In case you don't know, June isn't just the sixth month of the year—it's also Pride Month! So if you've been seeing rainbow reacts on Facebook, or colorful captions on Instagram—well, you now know why. This is a significant period of time as it celebrates LGBT+ rights. Although people are more accepting nowadays, there's still a stigma that surrounds people who aren't straight—all the reason for us to promote Pride Month.
Pride Month is not just about attending gay pride marches or protesting for same-sex marriage (though you can do those, if you want). What really matters to the LGBT+ community is your awareness and knowledge in this issue—especially with the lack of representation for gay people. So here are 6 books perfect for you to understand Pride Month and the LGBT+ movement.
- Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
Two of our favorite authors take turns in writing alternating chapters. Odd number chapters are told by quiet heterosexual Will Grayson 1, and even number chapters are narrated by depressed homosexual will grayson 2. Featuring both LGBT+ protagonists and supporting characters, this book soon meshes into a cohesive storyline that shows us all we need in this world is love and unity—no matter what sexuality you are.
- History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
When Griffin's ex-boyfriend Theo dies in an accident, his world ends. Sure, Theo moved away and started dating some guy named Jackson, but Theo was still his first love. What's infinitely worse is that the only person who understands his heartbreak is Jackson. But the more they open up to each other, the more Griffin plummets into an OCD-induced depression. Can Griffin put his heart back together again?
- We Are Okay by Nina Lacour
Marin left everything in her old life in California behind—and she hasn't spoken to a single soul from her past ever since. No one knows the truth about what happened—not even her best friend, Mabel. But even on the other side of the country in an empty New York college dorm, Marin still cannot let go of her past. With Mabel coming to visit for winter break, Marin must face all the pain she's been struggling to hide in her heart.
- Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This novel (which, ICYDK, is being turned into a movie starring Nick Robinson and Katherine Langford) focuses on gay Simon Spier, a sixteen-year-old who has yet to come out to any of his family or friends. As he strikes up an online relationship with another anonymous gay in school, he forgets to log out of his account and is blackmailed by his classmate Martin. Can Simon accept who he really is, and can he find his mystery man?
- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This tearjerking and critically-acclaimed book focuses on two boys: Aristotle, an angry teenager whose brother is in jail, and Dante, a know-it-all who has a unique way of viewing the world. From their first meeting, it seems like they have nothing in common. But as the two loners start spending more time together, they learn that it is only the power of their friendship that allows them to finally true to themselves.
- Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit by Jaye Robin Brown
Joanna Gordon has been out and proud for the longest time—that is, until her religious radio evangelist of a father remarries, and they move from openminded Atlanta to conservative Rome, Georgia. To save his reputation, her dad asks her to keep her sexuality to herself. Though pretending to be straight makes the adjustment easier, Georgia finds herself falling for the oh-so-tempting Mary Carlson, the sister of a schoolmate. Can Jo find love while staying true to herself?
Planning on reading any of these, Candy Girls? Enlighten a fellow bookworm who you think would enjoy these books, or sound off in the comments!
From The Candy Bulletin Community
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