Tag Archives: The Shapeshifter’s Guide to Gym Class

New Releases: September 2026

This post is sponsored by R.R. Ferretti-Hoyle in honor of the release of Willfully, Dorothy (yes, THAT Dorothy), available now!

Buy it: Amazon

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Family Found: A Queer Friendsgiving Celebration by Joanna McClintick and Keisha Morris (1st)

When celebrants gather for their annual Friendsgiving—Thanksgiving with their chosen family—each has a unique story to tell as a child tries to piece together how it all began.

No one remembers how it started.

The Friendsgiving gathering is moving into high gear, and for one child in the group, it’s a good time to ask some questions about the event’s history. Great-Uncle Billy, while snapping some green beans for the meal, says he was the one who started the tradition, back when people had to speak in code to keep being gay a secret. Miss Mona thinks that she was the originator, after her car broke down one year and she had to make a change of plans. Grandma Jane and Nana Rose tell their version of the tale while the smell of cinnamon and apples fills the air. As more people (and dogs) arrive and the music is turned on, it grows clearer that the details may not matter; what counts is the love they all share. With warm, jubilant artwork and a welcoming text that introduces moments from LGBTQIA+ history, Family Found celebrates one family as they come together on a day of gratitude.

Buy it: Bookshop | Amazon

Continue reading New Releases: September 2026 →

Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Middle Grade: July-December 2026

Finding My Spark by Isabelle Jameson and Sylvain Cabo, trans. by Ann Marie Boulanger (August 18th)

When puberty hits, Alex begins to realize he’s been misgendered as a girl his whole life.

First, he stops wearing dresses and paints his room a dark color. Then he cuts his hair short. But people still aren’t seeing the real him. His mom has always called him her “little star,” but he doesn’t feel like shining. Instead, he feels like hiding away.

Alex knows he should tell people who he really is, but he can’t seem to get the words out. Will his parents be mad? Will his friends still like him? He decides to write a letter to his mom telling her the truth. Slowly but surely, he starts telling others―first the rest of his family, then his class. The big explosion he worried about never comes, just love and support. He’s still his mom’s little star, and he can finally be himself and shine.

Buy it: Bookshop | Amazon

Continue reading Most Anticipated LGBTQ+ Middle Grade: July-December 2026 →