June is Pride Month and the American Library Association's GLBT Book Month. To celebrate, NYPL staff members are bringing awareness to recently published books featuring LGBTQ+ characters by presenting daily book recommendations. Follow #RainbowReading on social media for daily reading recommendations, take a look at our Facebook album, and check this blog  post each week for a round up of our staff picks! Also, be sure to check out our list of Pride Month events at NYPL. 

June 1 - 7

White Rabbit by Caleb Roehrig
This book tells the story of Rufus who gets a frantic phone call from his half sister April the very night his ex-boyfriend shows up wanting to talk. When they arrive at the party they find April with a knife in her hand and her boyfriend stabbed to death. Fast-paced and action-packed, Roehig creates a story with LGBTQIA diverse characters that will keep you guessing until the end. If you enjoyed White Rabbit, you’ll also like Shine and One of Us is Lying.
—Elizabeth Paldino, Young Adult Librarian at Van Cortlandt Library

 

Neither by Airlie Anderson
In the orderly and conventional Land of This and That, populated by bunnies and ducks, someone new is born—Both! When the bunnies and ducks find that Both isn't built for bunny activities OR duck activities, they shun Both, saying, "You can't be both—you're Neither!" So Both strikes out on their own and stumbles into the colorful Land of All, where all are welcome. Hardly subtle, yet purposely unspecific, this sweet and joyful picture book makes room for people to be who they are, and lends hope to the idea of a diverse and inclusive society. For more like this, try Bunnybear and Red: A Crayon's Story.
—Leah Labrecque, Children's Librarian at 58th Street Library

 

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
Built around queer women protagonists, these short stories explore much of the internal: emotional, sexual, and psychological life of its characters. Infused with myth and the supernatural, these tales could easily take place in a dystopian future, not so distant past, or inside your favorite television procedural. If you’re a fan of Sorry Please Thank You or the personal essay, this book is for you.
—Alexis Walker, Librarian at Epiphany Library





 

Satellite Falling by Steve Horton
After Lilly’s girlfriend dies, she wants to start her life over again in a new place to help her forget. She leaves the Earth and moves to Satellite, even though she will be the only human there. While working for the police, she gets a dangerous assignment tracking down narcotics, and soon discovers that this crime is part of a much larger operation. She’ll have to rely on her alien allies to help her, but the closer she gets to them the more her memories of Eva start to resurface. Recommended for fans of Brian K. Vaughan’s Saga series, as well as readers who enjoy science fiction, awesome artwork, surprising plot twists, and empathetic characters who are all too human.
—Andrea Lipinski, Young Adult Librarian at Kingsbridge Library

 

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill
The characters of the Tea Dragon Society are kind, understanding, shy and accepting. The story is heartwarming. We follow Greta who is trying to keep the traditions of her family alive and has the good fortune to come upon a tea dragon. Greta finds her chosen family while helping keep tradition alive. This book is gentle and full of empathy. An excellent read for fans of Princess Princess Ever After.
—Alison Williams, Library Manager at Parkchester Library

 

Spinning by Tillie Walden
Tillie Walden’s graphic novel memoir follows her difficult childhood experiences as a competitive figure skater. Tillie’s spare and haunting illustrations capture the experiences of isolation and loneliness as she deals with homophobia and trauma. This book is both moving and thoughtful. Perfect for those who loved This One Summer.
—Nina Maness, Adult Librarian at Parkchester Library

 

My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris
A fictional graphic memoir narrated by 10 year old Karen Reyes. Karen's favorite things are monsters, and she uses a werewolf "mask" to hide insecurities about herself, including her romantic interest in other girls. She also uses her facade to help solve the mystery of her murdered upstairs neighbor, Anka, who was a Holocaust survivor. Karen discovers just how devastating of an impact history can have on the lives of everyone around her. Ferris's incredible pencil artwork makes this graphic novel exceptional. Recommended for fans of Boundless and Through the Woods.
—Katrina Ortega, Young Adult Librarian at Hamilton Grange Library

 

