My 9-year-old loves book with LGBT characters, but I struggle finding ones that are appropriate for their age group. I’d love some recommendations please. – Gemma
For a 9+ child, Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow, written by Benjamin Dean and illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat, is a great story about Archie, whose mum and dad no longer live together. It shows gently how your family is always your family, even when your parents change, and has a great Pride celebration. I also love The Secret Sunshine Project by the same author and illustrator.
The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. by Jen Carney is a fun diary-style series for 7/8+. Billie lives with her two mums, which is incidental as the story mainly involves her getting up to all sorts with her school friends with hilarious consequences.
Jamie by L.D. Lapinski, just published in March, is a joyful and brave story about Jamie, who is non binary and in Year 6 at school, trying to work out their place in the world and navigate the change to secondary school.
Also recently published is Glitter Boy by Ian Eagleton, an 'own voices' story for 9+ about family, friends and accepting who you are. It includes bullying and resentment as the main character, James, questions his sexuality, but ultimately this is about being true to yourself and never giving up.