Exploring identity, culture, friendship, and activism through YA fiction and nonfiction can be transformative. These three standout books offer joy, complexity, and inspiration for teens ages 13 and up, centering Black queer joy, queer identity in religious spaces, and LGBTQ+ history. Perfect for Pride Month or anytime, these books open up conversations about what it means to be yourself in a world that’s still learning to accept everyone.
Featured Books
Kings of B’more by R. Eric Thomas
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Harrison and Linus are Black queer teens determined to have one perfect, epic day together before one of them moves away. Inspired by Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, this joyful celebration of friendship, identity, and growing up balances humor with heart.
Themes: Black queer joy, friendship, saying goodbye, coming-of-age
Why Read It: A rare YA novel centering queer Black boys with warmth and light. It affirms identity without focusing on trauma.
⚠️ Content Notes: Mild swearing, homophobia references, family tension; emotionally heavy but age-appropriate for 13+.
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
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Yamilet Flores tries to survive Catholic high school by keeping her sexuality a secret. When she meets Bo, an openly queer classmate, Yamilet faces the choice to keep hiding or embrace her true self.
Themes: Queer identity, religion, internalized homophobia, friendship, Mexican American culture
Why Read It: Honest and funny with real emotional depth, it speaks to teens balancing cultural and religious expectations around sexuality.
⚠️ Content Notes: Homophobic slurs (challenged), religious trauma, depression; no explicit content, best for mature readers.
Queer Power!: Icons, Activists & Game Changers from Across the Rainbow by Dom&Ink
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This vibrant illustrated guide introduces LGBTQ+ icons—past and present—from Marsha P. Johnson to Lil Nas X, explaining pronouns, pride flags, and queer identity spectrum concepts.
Themes: LGBTQ+ history, intersectionality, self-love, activism
Why Read It: Bold, inclusive, and teen-friendly, it mixes humor with powerful storytelling to celebrate identity and inspire action.
⚠️ Content Notes: Mentions of discrimination and protest; stylized art and slangy tone; age-appropriate for 13+.
Discussion Prompts
Kings of B’more
- Harrison and Linus have very different personalities. How do they challenge or support each other’s growth?
- Why is it important to tell joyful stories about marginalized people, especially Black queer youth?
- How does the one-day timeframe affect the pacing and emotional impact? Would a longer timeline change the story?
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School
- Yamilet feels torn between her cultural/religious upbringing and her identity. Have you ever felt conflicted within yourself? How did you handle it?
- How do Bo and Yamilet represent different ways of being out and queer?
- Why might self-acceptance be harder than acceptance from others?
Queer Power!
- Which LGBTQ+ icon or story resonated with you the most, and why?
- How does learning about LGBTQ+ history change our understanding of Pride Month?
- Why is it important to discuss intersectionality — the overlapping identities of race, gender, and sexuality?
Activities to Deepen Engagement
Personal Zine or Mini-Bio
Choose a historical or contemporary LGBTQ+ figure from Queer Power! to research. Create a mini-zine or illustrated one-page bio to share, including both famous and lesser-known icons.
“One Epic Day” Journaling Prompt
Inspired by Kings of B’more, write about what you would do if you had one perfect day to spend with your best friend. Include drawings, maps, or playlists.
Closet Collage or Identity Quilt
Create a visual “identity quilt” with squares representing your faith, family, culture, dreams, and fears—reflecting Yamilet’s journey balancing identity and cultural expectations.
Pride Speeches & Open Mic
Write and optionally perform a short speech or poem about what you learned from these books or what it means to be an ally. Organize or attend a Pride-themed open mic event.
Intersectionality Web Activity
Use string, yarn, or a digital tool to map a “web of identity,” showing how race, gender, language, sexuality, and other traits intersect to shape people’s lives.
“What Pride Means to Me” Poster
Create a mixed media poster answering: “What Pride Means to Me.” Use words, symbols, and imagery inspired by the books or your own reflections.
Actionable Step: Research and Support an LGBTQ+ Issue
Choose a cause connected to these reads or current events — for example, fighting book bans, supporting trans youth, addressing homelessness, or improving healthcare access.
- Pick an Issue: Choose one that resonates with you.
- Research: Use trusted sources like The Trevor Project, GLSEN, or PFLAG.
- Take Action: Write or call your representative, share posts with resources, attend events, volunteer, or organize discussions.
- Reflect: How does this issue affect people like the characters? What privilege do you have and how can you use it responsibly?
Optional: Keep an “impact journal” tracking what you learn, who you contact, and future steps.
These books and activities create meaningful ways for young adults to explore identity, history, and activism in a supportive, joyful, and honest way. Whether you’re a reader, educator, or parent, these stories open doors to important conversations and inspire real-world action.
Printable Resource
Download a free Young Adult Pride Reads & Activities Printable to guide your reading, discussions, and creative projects. Perfect for classrooms, libraries, or personal use!
Download Printable PDF
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