Pride Month Reads

 

The Starting 6 for 2026:

These are not new books. In fact, I need to up my game for mixing my genres and representation. Instead, these are from this blog's archives and I wanted to bring them up again to give them new life and new breathing space. The links are back to this blog.  In no particular order, this June 2026 Pride Month starting 6:

1. Is Love the Answer (Manga) by Uta Isak (they/them)

A valuable classroom read because it beautifully explores the asexuality spectrum through a relatable coming-of-age story, helping readers understand that there is no single "normal" when it comes to romance and intimacy.

2. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender (they/them and he/him)

In simple terms, this is a love story. In more complex terms, this is about the dangers of labeling. Although as a society we now have many more terms (LGBTQIA+++), there is a danger in labeling because it forces people to choose based on heteronormative comfort standards to silo and pigeonhole others. This book talks about this without preaching.

3. Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann (she/her)

As far as contemporary YA romance novels go, Alice is a typical protagonist - trying to find herself, battling some inner and outer demons (overbearing mother, ambitious and overprotective siblings, adulting growing pains and oh yes, asexuality). 

4. Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American by Laura Gao (she/her and they/them)

Messy Roots is a funny, self-deprecating coming of age and coming out memoir of Chinese immigrant, queer, Wuhanese American Laura Gao. Born in the idyllic countryside in Wuhan, "Laura" and her family move to Texas where she literally is the unctious stinky tofu in a land of McDonaldʻs french fries. 

5. How to Succeed in Witchcraft by Aislinn Brophy (they/them)

Honestly, I forgot that this was about witches as it feels like a contemporary, realistic look at private schooling. Strong debut novel to add to the YA contemporary fantasy, LGBTQIA+ booklist.

6.  Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro (they/them)

Although the protagonist, Moss or Morris Jefferies Jr. is black and queer, it is not about being black in America, or even being queer in America. It is about continuing to survive through racism, social injustice, marginalization, trauma. Surviving is not enough though. Not wanting to jump off a building is not enough. This book, like the others is about YA characters fighting for a human experience and wanting to be seen as heard as individuals.