, the story follows a child who is free to express their gender identity, celebrating with their father. But when they come across a non-binary child who doesn’t feel comfortable in their own skin, they lend a helping hand and show them that they are seen, accepted, and loved.

Gentle storytelling and stunning illustrations play on the magical experience of finding one’s community. Featuring expert back matter, The Rainbow Parade encourages children and gatekeepers to break down stereotypes and embrace diversity. This book offers a timely and important lesson on the power of love, friendship, and acceptance.

Perfect for children of all identities, The Rainbow Parade is a must-have addition to any bookshelf. Let your own rainbow shine with this wonderful story of celebrating who you are and accepting others for who they are.

Buy it: Bookshop | Amazon

Continue reading New Releases: May 21, 2024

Fave Five: MG/YA with Agender MCs

Almond, Quartz, and Finch by Lisa Bunker (MG)

The Evolving Truth of Ever-Stronger Will by Maya MacGregor (YA)

The Heartbreak Bakery by A.R. Capetta (YA)

When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb (YA)

Moon Dark Smile by Tessa Gratton (YA)

Bonus, coming in 2025, All the Stars in the Daylight Sky by Maya MacGregor (YA)

Double Bonus: For more agender rep in YA, check out Man O’ War by Cory McCarthy, which has an agender LI, and “Some Other Metal” by A.R. Capetta and Cory McCarthy in That Way Madness Lies

New Releases: May 14, 2024

Middle Grade

Gooseberry by Robin Gow

There’s a lot twelve-year-old B doesn’t know—like what their new name should be after coming out as nonbinary. Or what it would feel like to finally feel at home after moving around to different foster families for years. But there’s one thing B does know: they want to be a dog trainer when they grow up. And when they meet Gooseberry—a feisty stray dog who seems as wary of strangers as B does—B feels an instant connection. With Gooseberry, B could have everything they want: a family of their own, and a dog to train. And B’s newest foster parents agree to let B adopt him.

But training a dog isn’t as easy as B expected. Gooseberry is anxious and barely lets B pet him, let alone train him. Will Gooseberry ever feel at ease with B? And how can B teach Gooseberry to trust, when they know so little about trust themself?

Buy it: Bookshop | Amazon

Continue reading New Releases: May 14, 2024

New Releases: May 7, 2024

Picture Books

It’s Pride, Baby! by Allen R. Wells (text) and Dia Valle (illustration)

Lift your soul to the sky.
Like summer sunbeams―
Don’t live behind clouds.
You shine!

It’s Black Gay Pride Day in Washington, DC, and two gay parents are getting their child ready for a day at the National Mall. From cheerful neighbors to colorful outfits to fireworks, the vast LGBTQIA+ community is represented here in body, spirit, and pride flags galore!

Allen R. Wells’s poetic text perfectly captures the expansiveness of a parent’s love, while Dia Valle’s joyful art bursts off the page. Here are words that children in every family—no matter its color, size, or shape—need to hear.

We are so proud of you!

Buy it: Bookshop | B&N | Amazon

Continue reading New Releases: May 7, 2024

Happy Jewish American Heritage Month 2024!

Happy Jewish American Heritage Month! As always, we’re celebrating with books! For even more recs, check out previous years’ posts!

Middle Grade

Just Shy of Ordinary by A.J. Sass

Thirteen-year-old Shai is an expert problem-solver. There’s never been something they couldn’t research and figure out on their own. But there’s one thing Shai hasn’t been able to logic their way through: picking at the hair on their arms.

Ever since their mom lost her job, the two had to move in with family friends, and the world went into pandemic lockdown, Shai’s been unable to control their picking. Now, as the difficult times recede and everyone begins to discover their “new normal,” Shai’s hoping the stress that caused their picking will end, too.

After reading that a routine can reduce anxiety, Shai makes a plan to create a brand new normal for themself that includes going to public school. But when their academic evaluation places them into 9th grade instead of 8th, it sets off a chain of events that veer off the path Shai had prepared for, encouraging Shai to learn how to accept life’s twists and turns, especially when you can’t plan for them.

Buy it: Bookshop | Amazon

Continue reading Happy Jewish American Heritage Month 2024!

Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2024!

Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2024! And if you’re Canadian, Happy Asian Heritage Month! Come celebrate with all the books! (And get even more recs from past years’ posts!)

(Note: not all of the Asian authors or characters in these titles are specifically American. I thought it was worth highlighting more books than that specific title allowed.)

Picture Books

I Am a Rainbow! by Mark Kanemura (text) and Richard Merritt (illustration)

Mark loves putting on shows, dressing up, and dancing! But what makes him happy at home gets him teased at school. To remind Mark that his unique light makes the world a brighter place, his parents surprise him with a beautiful, flowing cape. Wearing it, he feels invincible and free to shine all over Honolulu! It even gives him the courage to befriend some kids who are just as colorful as he is. When the cape goes missing, Mark loses his new confidence. How will he ever shine again?

Buy it: Bookshop | Amazon

Continue reading Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2024!

New Releases: April 30, 2024

Young Adult

Playing for Keeps by Jennifer Dugan

June is the star pitcher of her elite club baseball team—with an ego to match—and she’s a shoo-in to be recruited at the college level, like her parents have always envisioned. That is, if she can play through an overuse injury that has recently gone from bad to worse.

Ivy isn’t just reffing to pay off her athletic fees or make some extra cash on the side. She wants to someday officiate at the professional level, even if her parents would rather she go to college instead.

The first time they cross paths, Ivy throws June out of a game for grandstanding. Still, they quickly grow from enemies to begrudging friends . . . and then something more. But the rules state that players and umpires are prohibited from dating.

As June’s shoulder worsens, and a rival discovers the girls’ secret and threatens to expose them, everything the two have worked so hard for is at risk. Now both must choose: follow their dreams . . . or follow their hearts?

Buy it: Bookshop | Amazon

Continue reading New Releases: April 30, 2024

Queering up your shelf, one rec at a time!