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📚BULLETED BOOKS📚
36
items as a teacher, i’m always on the lookout for new and exciting picture books and middle grade novels! personally, i’m interested in a range of genres, but mostly queer-centered books and whatever i read for my monthly book club.
Sections
7
queer
middle grade
science
memoir
fiction
personal growth
queer
SUCH a good book; not that the movie didn’t do it justice, but the book was just a little more entertaining and humorous to me
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, Paperback
this was the first book i ever read with queer characters (at age 22). i feel such a deep emotional connection to it and the representation that julian winters creates. it will always have a special place in my heart
Running with Lions by Julian Winters, Paperback
important narrative about mental health and identity as it intersects with cultural norms. haven’t read the sequel yet but i’ve heard it expands on queerness hinted at in the first installment!
Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram, Paperback
classic gay romance between 2 unlikely people, very cute and very funny!
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall, Paperback
if there’s one thing i’ve always enjoyed it’s a multi-perspective narrative. i love getting into multiple characters heads at the same time! 2 brilliant authors came collaborated to create this masterpiece
What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera, Paperback
this one really got me emotionally, lovable characters and relatable circumstances for many young queer kids
The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg, Paperback
love the concept of this book, it was another one of my introductory queer texts and i still need to read the sequel!
Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg, Paperback
SUCH an important text for ALL! as an openly queer educator myself i found strength and solace in reading these courageous stories that inspire me to teach and live more authentically every day
One Teacher in Ten in the New Millennium: LGBT Educators Speak ...
middle grade
I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS BOOK AND THIS SERIES. i have been reading it to my classes for 5 years now! BB Alston is a creative genius. more books are coming and a movie too! PUT DOWN HARRY POTTER AND PICK UP AMARI!!!
Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston, Paperback
second installment in the series!!! it only gets better! truly such a masterfully created world with deep and complex characters
Amari and the Great Game by B. B. Alston, Paperback
if you’d rather get the first 2 books in one!
Amari 2-Book Hardcover Box Set: Amari and the Night Brothers ...
3rd book out of a confirmed 5 book series!! each character’s story is explored more without losing the solid plot line that connects each book to the next
Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B. B. Alston, Paperback
4TH BOOK SET TO BE RELEASED IN 2026!!! I AM SOOOO INCREDIBLY PUMPED TO READ IT
Amari and the Metalwork Menace by B. B. Alston, Hardcover
for fans of the amari series, this is the PERFECT place to look next. great comparisons between the two worlds and main characters and SUPER engaging and fun to read!!! supposed to be coming to netflix very soon!
Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tolá Okogwu, Paperback
book 2!!!
Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels by Tolá Okogwu, Paperback
finale of the onyeka trilogy!!! an absolute must read!
Onyeka and the Heroes of the Dawn by Tolá Okogwu, Paperback
the 3rd series that i highly recommend!! all 5 together are a masterpiece and perfect for fantasy lovers of all ages!
Charlie Hernández Complete Collection (Boxed Set): ...
an artful introduction to this series that combines the power of hispanic mythology with the magic of fantasy!! the first of currently 5 books
Charlie Hernández & the League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo, Paperback
book 2!!
Charlie Hernández & the Castle of Bones by Ryan Calejo, Paperback
book 3!!
Charlie Hernández & the Golden Dooms by Ryan Calejo, Paperback
book 4!!
Charlie Hernández & the Phantom of Time by Ryan Calejo, Paperback
book 5 and the finale of the series!! new as of 2025!
Charlie Hernández & the Hand of Darkness by Ryan Calejo, Hardcover
science
sparked my deep interest in these cute little porpoises living such a complex existence because of multiple factors. educate yourself on endangered species like the vaquita and pledge to do what you can to protect the last remaining individuals!
Vaquita: Science, Politics, and Crime in the Sea of Cortez
my real gateway into the world of orcas and cetaceans (hence my drag name). orcas are a key to the future for humans, and we need to start listening and paying attention to their instincts and nature
Of Orcas and Men: What Killer Whales Can Teach Us
memoir
raw, authentic, fluid. felt totally immersed in chanel’s world and life. poignantly told by someone whose perspective should be heard by everyone
Know My Name by Chanel Miller, Paperback
fiction
i did not expect to like this book as much as i did! definitely a quick read but nonetheless thrilling and engaging
Atmosphere: A Love Story (GMA Book Club Pick)|Hardcover
required 21st century reading!! especially if you’re queer and/or a teacher. amazing commentary on what it means to see kids for who they are and not how the world sees them
The House in the Cerulean Sea (B&N Exclusive Edition)
such a poignant story set in the 90s with two very strong main characters. great commentary on dealing with trauma and truly finding oneself
Loca: A Novel | Hardcover
also did not expect to like this book but i really did!! narrator is really funny and it touches on real (inter)personal issues while still being comedic
The Rachel Incident: A novel by Caroline O'Donoghue, Paperback
my grandmother got me this book when i was a teenager and i loved it. it’s told from the dog’s POV which i think is really unique!
Dog on It (Chet and Bernie Series #1) by Spencer Quinn, Paperback
poignantly told and an important story for everyone living in the US to read and reflect on
A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi, Paperback
another must read for citizens of the US to remind us of our place in the world and how our experiences shape our biases compared to other parts of the world. adichie is such a powerful author
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Paperback
personal growth
pop off ms brown!! reading this between semesters in college while coming to terms with my identity really helped strengthen my sense of self and how i navigate difficult situations daily
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We ...
marc brackett’s research on emotional intelligence flips what we think we know about feelings on its head. download the partner app “how we feel” to track your own emotions daily and start being more in touch with your feelings to practice what he pr...
Permission to Feel: The Power of Emotional Intelligence to Achieve Well ...
graphic novels
beautifully illustrated and told. finished it in less than 2 days. get into graphic novels for adults!!
The Magic Fish: (A Graphic Novel)
my introduction to YA/adult graphic novels! an absolute masterpiece of a book from a brilliant writer and cartoonist
Dragon Hoops | Paperback - Gene Luen Yang