For many sixth graders, reading can be a way to explore different perspectives and learn about the world around them. However, finding books that feature LGBTQ+ characters or address LGBTQ+ themes can be a challenge. That’s where we come in.
We’ve spent hours researching and reading to find the best LGBTQ+ books for sixth graders. When selecting books, we paid attention to the quality of writing, representation of LGBTQ+ characters and themes, and age-appropriateness.
One critical thing to consider when selecting LGBTQ+ books for sixth graders is the level of complexity of the themes and characters. While some books may be appropriate for older readers, the books we’ve selected are appropriate for sixth graders and address LGBTQ+ themes in a way that is accessible and respectful.
With our list of the best LGBTQ+ books for sixth graders, we hope to provide young readers with a diverse range of characters and stories that will educate, entertain, and inspire.
Best LGBTQ Books for 6th Grade
We’ve compiled a list of the best LGBTQ books for 6th grade students. These books cover a range of genres and topics, from coming-of-age stories to historical fiction to fantasy. Our selection includes books that are both entertaining and educational, providing young readers with diverse perspectives and important life lessons. Whether you’re looking for a book to read with your child or for them to read on their own, we’ve got you covered.
Shadow Jumper: A mystery adventure book for children and teens aged 10-14 (A Shadow Jumper Mystery Adventure)
If you’re looking for an exciting mystery adventure book for your 6th grader, Shadow Jumper is a great choice.
Pros
- The plot is engaging and will keep your child interested from beginning to end.
- The book is well-written, with descriptive language that will help your child visualize the story.
- The book is suitable for children aged 10-14, making it a great choice for 6th graders.
Cons
- The book is only 210 pages long, which may not be enough for voracious readers.
- Some readers may find the ending a bit abrupt.
- The book is only available in English, which may be a barrier for non-native speakers.
Shadow Jumper is a mystery adventure book that follows the story of a young boy named Jack who discovers he has the ability to jump into shadows. Along with his new friend, a girl named Beth, Jack sets out to solve the mystery of a missing girl. The plot is engaging and will keep your child interested from beginning to end.
The book is well-written, with descriptive language that will help your child visualize the story. The characters are well-developed, and your child will likely feel invested in their journey. The book is suitable for children aged 10-14, making it a great choice for 6th graders.
One potential downside is that the book is only 210 pages long, which may not be enough for voracious readers. Some readers may find the ending a bit abrupt. Additionally, the book is only available in English, which may be a barrier for non-native speakers.
Overall, we would recommend Shadow Jumper as a great choice for a mystery adventure book for your 6th grader. It’s engaging, well-written, and suitable for the age range.
Inside Out and Back Again: A Newbery Honor Award Winner
We highly recommend purchasing Inside Out and Back Again: A Newbery Honor Award Winner for 6th graders who want to learn about the struggles of immigration and the power of resilience.
Pros
- The book is written in poetry-style prose, making it a quick and easy read.
- The story is captivating and emotionally impactful, providing insight into the experiences of immigrant families.
- The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with them.
Cons
- The book is only 288 pages, which may not be long enough for some readers.
- The story may be too emotionally heavy for some readers.
- The writing style may not be appealing to all readers.
Inside Out and Back Again: A Newbery Honor Award Winner tells the story of a 10-year-old girl named Ha living in Saigon in 1975. As the Vietnam War reaches its end, Ha and her family flee to America, where they face new challenges and struggles.
The book is written in poetry-style prose, which makes it a quick and easy read. Despite its short length, the story is captivating and emotionally impactful, providing insight into the experiences of immigrant families. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with them.
However, the book’s short length may not be long enough for some readers, and the story may be too emotionally heavy for others. Additionally, the writing style may not be appealing to all readers.
Overall, we believe that Inside Out and Back Again: A Newbery Honor Award Winner is a must-read for 6th graders who want to learn about the struggles of immigration and the power of resilience.
The Stars Beneath Our Feet
We highly recommend purchasing The Stars Beneath Our Feet for any 6th grader looking for a powerful and thought-provoking LGBTQ book.
Pros
- The book provides an authentic portrayal of inner-city life and the challenges faced by young people growing up in poverty.
- The protagonist, Lolly, is a relatable and sympathetic character who struggles with grief and identity.
- The book tackles important social issues, including gun violence, gang activity, and the power of art to heal.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book’s themes and language too mature for younger readers.
- The book’s nonlinear structure may be confusing for some readers.
- The ending may leave some readers wanting more closure.
The Stars Beneath Our Feet is a powerful and poignant novel that explores themes of grief, identity, and the power of creativity. The book follows Lolly, a 12-year-old boy living in Harlem who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his older brother to gun violence. As Lolly navigates his grief, he discovers the healing power of art and connects with a community of other young people who are using their creativity to make a difference in their world.
One of the strengths of The Stars Beneath Our Feet is its authentic portrayal of inner-city life and the challenges faced by young people growing up in poverty. The book doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like gang violence and drug use, but it also shows the resilience and creativity of young people who are determined to make a better life for themselves.
Another strength of the book is its protagonist, Lolly. He is a relatable and sympathetic character who struggles with grief, identity, and the pressures of growing up in a tough neighborhood. Readers will root for him as he finds his way through his struggles and discovers his own voice.
While The Stars Beneath Our Feet is a powerful and important book, it may not be appropriate for all readers. Some may find the book’s themes and language too mature for younger readers, and the nonlinear structure may be confusing for some readers. Additionally, the ending may leave some readers wanting more closure.