June 8 - 14

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Monty is a young man who refuses to lose—not his inheritance, not his freedom to court both men and women, and not the best friend Percy who stole his heart. When Monty and Percy embark on a Grand Tour of 1700s Europe, an impromptu moment of theft sends them running from a man who will not give up until he catches them. Not only must they survive, but Monty must save himself from a life stuck under his father's heel, and Percy from a secret that he has been keeping for his entire life. At times hilarious, at times heartbreaking, but constantly engaging, The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue dips into bisexuality, racial tensions, and disease all within the strict confines of Victorian Europe. A perfect read for fans of Gemma Doyle Trilogy, The Conqueror's Saga, and A Darker Shade of Magic.
—Atticus Sutcliffe, Library Information Assistant at City Island Library
 

Jerôme By Heart by Thomas Scotto, illustrated by Olivier Tallec
This story follows a little boy named Raphael, whose daily rhythm is steeped in his immense affection for his friend Jerome. The two boys share jokes and snacks and plan future adventures to the Himalayas. Even when Raphael’s constant talk of Jerome is driving his parents crazy, he remains steadfast: “Raphael loves Jerome. I can say it. It’s easy.” And the truth is, when he’s with Jerome, Raphael feels happy, liked, and understood―even special. A truly special story about the power of the love - and a reminder that our parents don't always know what's best for us!
                                                                    —Rachael Wettenstein, Children's Librarian at Grand Concourse Library

The Pearl Thief by Elizabeth Wein
Fifteen year old Lady Julia comes home to help her family close out her grandfather’s ancestral home. She learns the rich history of the tinkers or traveling folks, one of the first lending libraries in Scotland and freshwater pearls. Some which belonged to Mary Queen of Scots. This book is character driven and deals with prejudice and love triangles. An excellent read for lovers of Code Name Verity.
—Alison Williams, Library Manager at Parkchester Library




 

When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors
As co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, Patrisse Khan-Cullors’ memoir is both personal and a powerful statement on the current state of systemic racism in America. Detailing the arrests and violence faced by her own family and friends, Patrisse shows the central role queer and trans people of color play in the fight against the criminalization of black people in America. This book is candid and compelling. Recommended for readers of The New Jim Crow and Between the World and Me.
—Nina Maness, Adult Librarian at Parkchester Library



 

Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
After seeing several women dressed up in elegant fish-tail dresses on the subway, Julian realizes that he too is destined to become a fabulous mermaid.  Initially, he worries what his Abuela will think of his DIY costume (and the mess he’s made in the apartment!), but instead of scolding she leads him right to the center of NYC’s Mermaid Parade, where they proudly walk together. Perfect for read aloud, Julian is a Mermaid keeps the text to a minimum and instead allows visuals to guide the reader through the story.  Stunning watercolor illustrations use a myriad of vivid colors and ornate patterns to depict all manner of undersea creatures, as well as express the nuances of Julian’s emotions. This book is a beautiful depiction of a summer’s day adventure in New York City, but at its core conveys the message support and acceptance, regardless of gender norms.
—Allie Affinito, Library Information Assistant at Chatham Square Library
 

A Place Called No Homeland Kai Cheng Thom
In her phenomenal poetry debut, Kai Cheng Thom writes with ferocity and tenderness about gender identity, race, violence, love, and survival. An incredible must-read poetry collection for fans of Chen Chen, Natalie Diaz, and Tommy Pico.
—Crystal Chen, Young Adult Librarian at Woodstock Library






 

An Excess Male by Maggie Shen King
Set in China in the near-future, this dystopian novel grapples with the effects of the One Child Policy where the favoring of male children has led to 40 million men unable to find wives. Women now marry up to 3 husbands, but relationships are closely monitored by an authoritarian regime. The characters must find a way to fight back against a regime that controls their ability to love and raise a family as their true selves. This book is compelling with courageous characters. Recommended for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale.
—Nina Maness, Adult Librarian at Parkchester Library



 

 June 15 - 21

Three Sides of a Heart edited by Natalie C. Parker
This anthology of stories focuses on love triangles, a favorite subplot of YA Fiction. The stories are diverse in setting, orientation, and character, with departures from the standard contemporary two guys one girl heterosexual love triangle, including a short story that would become the blueprint for Justina Ireland’s Dread Nation. Recommended for readers who’ve enjoyed YA anthologies like Let It Snow but wanted to see more authors, more settings, and a greater range of tone than offered by the standard love triangle plot.
—Vanessa Carrasco, Information Assistant at Parkchester Library



