READ WITH PRIDE

For many readers, books are a gateway to understanding more about the world around us. Amid increased censorship globally, Children’s Books Ireland highlights 10 great reads that champion the LGBTQ+ community.

Reading — Books — Recommendations

When a child or young person finds a book that really speaks to them, it can unlock something in them that allows them to feel that they belong, sometimes, for the first time. At Children’s Books Ireland, we believe that it is essential that children and young people have access to inclusive books so that we can build a better, more compassionate world. And not just any books telling any story—excellent stories, with nuanced, positive representation, and relevant, contemporary non-fiction which can inform and guide them as they get to know themselves.

In June, we launched the 2025 edition of Read with Pride, our annual reading guide filled with stories and non-fiction books celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. This guide is free to download and features 100 book reviews and a further 100 ‘read also’ recommendations for all ages from 0 through to 18. From picturebooks to graphic novels, fiction and non-fiction, English and books as Gaeilge, we have a range of books focusing on LGBTQ+ stories and themes, many from LGBTQ+ artists.

Read with Pride is an annual guide and is our way of advocating for queer voices to be heard and queer stories to be platformed. As we celebrate 10 years of Marriage Equality, we’re equally conscious that trans rights are being eroded and diminished around the world. We stand with our trans siblings and admire the brilliant work being done by organisations like ShoutOut and Belong To, who are working tirelessly for a more equal Ireland.

As we nurture the next generation of readers, we can help to build greater empathy and understanding, page by page. Through stories, young readers can learn to broaden their perspectives and foster a more inclusive mindset as they encounter characters of all genders and sexualities. Children’s and YA literature can often be a lifeline too, offering support, a safe space to belong and above all, hope.

From this year’s guide we have selected books that spotlight non-binary, trans and gender exploration stories as well as titles that centre around queer joy and family. In the face of censorship, we at Children’s Books Ireland will continue to champion excellent LGBTQ+ books for all young readers to find and fall in love with.

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland.

The Rock Family Band

by Robert Tregoning, illustrated by Laura Brenlla (Oxford University Press)

In a home filled with big hair, big shoes and non-stop glam rock, Dad shreds on guitar, Pops belts out tunes, Nana plays the tambourine, Liv commands the drums and Bo dazzles on keyboard, meanwhile, Sam prefers the soft, soothing melodies of his flute. But when stage fright strikes at his school recital, Sam realises that his family’s wild musical energy might be just what he needs. Tregoning infuses his storytelling with dazzling energy and musicality while Brenlla’s illustrations explode with life. A celebration of family and individuality. (Age 5+)

A Year of Pride and Joy: 52 LGBTQ+ Voices Share Their Life Passions

edited by Simon James Green, illustrated by Ruth Burrows (Magic Cat Publishing)

This unique collection is a perfect resource for exploring new hobbies or seeking inspiration to find your passion. With 52 diverse, well-known people detailing what brings them joy in life, there’s a ‘joy’ for each week of the year. It’s fantastic to have a resource aimed at LGBTQ+ children that introduces them to a variety of interests from people they can identify with and it shows them that they belong anywhere their passion takes them. (Non-fiction, Age 8+)

Heartstopper 2

by Alice Oseman, translated by Eoin McEvoy (Futa Fata)

Leanann Heartstopper 2 ar aghaidh le scéal Nick agus Charlie, lánúin sa mheánscoil agus grúpa cairde aiteacha acu. Is ris lúcháireach é an scéal croíúil seo faoi ghrá, cairdeas agus eispéaras an aosa óig LADTA+ ar shaol na ndéagóirí agus ar an gcéad chaidrimh. Is comhartha dóchais é Heartstopper 2 do dhéagóirí aiteacha.

The second instalment of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series, expertly translated by Eoin McEvoy, picks up where the last story left off, following Nick and Charlie and their group of friends. This is a heartwarming graphic novel, filled with love, friendship and the experiences of young LGBTQ+ people navigating their first relationships. Heartstopper 2 is a beacon of hope for queer teens. (Age 12+)

The Doughnut Club

by Kristina Rahim (Nosy Crow)

12-year-old Quinn often feels out of sync with her adventurous family. While her two mothers and younger brother Olly thrive on physical activities, Quinn prefers the solace of her sketchbook. This internal conflict deepens when she learns that she and Olly have 16 donor siblings, a revelation that propels her on a quest for connection. This story is a heartfelt navigation of the emotional landscape of a donor-conceived child seeking her place in a non-traditional family structure. Using humour and warmth, Rahim’s personal experience as a parent of donor-conceived children makes for a thoughtful narrative. (Age 10+)

Feature Reading — Books — Recommendations

Lady’s Knight

by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner (Electric Monkey)

A tongue-in-cheek tale about Gwen, a blacksmith’s daughter who masquerades as a knight in the Tournament of Dragonslayers, and the Lady Isobelle, whose hand in marriage (and sizeable dowry) is the prize. What starts as a daring plan to outsmart the patriarchy turns into something that neither girl bargained for. With fighting montages, cocktails, stolen kisses and secret jailbreaks, readers are in for an entertaining time. The sassy, fourth-wall-breaking narrator draws us into a world where medieval meets modern, with copious amounts of wit and star-crossed lovers. (Age 15+)

Marley’s Pride

by Joëlle Retener, illustrated by DeAnn Wiley (Barefoot Books)

Marley’s Pride is a whirlwind of cheer, and a celebration of being trans, Black and neurodivergent. This story captures Marley, a non-binary child, and their grandparent Zaza, who is an activist, being honoured with an award for their work for the transgender community. Retener doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that Marley finds things like fitting into a binary world hard, however, joy radiates through both the writing and the illustrations. (Age 5+)

Jamie

by L.D. Lapinski (Orion Children’s Books)

Jamie is non-binary and when forced to choose between going to an all-boys or all-girls secondary school, they and their friends fight for Jamie’s right to attend a school that accepts them as they are. Our protagonist is wonderfully brave and resolute in their convictions as they lead an inspiring protest. A stunning, heartwarming read, this book introduces LGBTQ+ terminology in an accessible manner throughout. (Age 10+)

Jay’s Guide to Crushing It

by Ruby Clyde (Scholastic)

When Jay and her family move out of London, Jay’s mum is excited about the new start for her child—a girls-only school, a uniform with a skirt and, most importantly, no skateboarding. Jay pretends this is what she wants too. She can swap her happiness for her mum’s, right? But when she meets Mina and Alex, she realises that she’s living a lie. This emotional romcom can be read by both teens and their parents and shows the importance of living life on your own terms. (Age 12+)

I Shall Never Fall in Love

by Hari Conner (Simon & Schuster)

Life is changing for childhood friends Eleanor, Charlotte and George. Instead of spending their days having fun outdoors, they must start looking for husbands. But Eleanor is struggling to fall in love with a man, Charlotte has fallen for the wrong man, and George prefers men’s fashion to their company. Can they find their own happiness despite society’s rigid expectations? A modern re-telling of Jane Austen’s classic Emma, marrying bold, expressive illustrations with lively dialogue and loveable characters, this is a graphic novel that warms the heart. (Age 14+)

This Feast of a Life

by Cynthia So (Little Tiger)

When Auden comes out as non-binary, they do so by testing out their chosen name on their food blog. This is how Valerie discovers Auden, and as they both find comfort in each other’s company, they explore their identities and passions, informing the intricacies of their burgeoning relationship. Weaving together so many relatable aspects of growing up with compassion, this is a true comfort read. An astonishing story about connection, community and self, paired with wonderful instances of food writing at the heart of the narrative. (Age 15+)