I am pleasantly surprised with recent books for middle schoolers which feature kids and parents who are LGBTQ. Engaging books with compelling characters are a welcome addition for LGBTQ kids who want to read about people like themselves and for kids who are curious about their lives.

Enjoy these books featuring LGBTQ characters!

Ashes To Asheville by Sarah Dooley

Twelve-year-old Fella is swept away on a wild road trip by her older sister Zany to fulfill their late mother's dying wish.

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

An eighth-grader who dreams of performing in a Broadway musical concocts a plan to run away to New York and audition for the role of Elliot in the musical version of "E.T.".

Drama by Raina Tegelmeier

Callie rides an emotional roller coaster while serving on the stage crew for a middle school production of Moon over Mississippi as various relationships start and end, and others never quite get going.

Drum Roll, Please by Lisa Jenn Bigelow

Finding unexpected joy in drumming, Melly is excited for her summer at Camp Rockaway, but a series of events leaves her with doubts about her performance readiness.

George by Alex Gino

Knowing herself to be a girl despite her outwardly male appearance, George is denied a female role in the class play before teaming up with a friend to reveal her true self.

Hurricane Child by Kheryn Callender

Born on Water Island in the Virgin Islands during a hurricane, which is considered bad luck, twelve-year-old Caroline falls in love with another girl--and together they set out in a hurricane to find Caroline's missing mother.

Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter To The World by Ashley Herring Blake

Twelve-year-old Ivy Aberdeen's house is destroyed in a tornado, and in the aftermath of the storm, she begins to develop feelings for another girl at school.

The Best Man by Richard Peck

Archer has four important role models in his life--his dad, his grandfather, his uncle Paul, and his favorite teacher, Mr. McLeod. When Uncle Paul and Mr. McLeod get married, Archer's sixth-grade year becomes one he'll never forget

The Misadventures Of The Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

Relates the adventures of a family with two fathers, four adopted boys, and a variety of pets as they make their way through a school year, Kindergarten through sixth grade, and deal with a grumpy new neighbor.

The Other Boy by M.G. Hennessey

Since twelve-year old Shane moved to a new town, he has been concealing the fact he was born a girl, but when one of his classmates learns he is a transgender, Shane must deal with the reactions of his entire community.