 

Things to Do When You're Goth in the Country by Chavisa Woods
The characters in these stories are mostly young women, some were born female and others transitioned. They exist in hidden corners of America, the inside of their minds making up the landscape they live in. The short stories contain elements of pre-teen experimentation, dating in college, and a trans individual dealing with the Gaza Strip conflict happening . . . on her head. Religion battles sex, mothers and daughters co-exist through clenched teeth, and current situations delay dreams of the future. This gloomy, haunting compilation is unpredictable and will elicit sardonic laughs and knowing head nods. Woods' creativity brings to mind Miranda July and her novel The First Bad Man. Fans of Haruki Murakami will also enjoy this bending of reality.
—Laura Stein, Adult Librarian at Grand Central Library
 

Wild Beauty by Anna-Marie McLemore
The Nomeolvides women are cursed. They can coax flowers from the dirt with their fingers, but anyone they love, including the boyish girl Bay Briar, is doomed to disappear. When a strange boy emerges from the earth, the sisters slowly uncover the dark history of the earth they have tended for over 100 years. This book is for readers who love magical realism and lush, lyrical writing. Also for fans of Isabel Allende and Naomi Novak's Uprooted.
—Caitlyn Colman-McGraw, Manager of Young Adult Educational Programming




 

Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens
How bad could it be, growing up as the daughter of a preacher in a small town? Billie has her friends who she cares for more than anything. Even if that means not telling Jamie Lee how she feels about her, or telling Wood how she feels about him. Billie has no need for the labels people try to place on her, nor for what people tell her about God. She knows what she believes and is willing to figure both out for herself. So when she and her friends nearly burn down the town’s church, it's one more thing she'll have to figure out. This book deals with friendship, being a tomboy, and religion. Recommended for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
—Alison Williams, Library Manager at Parkchester Library

 

Kim Reaper by Sarah Graley
Kim works part-time as a novice reaper of animal souls. Kim's classmate and admirer Becka gets swept up in Kim's unusual job and all feline hell breaks loose. Becka's attraction for Kim wavers in the face of ghoul-possession and zombie attacks. Can romance bloom amidst so much death and mayhem? Hell yes! This book is full of death-defying adventures, lesbian crushes, and goth style. Fans of Kim Reaper may also enjoy these graphic novels: Coady and the Creepies,  Goldie Vance, The Backstagers, and Drama.
—Jennifer Brinley, Young Adult Librarian at Parkchester Library



 

Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Katie Ormsbee
Tash and her best friend Jack are nearing completion of their web series adaptation of her favorite Tolstoy novel, Anna Karenina, when it suddenly gets picked up by a YouTuber and goes viral. Now trying to juggle internet fame, family issues, and identity discovery, her summer is packed. Can she handle it all? If you enjoy a trip down the YouTube wormhole, or are a fan of Becky Albertalli or Rainbow Rowell, this one is for you.
—Chelsey Masterson, Young Adult Librarian at Belmont Library




 

Nameless Asterism, Volume 1 by Kina Kobayashi
Shiratori has a secret: she’s fallen in love with girl. As if that wasn’t confusing enough, the girl is one of her two best friends! How can she be true to her feelings while maintaining friendships so important to her? This manga is full of love triangles, cross dressing, and unrequited love. Recommended for fans of Hana & Hina After School.
—Whitney Davidson-Rhodes, Young Adult Librarian at Wakefield Library




 

 June 22 - 28

Taproot by Keezy Young
Blue is in love with his best friend, Hamal. He's also dead, but since Hamal can communicate with ghosts, that shouldn't be too much of a problem—right? Great for fans of The Prince and the Dressmaker and The Witch Boy.
—Kaitlin Frick, Children's Librarian at 53rd Street Library






 

