🌈 Read With Pride: LGBTQAI+ Books for Young Readers
Whether you’re picking a book to perform for a LAMDA exam, or just want a brilliant new read, this list is full of LGBTQAI+ characters, authors and stories that celebrate identity, resilience and joy.
We’ve chosen books across four age groups — from picture books to powerful YA — so wherever you are in your reading journey, there’s something here to inspire.
🌈 Ages Under 7
📖 Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Themes: Gender expression, imagination, celebration of self
This joyful, word-light picture book tells the story of Julian, a boy who sees women dressed as mermaids on the subway and dreams of becoming one himself. With expressive illustrations and minimal text, it’s a gentle story about acceptance, identity and creativity.
💬 Why we love it:
It’s the perfect conversation-starter about self-expression and individuality for young learners - and a beautiful reminder that being different is something to celebrate.
🌈 Ages 7–10
📖 The Deepest Breath by Meg Grehan
Themes: First crush, anxiety, growing up
Written in verse, this tender novel follows Stevie, a quiet, curious girl learning how to name her feelings — including a first crush on another girl. It explores love, fear, and bravery with gorgeous simplicity.
💬 Why we love it:
Its verse structure is brilliant for young readers with an ear for rhythm and emotion — and it treats big feelings with care and honesty. Could be a great fit for a Verse & Prose exam!
🌈 Ages 11–13
📖 The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
Themes: Identity, race, queerness, self-expression
Michael is a mixed-race teen navigating school, friendship and identity — eventually finding his voice through drag and spoken word poetry. This award-winning novel in verse is personal, powerful and empowering.
💬 Why we love it:
Michael’s voice is clear, honest and lyrical — ideal for learners preparing prose or poetry for Grades 3–5. It’s also hugely affirming for readers exploring who they are.
🌈 Ages 14+
📖 Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
Themes: Trans identity, love, resilience
Felix is a trans teen trying to figure out love and self-worth — and what happens when someone at school targets him anonymously. Raw, romantic and fiercely hopeful, this novel is about knowing you deserve to be seen.
💬 Why we love it:
Felix’s narrative voice is authentic and full of heart. It’s brilliant for older teens who want to tackle complex emotions with confidence and care in a LAMDA setting (Grades 6–8) or who just want to read something real.
✨ Final Thoughts
Reading LGBTQAI+ books isn’t just important for LGBTQAI+ young people — it helps everyone build empathy, find connection, and explore big ideas through story. If you’re working towards a LAMDA exam, look for books with strong, clear voices and passages where emotion and structure are easy to follow. But above all — read what moves you.
