Have you ever searched for representation in bookstores but couldn’t find it? That is unfortunately the case for many bookstores who don’t have a dedicated LGBTQIA+ section. Unless you know what you’re looking for, it’s difficult to know which books are queer. We’ve gathered eight light-hearted books for the summer, and explained what representation these books bring!
*MC: main character, LI: love interest, SC: side character(s)
YOUNG ADULT
Felix Ever After, Kacen Callender (they/he)
Felix Ever After takes place in New York City. We follow Felix, a black non-binary trans teenager who goes to art school. Although Felix is worrying about the lack of relationships in his life, someone decides to reveal his deadname and pictures before his transition. While he’s still discovering his identity, him and his friends start to investigate who could be behind these acts. Although the plot is heavy at times, the friendship group Felix has and the activities they participate in are very wholesome and suited for a summer read.
Queer rep: Non-binary transmasc MC, gay LI, lesbian SC, queer SC.
Ophelia After All, Racquel Marie (she/her)
Ophelia After All tells the story of Ophelia, a Cuban-American teenage girl who’s deemed as “boy-obsessed” due to the amount of crushes she gets. But what happens when she can’t stop thinking about Talia, the cute girl in her class? Ophelia goes through a lot of questioning and dealing with homophobia within her environment, afraid that this particular crush will change everything about her relationships. There are a lot of queer side characters and plenty of cultural representation. Each of the characters is well-written and the dynamics are wholesome. If you’re looking for a heartwarming but emotional read, this one is it.
Queer rep: Bisexual MC, bisexual LI, bisexual SC, lesbian SC.
Gwen & Art Are Not In Love, Lex Croucher (they/them)
Gwen & Art Are Not In Love is a medieval queer retelling of King Arthur. Despite being promised to one another since birth, Gwendoline and Arthur really hate each other. Throughout the few times they’ve spent together during their life, they were a menace to each other. Now, their engagement is around the corner, but what happens when Gwen catches Art kissing a boy? And what about Art finding Gwen’s diary confessing to her growing feelings for the only female knight? Soon, they learn it’s better to be allies than enemies. This is such a fun summer read with hilarious dialogue and wholesome relationships between the characters.
Queer rep: Lesbian MC, gay MC, lesbian LI, gay LI.
Never Ever Getting Back Together, Sophie Gonzales (she/her)
When Maya and Skye receive a phone call from a producer to be on a reality show where they’d compete for their ex’s love, Jordy, their first instinct is to decline. However, the more they think about it, the more they find reasons to participate in the show. Never Ever Getting Back Together is about second chance romance, but not the one you’d imagine. Maya is there for revenge. After finding out Jordy cheated on her with Skye, she is determined to win and embarrass him on live television. Skye doesn’t know she was the other woman, she only knows the kind Jordy, the one she wants to rekindle her relationship with. As Maya and Skye get closer, they discover there’s more to each other’s story than they knew. What they don’t expect is for their platonic connection to turn into romantic feelings. This read is about finding love again in the most unexpected places.
Queer rep: Bisexual MC, bisexual MC.
ADULT
Sizzle Reel, Carlyn Greenwald (she/her)
Sizzle Reel tells the story of Luna, a production assistant in Hollywood who’s trying to become a cinematographer. Luna has just come to terms with her bisexuality, and is now discovering how this affects her life. Luna is a baby gay by all means, but her non-binary lesbian best friend Romy helps her — especially as she starts crushing on Valeria Sullivan, an up and coming actress. She faces a lot of doubts and insecurities as she gets closer to Valeria, at the same time wondering if this is the right person for her. It’s a very cute slow burn, filled with romance and realness.
Queer rep: Bisexual MC, lesbian LI, non-binary lesbian SC.
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty, Akwaeke Emezi (they/them)
If you’re looking for a hot summer read, look no further. Though I will preface this by saying You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty is not for everyone. Feyi is an artist that is trying to get her break in the city, while at the same time grieving her love that died years ago. During a party, she meets this man that offers her the opportunity to work on an exhibition at his home on a tropical island. Although it’s only been a short time, Feyi accepts, but what she does not expect is to fall for someone else — someone she should not fall for. There are a lot of deep conversations and topics in this book, but that doesn’t prevent it from being a great read for the season.
Queer rep: Bisexual MC, bisexual LI, lesbian SC.
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care, Ashley Herring Blake (she/they)
Delilah Green promised herself she would not go back to her hometown after moving to New York City to pursue her photography career. Bright Falls holds a lot of trauma for her, including the death of her father and years of bullying. However, she can’t say no to the check her stepmom offers her to photographer the wedding of Astrid, her stepsister. On her first night back, Delilah goes to the local bar and starts flirting with one of Astrid’s best friends, Claire. What she doesn’t realise is that through the wedding shenanigans, there will be more than casual fun involved. If you want a steamy sapphic read, this one is for you.
Queer rep: Lesbian MC, bisexual LI, bisexual SC.
One Last Stop, Casey McQuiston (they/them)
August moves to New York City with the mindset of not getting attached to the place or the people. No matter how much her roommates try to get to know her, she pushes them away. However, she keeps seeing this girl, Jane, on the subway. Then August realizes she’s the only one who can see Jane. Jane is stuck on the Q line and can’t leave. August makes it her mission to discover more about the mysterious girl’s history and find out why she might be trapped there. In her search for a solution to free her, August finds comfort and connection within her roommates. She also develops feelings for Jane. It is a story about healing and finding love, whichever shape it might take.
Queer rep: Bisexual MC, lesbian LI, trans SC, sapphic SC, gay SC, pansexual SC.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these recommended books! Let us know in the comments if you’ve read any of these books, and what you thought. If you’re looking for more books to read, check out this article on Friends to Lovers:
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