“A simple book with a simple message. A great purchase for libraries.” — School Library Journal

"A collective “we” traces a collective narrative of attending Pride in this joyfully bustling picture book...[M]usic plays, “flamboyant floats pass by,” and people share plentiful snacks. Even when the weather turns for the worse, the experience is one of unity and resilience: “together,/ we weather the storm.” Ayala-Kronos employs brief, descriptive sentences, while Salinas’s rainbow-hued illustrations depict the energy of the celebration as well as between the Pride-goers, shown with various abilities, body types, and skin tones. Individuals assemble on every page, aptly emphasizing themes of connection and community-building, all “under one rainbow.” — Publishers Weekly

"A diverse community of people come together on a sunny day to celebrate Pride...Salinas' bold, bright, mural-like illustrations command attention...Laden with delightful alliteration, Ayala-Kronos' clear, concise text begs to be read aloud. Messages of love, support, and resilience are effortlessly woven through, and readers—adults and children alike—will easily make connections between the book and their own lives...Uplifting, inclusive, and powerful." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"By blending queer joy with thoughtful ruminations on change and tradition, and interweaving classic coming-of-age angst with broader social themes, Gros celebrates self-discovery and resilience, making for a richly textured graphic novel." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"An engaging coming-of-age story where not only does the tween protagonist learn about herself but she also gets to share lessons about courage and taking risks to help others with the adults in her life." — Booklist

"A kind contemplation on generational trauma, race, and queer identity in the South, this book sparkles with queer joy." — Booklist (starred review)

"In this emotionally grounded tale about becoming one’s true self, Chu carefully balances an affirming coming-out narrative with honest, approachable accounts of familial secrets, intergenerational trauma, and systemic racism and homophobia." — Publishers Weekly

"An important book for middle school shelves, and for any reader seeking a positive role model demonstrating courage and strength in the face of challenging situations—even when it’s family who might pose the biggest ­obstacle." — School Library Journal

"This book tenderly follows the classic coming-of-age formula. Chu’s personal connection to the narrative, as a drag performer and founder of the Drag Story Hour organization, comes through passionately." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Can a disabled princess and her gender-nonconforming squire make a difference to their country’s war efforts? . . . The characters all have depth and flaws and believably grow into stronger versions of their true selves who value their own self-worth. . . . A thoughtful fantasy exploring loyalty, self-worth, and the ethics of war beyond the battlefield.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A ­character-driven fantasy series opener with tons of adventure” — School Library Journal

“The scarcity of queer or disabled heroes in medieval middle-grade fiction makes this a necessary purchase for the representation alone, and a worthwhile adventure grounded in a beautifully affirming friendship seals the deal.” — Booklist

“Greater geopolitical forces swirling around the characters raise the stakes, and the close relationship between Ash and Splinter, Lucen’s efforts to remake himself into a person worthy of knighthood, and Splinter’s determination to never be anyone but herself make this intentional homage to Tamora Pierce’s Tortall series fully worthy of readers’ admiration and delight.” — Horn Book Magazine

"It packs the full punch of humanity’s potential ills balanced with hope of the good we might achieve. The realism of the struggles the characters face keeps the story engaging, and returning fans will appreciate the time spent with the original Ambrose and Kodiak. Complex and brimming with pathos." — Kirkus Reviews

"Compulsively readable, with thought-provoking themes. Truly, Schrefer has produced an updated, inclusive exploration of human connection in a way that is rarely seen outside the context of classic science fiction." — Booklist

“A worthy successor to the first book, answering questions while weaving plot points and characterization in and out of time and space, fully delivering on some sci-fi coolness, creepiness, and political commentary all at once.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Ancrum’s tight writing style is perfect for this gritty thriller: simultaneously clipped and lyrical... The novel’s rich tenderness for the town, its residents, and their ghosts makes it a must-read.Queer resilience at its finest." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A psychologically thrilling and emotionally intimate tribute to bettering one’s own circumstances—and those of one’s community—and the selflessness of love." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Walt and Hollis’ romance is as intense, stark, and heartfelt as the romances in Ancrum’s previous works... their growth as people is both genuine and rewarding to watch." — Booklist (starred review)

"This is a magnificent piece of speculative fiction that will have readers waiting for more from this author" — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"A knack for creating characters who are bigger on the inside is on full display here... as Ancrum’s two-boys-one-body setup rests on a delicate balance of voice that never falters... A profoundly beautiful, strange, and introspective love story, at turns soothing and scalding." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"This engaging thriller explores an unusual LGBTQ+ romance, coming of age, and how the present is rooted in the past." — Horn Book Magazine

“Underwood creates a beautifully mythology-inspired tale of sapphic love and wrenching monstrosity." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

"The compelling plot explores themes of feminism, disability, and abuse in thoughtful ways, while staying true to the setting of ancient Greece. Readers will be intrigued by this Sapphic retelling featuring a strong sense of place. A creative, well-told story to satisfy fans of Greek mythology." — Kirkus Reviews

“This sophomore outing by Underwood, at once a supernatural mystery, slow-burn love story, and mythological retelling, will undoubtedly please fans of all three.” — Publishers Weekly

“This book offers positive representation that will resonate with many young adult readers, especially fans of Meredith Russo and Kacen Callender.” — Booklist

