YA LGBT Books discussion

Hey everyone, we've had more luck with our Buddy Reads for new releases than the Book of the Month but I thought I'd give it another try, with a twist.

What CLASSIC or WELL-KNOWN YA LGBTQ book do you think members who haven't read it should try, (and those who have read it can discuss), as our BotM for August to Sept?

What book made a difference to you, and might to other readers?

This month, nominate one of those.

If possible, link the book page on GR and tell us a little about it or why you picked it, or post the blurb.

The titles of past books of the month that we have read are on all the threads in this "Book of the Month" folder, and you can also check with a search of the group's book-of-the-month Bookshelf at - https://www.goodreads.com/group/books... Please do not repeat a book we have read - either as a past Book of the Month or as a Buddy Read (check the Buddy Read folder) - and please only nominate the first book in a series, unless a later book stands alone completely as a solo read.

Up to two nominations per member. Nominations will be open through Midnight July 30th. Feel free to renominate a book that did not win in a past vote, if it fits this category.

(Authors please do not nominate your own books - but readers can definitely nominate a member author's work

Nominations are closed -

Poll is here: https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1...

Vote through Aug 6th.

I'll start with Magic's Pawn by Mercedes Lackey

Widely available in libraries, second hand, and in ebook - this fantasy story was published in 1989 - the year I read it.
For many teens in the 90's, this was the first book with a heroic non-tragic-ending gay MC that they read. This was a book that made being gay work out well in the end.

And yet there is some homophobia/angst (trigger warning for (view spoiler)[suicide (hide spoiler)]) - does this hold up for modern readers? Is this still a book people connect with? Anyone want to find out?

Mage-Craft—

Though Vanyel has been born with near-legendary abilities to work both Herald and Mage magic, he wants no part of such things. Nor does he seek a warrior's path, wishing instead to become a Bard. Yet such talent as his if left untrained may prove a menace not only to Vanyel but to others as well. So he is sent to be fostered with his aunt, Savil, one of the famed Herald-Mages of Valdemar.

But, strong-willed and self-centered, Vanyel is a challenge which even Savil can not master alone. For soon he will become the focus of frightening forces, lending his raw magic to a spell that unleashes terrifying wyr-hunters on the land. And by the time Savil seeks the assistance of a Shin'a'in Adept, Vanyel's wild talent may have already grown beyond anyone's ability to contain, placing Vanyel, Savil, and Valdemar itself in desperate peril...

I recommend Timekeeper by Tara Sim and maybe Carry On
by Rainbow Rowell?
Also, Magic's Pawn sounds fantastic. Haven't read that one in years.

Carry On is definitely a new well-known, and belongs on the list; also Timekeeper, which I've seen but not read. Thanks for the nominations.

If I Was Your Girl is groundbreaking. Really amazing.

Hayley wrote: "If I Was Your Girl is groundbreaking. Really amazing."

So true. It is impressive, particularly for its mainstream reach with a trans main character - but it was already our January 2017 book of the month; if you have comments you want to share you can still add them to that thread or read what others said - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

If you have other ideas, please do suggest them <3

I'm not sure how well-known Timekeeper is? It's not at my local library and has under 1500 ratings, as compared to Carry On at 86,000 or Magic's Pawn at 20,000.

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire won a Nebula award and was nominated for a Hugo.



Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children
No Solicitations
No Visitors
No Quests

Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere... else.

But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children.

Nancy tumbled once, but now she’s back. The things she’s experienced... they change a person. The children under Miss West’s care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world.

But Nancy’s arrival marks a change at the Home. There’s a darkness just around each corner, and when tragedy strikes, it’s up to Nancy and her new-found schoolmates to get to the heart of the matter.

No matter the cost.

Bobby wrote: "I'm not sure how well-known Timekeeper is? It's not at my local library and has under 1500 ratings, as compared to Carry On at 86,000 or Magic's Pawn at 20,000."

It's not one I've read. But I'm willing to be a bit flexible here in the nominations. LGBT YA books with over 1000 ratings in the first year of release are at least getting decent exposure. The vote will decide, of course.

I've read Seanan McGuire's adult fantasy books, but not this one. Interesting.

Also, I just searched and it looks like we haven't read Luna by Julie Anne Peters yet? It's of arguable quality and accuracy, but it's definitely classic, being one of the earliest trans YA books, so I figured I'd put it out there.



Regan's brother Liam can't stand the person he is during the day. Like the moon from whom Liam has chosen his female namesake, his true self, Luna, only reveals herself at night. In the secrecy of his basement bedroom Liam transforms himself into the beautiful girl he longs to be, with help from his sister's clothes and makeup. Now, everything is about to change-Luna is preparing to emerge from her cocoon. But are Liam's family and friends ready to welcome Luna into their lives? Compelling and provocative, this is an unforgettable novel about a transgender teen's struggle for self-identity and acceptance.

Bobby wrote: "Also, I just searched and it looks like we haven't read Luna by Julie Anne Peters yet? It's of arguable quality and accuracy, but it's definitely classic, being one of ..."

Nope, and I had thought about nominating it - a good one to discuss for both its virtues and its flaws. One of the first trans-friendly YA books that had any real readership.

Kaje wrote: "Bobby wrote: "I'm not sure how well-known Timekeeper is? It's not at my local library and has under 1500 ratings, as compared to Carry On at 86,000 or Magic's Pawn at 20,000."

It's not one I've re..."

I wouldn't mind, except that Absolute Brightness, Slaying Isidore's Dragons, and Waiting for Walker all aren't at my library, and I'm hoping to be able to actually contribute for August-- although I guess I can't complain since it's partly my own mistake for missing the July nominations, oops.

Bobby wrote: "Kaje wrote: "Bobby wrote: "I'm not sure how well-known Timekeeper is? It's not at my local library and has under 1500 ratings, as compared to Carry On at 86,000 or Magic's Pawn at 20,000."

It's no..."

I'm sad you don't have "Waiting For Walker" - Robin's books are some of the few that my library does have in paper copies. That's always an issue of course, for this group - access to the stories. I'm hoping this month we vote on one that's easy to come by.

Speaking of... For those who haven't read it and want to Magic's Pawn is just $2.99 in ebook on AZ (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IEUV64/)

Nominations are closed -

Poll is here: https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/1...

Vote through Aug 6th.