10+ Best Lgbt Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect LGBT books for 12-year-olds? You're in the right place! Whether you're searching for stories that resonate with personal experiences or simply want to explore diverse perspectives, we've curated a selection of must-reads that celebrate identity and friendship. Keep reading to discover our various lists of LGBT books for 12-year-olds that are both engaging and enlightening!

Fun Lgbt Books for 12-Year-Olds

• George by Alex Gino
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: This novel follows a young transgender girl named Melissa, who everyone else sees as George. She dreams of playing Charlotte in her school's production of Charlotte's Web. The story explores her journey toward expressing her true identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to transgender themes and identity, encouraging empathy and understanding in a way that's accessible for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are exploring their own identity or learning to embrace diversity among their friends.

• Drama by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel centers on Callie, a middle schooler who loves theater. Along with the drama on stage, there's plenty of off-stage drama when it comes to friendships and crushes, including some involving LGBTQ characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the visual appeal of comics with engaging storytelling that touches on themes of friendship and young love.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy theater and stories about school life and friendships.

• The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Linus Baker, a caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is given a classified assignment to visit an orphanage on a mysterious island, where he meets six dangerous children and their charming caretaker, Arthur. As Linus gets to know them, his life changes forever.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming fantasy that promotes acceptance and understanding of differences, wrapped in a magical and adventurous story.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fantasy and stories that celebrate diversity and acceptance.

• Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: Nate Foster, an unpopular 13-year-old, escapes his dull life in Jankburg, Pennsylvania, for one daring trip to New York City where he hopes to land a role in a Broadway show.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny and uplifting story about chasing dreams and finding oneself, with a protagonist exploring his identity.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young performers and anyone who enjoys a good laugh while reading a heartfelt story.

• Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of two teenagers: Lily, a transgender girl, and Dunkin, a boy dealing with bipolar disorder. Their friendship helps them navigate the challenges they face individually.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses serious issues like mental health and gender identity with sensitivity and hope, making it a meaningful read for young adolescents.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about friendship and overcoming personal challenges.

• Star-Crossed by Barbara Dee
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance
  • Synopsis: Mattie, an eighth grader, finds herself crushing on a girl during their middle school production of Romeo and Juliet. This story explores young love and the confusion and excitement that comes with it.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet story that captures the tumultuous but thrilling feelings of a first crush, with an LGBTQ+ twist.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy school stories and are perhaps experiencing their own first crushes.

Educational Lgbt Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Whispers by Greg Howard
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Middle Grade
  • Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Riley believes that magical forest creatures called the Whispers can grant him any wish—and he desperately wishes for his missing mother to return. As he searches for the Whispers, he confronts his own identity and learns about acceptance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of LGBTQ+ themes, problem-solving, and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines elements of fantasy with the tough realities of growing up as a gay child in the South.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love a mix of adventure and emotional storytelling.

• Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender, illustrated by Kheryn Callender
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Fantasy, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Being born during a hurricane is unlucky, and twelve-year-old Caroline Murphy is having a tough time at her school in the U.S. Virgin Islands. When a new student named Kalinda arrives, Caroline’s luck begins to change, and she develops feelings that are more than just friendship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, emotional development, and understanding complex relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a poignant story that tackles themes of identity, friendship, and first crushes, all set against a rich cultural backdrop.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories that blend emotional depth with cultural diversity.

• Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: After a tornado rips through her town, twelve-year-old Ivy Aberdeen feels lost without her home and secretly drawn to a girl in her class. When her notebook full of drawings of girls holding hands disappears, her struggle with her identity becomes more complicated.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic expression, emotional expression, self-acceptance, and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses the confusion and excitement of exploring one's identity with great sensitivity and honesty.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate a heartfelt, coming-of-age story.

• The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Rahul Kapoor, a gay Indian American middle schooler, is advised by his beloved grandfather to find one thing he does well and become the best at it. Throughout the school year, Rahul faces various challenges and tries to figure out what he excels at while navigating his identity and the complexities of middle school.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-confidence, cultural identity, and dealing with bullying.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a humorous yet poignant look at the struggles of fitting in and finding oneself.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are feeling like they don’t quite fit in and are searching for their niche.

• Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Contemporary, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Zenobia July is starting a new life in Maine with her aunts after the death of her parents. When someone anonymously posts hateful memes on her school's website, tech-savvy Zenobia uses her skills to track down the culprit, all while navigating her new identity as a transgender girl.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cybersecurity, problem-solving, understanding gender identity, and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a compelling mystery with the journey of a transgender protagonist in a way that’s both educational and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young tech enthusiasts and mystery lovers who appreciate stories about finding one's place in the world.

Challenging Lgbt Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Set in Paris, this graphic novel tells the story of Prince Sebastian, who hires a talented dressmaker named Frances to create dresses for him to wear as Lady Crystallia. The story explores themes of identity, friendship, and acceptance.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative combines complex themes of gender identity and societal expectations with historical context, which can provoke thought and discussion among advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated and emotionally rich story that promotes understanding of gender fluidity and self-expression.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in historical settings and those exploring their own identity.

• The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: This novel follows twelve-year-old Sunny St. James as she navigates the complexities of new friendships, her identity, and her relationship with her mother, who re-enters her life after years of absence.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with mature themes such as LGBTQ+ identity, family dynamics, and life-threatening illness, requiring readers to engage with emotionally complex situations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling look at personal growth and self-discovery, encouraging empathy and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotionally rich narratives and stories about personal challenges and triumphs.

• The Best Man by Richard Peck
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: The story follows Archer Magill as he navigates elementary and middle school, dealing with family, friendship, and his role models, including two gay men: his favorite uncle Paul and his teacher Mr. McLeod, who end up marrying each other.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative spans several years and tackles complex topics like gay marriage, bullying, and societal changes, offering a multifaceted view of growing up.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a humorous yet insightful perspective on family and societal evolution, promoting acceptance and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories that combine humor with meaningful life lessons.

• Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Grayson Sender has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: "he" is a girl on the inside. The story follows Grayson's journey of self-discovery and the challenges of expressing her true identity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses the profound and complex issues of gender identity and acceptance in a nuanced and thoughtful way, challenging readers to think deeply about identity and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful and uplifting story about finding the courage to be oneself, which is invaluable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Those who are exploring their identity or who appreciate stories about courage and authenticity.

• Drum Roll, Please by Lisa Jenn Bigelow
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Melly, who goes to rock-and-roll camp for the summer, just after her parents have decided to divorce. At camp, she discovers more about her musical talent and her own identity, including her feelings for another girl.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of self-discovery, first love, and family issues through the engaging medium of music, requiring readers to consider multiple dimensions of personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the passion for music with the exploration of adolescent LGBTQ+ themes in a relatable and inspiring way.
  • Perfect for: Young musicians and any reader navigating the complexities of growing up and self-acceptance.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading can be a window to new worlds, especially with books that celebrate diversity and inclusion. If you're 12 years old and interested in exploring LGBT-themed books, here are some exercises to help you develop good reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make your reading experience more enjoyable.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a month or choose a number of pages to read every day.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can keep you motivated and make reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Arrange a comfortable and quiet spot at home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Having a special place for reading can help you focus and enhance your reading experience.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s well-lit and cozy. Add some cushions or your favorite blanket!

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you're reading with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Discussing a book can deepen your understanding and give you different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try starting a small book club with friends who also enjoy reading.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize a digital application to track the books you’ve read and find recommendations for new ones.
  • How it helps: Keeps your reading organized and can help you discover other great LGBT books for young readers.
  • Tips: Apps like Goodreads allow you to set reading challenges and see what your friends are reading too.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book aloud either to yourself or to a listener.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you engage more deeply with the text.
  • Tips: Try to express the emotions of different characters with your voice, which can make it more fun and lively.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts, favorite quotes, and summaries of the books you read.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keeps track of your thoughts and progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit to jot down something about the book each time you read.

These exercises are designed to make your reading habit more structured and enjoyable. Whether you're diving into the challenges faced by characters in LGBT books or exploring fantastical worlds, these habits will help you get the most out of your reading time. Happy reading!