“A moving novel about grief and the possibility of hope after loss. Bulla creates an open and inclusive narrative for the characters to share their experiences as ­LGBTQIA+ teens. ­This story is touching, heartbreaking, and poignant. A must for readers who enjoy complex ­emotional ­journeys.” — School Library Journal

“The book has moments of rich emotion.” — Kirkus Reviews

"Laden with audience-engaging punk rock and emo music references and realistically depicting the casual access to drugs and alcohol in high school, this book explores the complex relationship between grief and love while tackling difficult subjects like addiction, substance abuse, abusive relationships, and suicide." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A queer love story that’s perfect for fans of slow-burn historical romance.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A lovely historical romance worthy of Austen. The art really shines in softly depicting the fashions of the time, as well as the tumultuous emotional journeys of the cast. Fans of the earnest sweetness found in Heartstopper (2020) or the Regency pining of Sarah Vaughn’s Ruined (2023) will be delighted.” — Booklist

“A charming, empowering story that will resonate with members of and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.” — School Library Journal

"Jamal’s debut YA novel is a fun summer romance with an engaging mystery to follow." — Booklist

"An enemies-to-lovers romance with a cinematic backdrop… that celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and Black cinema." — School Library Journal

"This lighthearted teen romance hits in all the right ways; it’s well plotted and well written, is easy and fun to read, and will make readers squeal over Charlie and Alexa’s budding relationship right up to the triumphant ending. Genre fans may appreciate how the two—who start off at odds with one another—are thrown together in improbable yet amorous situations. A treat for lovers of fluffy lesbian romance." — Kirkus Reviews

"Via Charlie and Alexa’s struggles with and dedication to their individual passions, Corson nails the tension and pressure of sports competition." — Publishers Weekly

"Charlie and Alexa are fire and ice... but as they find rhythm together on and off the ice, that collision leads to sparks. Corson skillfully keeps stakes high throughout this debut. The sapphic romance between Charlie and Alexa is easy to root for, while Charlie’s friends and family keep her grounded in a healthy manner. Charlie’s emotional journey reaches a strong conclusion that will satisfy readers. A truly delightful entry into the oeuvre of sporty YA romances." — Booklist

"A soaring addition to queer graphic novel canon." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Gao’s ability to create a realistic depiction of adolescence—of teenagers troubled with grief, familial expectations, spirituality, and what comes next—is exceptional. As Bex tells us “y’all means all,” and all libraries serving teens need this comic." — Booklist (starred review)

"A refreshingly raw and vulnerable exploration of grief and hope." — Kirkus Reviews

"A sweet, emotional read affirming those who struggle to find a place within religions that profess to hate who they are." — Kirkus Reviews

"Boteju (Bruised) employs grounded and informative prose to deliver empathetic examinations of acceptance, guilt, and the pressure of meeting unrealistic expectations in this tenderly affirming novel." — Publishers Weekly

"Nuanced and sweet...Kids in this story want to create safe spaces, and this book certainly offers one to its readers as Cassie’s journey to accepting her messiness emphasizes that, religious or not, being queer is normal and okay." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Artfully articulates the beauty of community...Boteju’s latest queer ­coming-­of-age story offers a vulnerable look into the intersection of identity and religion." — School Library Journal

"Kindhearted and affecting...Messy Perfect is an inspiring and beautifully written coming-of-age novel." — Shelf Awareness

"Told with wry humor and a sense of impending dread, the narrative homes in on how easy it is to misplace your trust—whether in people you’ve known your whole life or someone new. The impact of misogyny reverberates throughout the book, which centers on girls who want to speak out but are cautious to do so. It also offers a window into the complexities of how vengeance feels while taking a hard look at the consequences of revenge. A thrilling ride into the heart of a dangerous friendship." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Toxicity in first loves and in masculinity, and the compounding effects of grief and loneliness are explored through deeply affecting and sympathetic characters who fight hard for their own moral footing in a world where people often don’t get what they deserve. Gritty and gripping; give to fans of Courtney Summers and Mindy McGinnis immediately."   — School Library Journal (starred review)

"Hand this darkly comic coming-of-age psychological thriller revenge fantasy to readers who love movies like Bottoms or Do Revenge." — Booklist

"The multiple immersive perspectives and the anticipation this narrative will create in readers make this first installment in a planned trilogy unputdownable. Buffini captures the human spirit and all its messy and beautifully complex emotions. A brilliant character study that examines the effects of war, genocide, and misogyny.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“In this stunning YA debut, Buffini expertly juggles a complex plot. By playing off conflicting internal motivations to explore weighty topics of reproductive freedom, internalized homophobia, and state oppression, Buffini crafts a nuanced adventure, all the while dropping tantalizing hints of further conflict and hidden history broiling under the surface.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“A dynamic dystopic fantasy for fans of Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes and Morgan Rhodes’s Falling Kingdoms.” — School Library Journal

“Buffini weaves a setting plush with detail and world building. Songlight will appeal to readers who enjoyed Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale." — Booklist

"Vivid and powerful." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"This emotional and heart-poundingly suspenseful debut intertwines romance with supernatural horror. A nuanced romantic thriller." — Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will enjoy the boys’ intriguing search and their well-realized relationship." — Booklist

"Fans of Cemetery Boys will enjoy a similar supernatural romance, and Jaxon’s obsession with horror movies, Christian’s interest in the occult, and the setting of a small-town funeral home in October all culminate in a suitably atmospheric read for a chilly Halloween evening" — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books