Overall, we highly recommend The Stars Beneath Our Feet for any 6th grader looking for a powerful and thought-provoking LGBTQ book. It is a moving and memorable story that will stay with readers long after they finish it.
The Seventh Level
We highly recommend purchasing The Seventh Level for any 6th grader looking for an engaging and thought-provoking LGBTQ book.
Pros
- The story is well-written and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
- The characters are relatable and well-developed, making it easy for readers to connect with them.
- The book provides a positive representation of LGBTQ characters and themes, helping to promote acceptance and understanding.
Cons
- The book may be too mature for some younger readers due to its LGBTQ themes and content.
- The plot may be predictable for some readers who are familiar with the mystery genre.
- The book may not be suitable for readers who are uncomfortable with LGBTQ themes or characters.
The Seventh Level is a captivating and well-written book that explores important themes related to identity, acceptance, and friendship. The story follows Travis, a 6th grader who is struggling to fit in at school and at home. When he discovers a mysterious puzzle box, he sets out on a journey to uncover its secrets and, in the process, discovers more about himself and those around him.
The characters in The Seventh Level are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to connect with them. The book also provides a positive representation of LGBTQ characters and themes, helping to promote acceptance and understanding.
While the book may be too mature for some younger readers, it is a great choice for 6th graders who are looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read. The plot is well-crafted and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, and the themes explored in the book are relevant and important.
Overall, we highly recommend The Seventh Level to any 6th grader looking for an LGBTQ book that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Eight Days a Survivor
We highly recommend purchasing Eight Days a Survivor for any 6th grader looking to learn about LGBTQ experiences in a captivating way.
Pros
- The book is well-written and engaging, making it easy for young readers to understand and relate to the characters.
- The story is centered around survival in the wilderness, making it an exciting read for adventure-loving kids.
- The book provides a positive representation of LGBTQ characters, which is important for children to see.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book’s focus on survival to be distracting from the LGBTQ themes.
- The book is relatively short, which may leave some readers wanting more.
- The story may be too mature for some younger readers.
Eight Days a Survivor is a captivating story about a young boy named Caleb who gets lost in the wilderness with his best friend. As they struggle to survive, Caleb begins to realize that he has feelings for his friend that he doesn’t quite understand.
The book is well-written and engaging, making it easy for young readers to understand and relate to the characters. The story is centered around survival in the wilderness, making it an exciting read for adventure-loving kids. Additionally, the book provides a positive representation of LGBTQ characters, which is important for children to see.
However, some readers may find the book’s focus on survival to be distracting from the LGBTQ themes. Additionally, the book is relatively short, which may leave some readers wanting more. Finally, the story may be too mature for some younger readers.
Overall, we highly recommend Eight Days a Survivor for any 6th grader looking to learn about LGBTQ experiences in a captivating way. Click here to purchase it on Amazon.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best LGBTQ books for 6th graders, there are a few important factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of key features to help you make an informed decision.
Age-Appropriateness
It’s important to choose books that are age-appropriate for your 6th grader. While some books may contain important themes and messages, they may not be suitable for younger readers. Look for books that are specifically marketed towards middle-grade readers.
Representation
Representation is key when it comes to LGBTQ books. Look for books that feature diverse characters and storylines that accurately reflect the experiences of LGBTQ individuals. Make sure the books you choose avoid harmful stereotypes and tropes.
Positive Messaging
Books with positive messaging can help to promote acceptance and understanding. Look for books that promote diversity and inclusivity, and avoid books that perpetuate negative or harmful stereotypes.
Reviews
Reading reviews from other parents, educators, and librarians can help you make an informed decision. Look for reviews that discuss the book’s themes, representation, and overall message. This can help you determine whether the book is a good fit for your 6th grader.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best LGBTQ books for your 6th grader. Remember to choose books that are age-appropriate, feature diverse representation, promote positive messaging, and have positive reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some recent queer middle grade books recommended for 6th graders?
We recommend “George” by Alex Gino, “The Best At It” by Maulik Pancholy, and “Hurricane Child” by Kheryn Callender. These books feature relatable characters and tackle important themes such as self-discovery, acceptance, and friendship.
Which LGBTQ middle grade graphic novels are suitable for school libraries?
“Beetle and the Hollowbones” by Aliza Layne and “The Witch Boy” by Molly Ostertag are great options for school libraries. These graphic novels feature diverse characters and explore themes such as gender identity and family acceptance.
Can you suggest school-appropriate LGBTQ+ books for young readers?
“Redwood and Ponytail” by K.A. Holt and “Drama” by Raina Telgemeier are both school-appropriate LGBTQ+ books for young readers. These books explore themes such as friendship, identity, and acceptance.
What are some age-appropriate LGBTQ books for 12-year-olds?
We recommend “The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James” by Ashley Herring Blake and “The Moon Within” by Aida Salazar. These books feature strong, relatable characters and tackle important themes such as self-discovery and family relationships.
What YA LGBTQ books are also suitable for a 6th-grade reading level?
“Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli and “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by T.J. Klune are both YA LGBTQ books that are also suitable for a 6th-grade reading level. These books feature relatable characters and explore themes such as identity, friendship, and acceptance.
How can I find LGBTQ books for tweens that are inclusive and educational?
We recommend checking out the Stonewall Book Awards, which recognize books with exceptional merit relating to the LGBTQ experience. Another great resource is GLSEN, which offers book lists and resources for educators and parents looking for inclusive and educational LGBTQ books for tweens.
View more reviews of children’s books here.