It is June, which means it’s Gay Pride Month, The French Open at Roland Garros and the beginning of my annual summer blog hiatus (to write a novel, just in case ya think it’s all about pina coladas, beaches and hammocks). As a big fan of diversity in all its forms in children’s literature and having read a number of superb LGBTQ books over the last couple of years, I wanted to give you a few of Miss Marple’s favorites to celebrate this month or as great summer reads. Where I have already written a review, clicking on the title in red will take you to that, otherwise links are to Goodreads.
Picture Books:
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, Henry Cole (Illustrator)
One Dad, Two Dads, Brown Dad, Blue Dad by Johnny Valentine, Melody Sarecky (Illustrations)
How my Family came to be: Dad, Papa and Me by Andrew R. Aldrich
In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson 
Middle Grade:
Days that end in Y by Vikki VanSickle
See you at Harry’s by Jo Knowles 
The Misfits by James Howe 
Better Nate than Ever by Tim Federle
Marco Impossible by Hannah Moscowitz 
Young Adult:
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
October Mourning by Leslea Newman 
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Freakboy by Kristin Clark
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green
Shine by Lauren Myracle
By the Time you Read this I’ll be Dead by Julie Anne Peters
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
Thank you for your faithful blog reading and have a great summer!
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Joanna, what a wonderful list! Thank you so much for compiling it. I am adding it (with your blessing) to KidLit411. Merci!
Thanks for spreading the word, Elaine!
Thanks so much for this great list, Joanna! Being a teacher, summer means more time for reading – and writing!!
Lori, when I was teaching I used to look forward to the mountain of books I would get to read over the summer!
Great list, Joanna. I really enjoyed Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and a few of the picture books. Will definitely check out the rest.
WG,WG is so funny and clever, right?
I recently read And Tango Makes Three and absolutely loved it. It is one of the few books I’ve given 5 stars to on Goodreads. 🙂 And, of course, Ferdinand is one of my all time favorite books! Can’t wait to try some of the others on your list.
Have a terrific time off this summer, and hope you’ll get tons and tons of writing done! You’ll still hang out on FB, right, so I won’t miss you? 🙂 xo
Thanks, Teresa, I still need to visit those penguins in Central Park zoo! And, YES, I shall still be around on FB!
Wonderful list! Might I also suggest my new book that just came out, titled This Day in June? It’s a children’s picture book about an LGBT Pride celebration.
Thanks, Gayle, always happy to receive new recommendations. I shall have to check out your new book.
I really appreciate your compiling this important list. I know where to go to find some good books to recommend.
Thanks, Pat.
Excellent list! I read “See You at Harry’s” not long ago — wonderful and wrenching. I’ve read some of the others, as well, but will add to my tbr list from this fabulous selection.
Have a great summer, Joanna! Write lots, and if you go to see the penguins, give them my love!
I will say hi to those penguins, especially if I see Tango!
Yes, SEE YOU AT HARRY’S is a beautiful tear-jerker. I love Jo Knowle’s’ writing!
Thanks for putting together this list, Joanna. I will be sharing this with my contacts!
Thanks so much for sharing, Yvonne!
Great list, Joanna. Have a great summer break. Wish I was on your side of the ocean and enjoying the weather. Take care and see you round, friend.
Thanks so much, Diane. hope it isn’t to long until we meet up again on some continent.
Great list of important books! I’ll miss you while you’re away! I hope you have fun!!! 😀
What a great list of summer reads! Thanks so much for recommending these Joanna and have a wonderful summer writing!
Thanks for the book recommendations! I hope you have a great summer. Happy writing. 🙂
Joanna, it’s been wonderful seeing your posts as you enjoy your summer! Wonderful that you’re taking the time to write abroad..I am envious! 🙂 Thank you so much re: 3-D Monsieur..I am overjoyed with him. Thank you for posting such a great post..I am off to check out your recommendations!
Shirley, thanks for stopping by. The blog takes off again next Monday. woot!
Thanks for these great recommendations.