Little Fish by Casey Plett
This debut novel introduces us to Wendy Reimer, a trans woman living in Winnipeg, along with her circle of friends, her erratic but well-intentioned father, and her deceased Mennonite grandfather, who, as Wendy has recently and unexpectedly learned, may also have been trans. Over the course of a characteristically bitter-cold Manitoba winter, Wendy navigates the unraveling of family secrets, love and loss of chosen family, and questions of what the future means or looks like for herself and her loved ones. Plett weaves a masterful and intimate portrait of this close-knit group of trans women, casting the full spectrum of their interior lives in vivid relief. Recommended for readers of Nevada by Imogen Binnie and Next Year For Sure by Zoey Leigh Peterson.
—Sasha Jones, Library Information Assistant at Ottendorfer Library

As the Crow Flies by Melanie Gillman
Charlie is questioning whether or not attending a one-week, all-girl religious camping trip was a good idea as she's the only woman of color and not sure where she'll fit in.  Readers follow Charlie and her camp-mates on a journey through nature trails intended to discover their womanhood and feminist ideals that will end in a ceremony shrouded in secrecy. But stories of the inception and meaning of the original women's trip told by the camp counselor are filled with microaggressions and make the journey for Charlie more isolating. Then Charlie finds a friend in Sydney, a trans girl, who feels similarly out of place, and they vow to disrupt the ceremony to expose how exclusionary this trip actually is. Recommended for fans of The Lumberjanes, Honor Girl, and Spinning.
—Whitney Davidson-Rhodes, Young Adult Librarian at Wakefield Library

Bitch Planet by Kelly Sue DeConnick
Family, love, and friendship are the real takeaways from this comic. Mr. Makoto Maki’s searches for his daughter who has been killed by an agent named Whitney while in prison. Kam is a prisoner in search for her trans sister Morowa imprisoned for “Gender Falsification and Deceit." Recommended for fans of Pretty Deadly, The Wicked + The Divine, and Saga.
—Shanny Moreno, Information Assistant at George Bruce Library





 

The Lie and How We Told It by Tommi Parrish
This painted graphic novel tells the story of two old friends who unexpectedly bump into each other and spend the day catching up, but their perceived lives are not really what they seem to be. Full of bold evocative images, Parrish captures the stories that hide beneath the surface. Recommended for fans of Gorgeous by Cathy G. Johnson and How To Be Happy by Eleanor Davis.
—Ignayra Lopez, Library Manager at Belmont Library



 

When I Grow Up I Want to Be a List of Further Possibilities by Chen Chen
Chen Chen grew up gay and Asian American, and his collection of intersectional poetry playfully alternates between the universal and the extremely particular, imbuing each page with deeply felt emotion and a strongly millennial poetic voice. By the end of the book, you'll laugh, you'll gasp, you'll weep, and you'll call Chen Chen a friend.
—Leah Labrecque, Children's Librarian at 58th Street Library




 

Speak No Evil by Uzodinma Iweala
This beautifully written page-turner with a heartbreaking twist tells the story of Niru, a Harvard-bound high school student in an affluent community in Washington D.C., as he navigates senior year, his sexuality, and his relationship with his conservative Nigerian parents. Recommended for fans of Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta.
—Nancy Aravecz, Senior Lirbarian at Jefferson  Market Library





 

June 29 and June 30

My Brother's Husband, Volume 1 by Gengoroh Tagame
On point culturally, socially and just plain fabush, this multi-award winning "Slice of Life"manga brings a perspective we rarely get to hear about. Yaichi, a father coping with the death of his twin meets Canadian native Mike, his brother's husband. Together they begin the journey of mourning creating their own unique family along the way. Sometimes awkward, always full of heart, there is no right or wrong, just love. Recommended for fans of What Did You Eat Yesterday? by Fumi Yoshinaga.
—Sam Jackson, Young Adult Programming at Seward Park Library


 

The Once and Future Queen, Volume 1 by Adam Knave
The story of Rani Arturus, a 19 year old chess prodigy. A modern twist on a classic with adventure, magic, knights, swords, and romance. Beautiful colorful art. Recommended for fans of The Once and Future King, The Mists of Avalon, and Avalon High.
—Adriana Blancarte-Hayward, Outreach Manager