A Look at Books #4

Luna, by Julie Anne Peters

Published in 2003, this groundbreaking novel was one of the first to notably feature a transgender character. It focuses on Regan, a teenager with a nonexistent social life who’s struggling to keep up her GPA, and who’s also the sister of a trans girl named Luna (known as Liam to everyone except Regan). Regan is the only one Luna has come out to, and the book covers Luna’s transition and Regan’s journey to understand her.

Boyfriends with Girlfriends, by Alex Sanchez

Boyfriends with Girlfriends is a must-read novel about four teens: Lance, who is an openly gay boy with a supportive family; Sergio, who is out as bisexual but struggling to be accepted by his parents; Allie, a girl who believes she is straight but is questioning her sexuality; and Kimiko, a lesbian who has yet to come out to her strict parents. Lance and Sergio have never openly dated boys before, and when they start going out, it’s a new and confusing experience. Meanwhile, Allie and Kimiko are instantly attracted to each other, but Kimiko has never been in a relationship and Allie is currently dating a guy. This is a lovely novel about finding your place in the world and taking risks for love.

To Night Owl From Dogfish, by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer

To Night Owl From Dogfish is a delightful novel-in-emails about two girls, Bett Devlin and Avery Bloom, whose gay dads are in a relationship. When Bett and Avery first meet, they hate each other, but a summer camp session creates a sisterly bond that can never be broken. The book follows them as they navigate the ups and downs of their dads’ relationship, and the ending is an eye-opening revelation that will leave you in tears.

George, by Alex Gino

This delightful novel features George, a transgender girl who is living a lie. No one understands who she really is. But when she musters the courage to try out for Charlotte in the school’s production of Charlotte’s Web, her teacher refuses to give her the part because everyone thinks she’s a boy. George must choose whether to keep her secret or reveal herself to the world.

Rick, by Alex Gino

This magnificent sequel to George tells the story of Rick Ramsey, a boy who’s just started sixth grade. He’s beginning to question his sexuality, as he’s never had romantic feelings for anyone, when he begins to attend the Rainbow Spectrum club, a safe space to explore gender identity and sexuality. The book talks about his struggles with his homophobic best friend, his girl-obsessed dad, and more