11 LGBTQ Books Every High School Library Should Have

Yes, I know that this is a list of LGBTQ books for high schoolers. Though this series might target a middle grade audience, I’m a firm believer in kids reading for pleasure without being limited by “reading levels” and such. These popular graphic novels chronicle the adventures of five kick-ass girls at summer camp. They challenge gender norms while solving mysteries and fighting monsters. It’s a lovely celebration of friendship and love.

Oshiro’s “beautiful and brutal debut” features an engaging cast of characters with a wide array of intersectional identities. Main character Moss Jeffries and his friends represent multiple marginalized identities: Black, Latine, disabled, Muslim, asexual, nonbinary, gay, lesbian. Most importantly, though, Oshiro deals honestly with how to navigate and embrace the righteous anger that comes with being othered.

This title probably needs less introduction, given its meteoric rise to queer classic status, movie adaptation, and spinoff television series. Simon is a relatable teen with a great supporting cast of friends and family. Unfortunately, when Simon’s private correspondence with a boy he likes falls into the wrong hands, he finds himself being blackmailed. He has to help his jerky classmate with his romantic goals or be outed. It’s a story full of teen angst, humor, and heart.

Get ready to cry, rage, and get your detective on. Felix, a trans high schooler, is publicly deadnamed and has old pictures of him posted around his school. Furthermore, the culprit behind the attack makes a fake Instagram account to continue harassing Felix. We get to solve whodunnit along with Felix, while also exploring the complex relationships he has with his peers and family. Ultimately, it’s a story of triumph and self-love that we can all appreciate.

I am still not over this book, which I read at least a thousand years ago. (It was before the pandemic and that’s been going on forever, right?) Regardless, this book beautifully handles the complexity of being nonbinary in a transphobic, heteronormative world. I wasn’t ready for it to end because I didn’t know if the main character, Riley, was okay. For teens, this book addresses cyber bullying and other such relevant issues in a way that should be helpful as they navigate similar spaces. It’s not necessarily a gentle story, by any means, but it’s a must-read.

Listen, Jacqueline Woodson is a national treasure and all of her books should be in every school library. Seriously, the woman writes across audiences and everything from her picture books to adult novels are absolute gold. The House You Pass on the Way is the story of Stagerlee, a biracial girl who maybe likes girls and is trying to figure out where she fits in the world. It’s perfect for the high school years, when teens are finding their true selves.

A story of loss and grief, We Are Okay is a story about dealing with loss and change. Marin is a college freshman who has left her old life behind after the death of her grandfather. However, when her best friend and former love interest Mabel turns up, Marin has to face everything she’s been hiding from. While I haven’t read this one yet, the wide critical and commercial acclaim accompanying this title make it a must for my TBR and for high school libraries.

I will not apologize for my undying love of the enemies-to-lovers and fake relationships turning into true love tropes. Book Riot contributor Jaigirdar has gifted us with two distinctly different and complex queer protagonists of color. Hani is well-liked and a bit of a doormat, while Ishu is abrasive and driven. In other words, they’re a perfect complement to each other — even if it takes a while for them to realize it. Together, they fight for the space to be who they truly are.

Most likely, fans of YA have heard of this book. However, I am here to tell you about it again because it deserves to be talked about forever and all the time. It is hands down one of the best LGBTQ books for high schoolers. When Liz Lighty doesn’t get the prestigious scholarship she was counting on, she has to find another way to pay for college. Thus, our reluctant heroine is forced into the spotlight, joining the over-the-top town traditions around electing the prom court. Her journey is touching, hilarious, and relatable.

Alright, so this is one of the sweetest love stories I’ve ever read in my life. Popular athlete Bryson Keller makes a bet with his friends that requires him to date a different person each week. Naturally, the whole thing turns on its head when Kai Sheridan, a shy boy in his theater class, asks him out. There’s some homophobia and tense moments, but overall this book is a cozy, swoonworthy delight. Like the previous entry, it should resonate with teen readers thanks to the high school setting and requisite drama.

Based on true events, this book packs quite a punch. It tears your heart in two as it tells the story of a gender-nonconforming teen who is set on fire on a bus. Of course, this act is deemed a hate crime and our sympathy is rightfully directed at the victim. Slater then turns our emotions on their heads by introducing us to the young and thoughtless perpetrator. We watch as a Black boy is villainized and victimized by the justice system for a moment of adolescent impulsivity. The truth is always complex and Slater handles it beautifully. Teenagers can definitely learn a few valuable lessons from this one.