BOOKS

Happy Pride Month! We're celebrating and highlighting members of the LGBTQ+ community this month and reading their stories is one of the best ways to understand and learn more about the community. Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community yourself and looking for adorable and heartwarming reads with a cast of characters just like you, or you're looking for a read that might help you better support your LGBTQ+ friends and family, we have 10 *amazing* reads that need to be on your TBR list this June. 

What if it's Us

Image: @irayred

Broadway show obsessed Arthur is in bustling NYC for the summer, ready for the *perfect* stage-worthy romance. Ben is struggling to get over his breakup and finally get rid of his ex-boyfriends' things. Their post office meet-cute and not-so-perfect first date... and second first date, and so on, makes for the sweetest summer romance; whether it's like a Broadway play or not. 

Red, White and Royal Blue

Image: @rachrreads

International socialite, Alex Cleremont Diez is the first son of the United States. When he and his self-declared nemesis Prince Henry of Wales are forced to fake a friendship to save them from a PR scandal, the two find out they might not hate each other as much as they thought. Chock full of enemies to lovers, secret relationships, swoon-worthy British accents and an exciting political subplot, Red White and Royal Blue is *totally* making history in our minds. 

Her Royal Highness

Image: @areaderamongthestars

If you can't get enough of romances involving royals, (and who could blame you?) Her Royal Highness is a sweet and lighthearted read that will warm your heart. Life might not always be a fairy tale, but Millie and her Scottish princess roommate Flora are making their own happily ever after; once they get over hating eachother. 

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Image: @furiousglitter

Aristotle and Dante are teens growing up in 1980's Texas. Aristotle's brother is in prison and Dante is a bit of a know-it-all. The two loners meet at a pool and in this book about friendship, family and truth, the two try to help each other find out who they are and what the secrets of the universe really are. 

Felix Ever After 

Image: @effiereads

Despite his last name, Felix Love has never been in love. He's proud of his identity—black, queer and transgender, but he's worried he might never get his own happy ending. When a catfish scenario turns into a quasi-love triangle Felix has to navigate his own feelings and recognize the love he deserves. 

Loveless

Image: @arilovestoread

Shedding much-needed light on asexuality and aromanticism, Loveless follows new university student Georgia: a fanfic-obsessed romantic.... who's never been in love. Friendship, teamwork and exploring your sexuality make this a must-read. (Don't be surprised if you shed a few tears at the end!) 

Heartstopper

Image: @starlightbooktales

One of the cutest high school romances *ever*, Heartstopper is the adorable pastel-styled graphic novel that follows over-thinker Charlie falling in love with the seemingly out-of-reach rugby player, Nick. Showing how love works in mysterious ways, Heartstopper is totally swoon-worthy. And if you totally love it—there are three more volumes of the story. 

The Falling in Love Montage

Image: @livresenhas

Saoirse doesn't do love at first sight, happy endings and she certainly doesn't do relationships. Her life is full of struggling with her mother's onset dementia—so a movie-style romance doesn't seem real. Until Ruby's mischievous personality and one blue freckle convince her to try a summer of cliche rom-com worthy moments. 

Some Girls Do

Image: @penguinteenca

Morgan was an elite track athlete who had it all. Until she's forced to transfer schools late in her senior year after her private Catholic school decides it's against their code of conduct to be queer. While Morgan is out and proud at her new school, her new friend and crush Morgan isn't ready to come out yet. Some Girls Do is all about living your truth... no matter what that means for you.

Sissy

Image: @stacy40pages

An eye-opening memoir by voice actor Jacob Tobia, Jacob shares their story of a childhood filled with stereotypes and a plethora of names that were never quite right for the way Jacob really felt about their gender. Funny and honest, Sissy is a must-read that shatters the thought that people need to be sorted into "men" and "women".  

Need some help with your own WLW romance? Here's how to figure out if she likes girls without *actually* asking her.

Happy Pride!

All gifs via: GIPHY
Slider: @regal_leaves

by Abigail Adams | 6/1/2021