Coming Soon! LGBTQIA+ Books to Put on Your Radar

ON SALE MAY 2025

Hick

Hick By Sarah Miller

In this riveting YA non-fiction set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, trace Lorena Hickok--or Hick's-- rise from devastating childhood to renowned journalist, and watch as she forms the most significant friendship and romantic relationship of her life with first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Lorena Hickok came from nothing. She was on her own from the age of 14, cooking and scrubbing for one family after another as she struggled to finish school. But the girl who secretly longed for affection discovered she had a talent with words.

That talent allowed Hick to carve out a place for herself in the male-dominated newsrooms of the Midwest where she earned bylines on everything from football to opera to politics. By age 35 she’d become one of the Associated Press’s top reporters.

At the moment her career was taking off, Hick was assigned to cover Eleanor Roosevelt during FDR’s presidential campaign. By the close of 1932, Hick was head over heels in love with the wife of the president-elect. And her life would never be the same.

Acclaimed author Sarah Miller read the 3500 letters that exist between Lorena Hickock and Eleanor Roosevelt to reconstruct their friendship and love, and bring Hick's story to a new generation.

These Vengeful Gods

These Vengeful Gods By Gabe Cole Novoa

ALL GODS MUST DIE in this searingly relevant YA from award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of The Wicked Bargain and Most Ardently. In a world bound by violence, a teen descended from the god of Death must keep their true identity a secret as they fight their way through a gladiator-style competition towards victory and rebellion against the gods who murdered their family.

Years ago, the descendants of the god of Death were murdered. The few that remain are in hiding, including Crow, a teen who survived the genocide and hides their magic to stay alive. After fleeing their village, Crow now lives with their uncles in the lowest part of the city: the Shallows.

Life in the Shallows is tough, but Crow’s even tougher. Hiding their magic has made Crow resourceful, cunning, and unbeatable -- which comes in handy as a fighter in the city's lucrative underground fighting ring.

Then, Crow's uncles are arrested for harboring Deathchildren.  

With fists tightly clenched, Crow vows to set their uncles free. But to do that, they’re going to need to enter a world that threatens Crow’s very existence. Carefully navigating the politics of the wealthy and powerful, they enter the Tournament of the Gods -- a gladiator-style competition where the winner is granted a favor. As they battle their way towards the winner’s circle, Crow plans to ask the gods for their uncles’ freedom as their reward.

But in a city of gods and magic, you don’t ask for what you want.

You take it.

Action. Adventure. Romance. Find it all in Gabe Cole Novoa's novels:

  • The Wicked Bargain
  • The Diablo's Curse

The Bi Book

The Bi Book By A.J. Irving, illustrated by Cynthia Alonso

Perfect for fans of What Are Your Words? and Julián Is a Mermaid, The Bi Book shows readers the many meanings of "bi," both in terms of the language we use to understand the world and to understand ourselves.

Many words that start with ‘bi’ mean two.

Bicycle. Bilingual. Binoculars. Biracial.

Sometimes, it can mean more than two. Like when it comes to people who identify as 'bi.'

Because some hearts love in a rainbow of ways.

This sweet, bold picture book is a gentle introduction to bisexual identity, by way of many different words that share the root "bi," that will become a staple for LGBTQ+ readers, parents, and educators for years to come.

Billy Porter: A Little Golden Book Biography

Billy Porter: A Little Golden Book Biography By Phil Stamper; illustrated by Steffi Walthall

Get to know Billy Porter—a multi-talented star who shines on Broadway, TV, and at dazzling red carpet events—with this collectible Little Golden Book that features gorgeous full-color illustrations on every page!

Billy saw that clothes were the perfect way to stand out and let people know who you are.

Billy Porter has been impressing audiences ever since he played his award-winning role of Lola in the Broadway hit Kinky Boots. His story of chasing his dream to be a performer comes to life in Billy Porter: A Little Golden Book Biography. When you're Billy Porter, you dream big and you inspire others to love themselves!

Look for more Little Golden Book biographies:
• Lady Gaga
• Rihanna
• Zendaya
• Elton John
• Harry Belafonte

All's Fair in Love and Field Hockey

All's Fair in Love and Field Hockey By Kit Rosewater

A high school field hockey star must choose between her love of the game and her new, distractingly beautiful rival in this queer YA romance perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy and Cleat Cute!

"A masterclass in romantic tension."—Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda


Evelyn was raised to see field hockey as war.

Before she could write her own name, her family’s legacy on the field was already spelled out. Every step Evelyn takes toward glory is within a footprint her mother left behind. And no step matters more than this next one, with Evelyn about to lead her varsity team into their final battle season. Evelyn is beyond ready to score the Nationals title and win the critical scholarship to her mom’s alma mater that comes with it.

This year, she’s out for blood, and nothing can stand in her way...

...except for Rosa Alvarez, the highly talented new recruit on her biggest rival’s team.

After a humiliating homecoming game and follow-up prank leave the two enemies in a stalemate, they grudgingly strike a deal to help each other overcome their weaknesses on the field. But the more time Evelyn spends with Rosa, the more she finds herself casting her hardened armor aside, until she begins to wonder what life might be like if she left the battlefield behind and fought for love instead.

"This one’s definitely a keeper!”—Jennifer Dugan, bestselling author of Some Girls Do

The Rebel's Guide to Pride

The Rebel's Guide to Pride By Matthew Hubbard

When the mayor of a small Alabama town starts targeting Pride events, bad boy Zeke begins hosting a series of “Pride Speakeasies” in this joyful queer coming-of-age!

"A book that demands to be read, shared and celebrated."—PinkNews


There’s nothing Zeke Chapman wants more than to tarnish the perfect reputation his father is so obsessed with. He quit the baseball team, started fighting at school, and nearly flunked junior year. Newly out as gay, Zeke isn’t sure where his queer identity fits in with his bad-boy persona. His father has always told him to stay quiet and not attract attention, but his friends are pushing him to be just as out and proud as they are. Most days, Zeke isn’t sure how to be a “good gay” or what that even means.

When his best friend, Sawyer, begs him to help the QSA plan Pride Day, he obliges—mostly to piss his dad off. But then the mayor announces an ordinance that cancels all LGBTQ+ celebrations. Angered by the injustice—and his father’s support of it—Zeke decides to put his rebellious ways to good use and plans a series of underground “Pride Speakeasies”.

As the speakeasies grow, and the community comes together to declare him “King of Pride”, Zeke finally feels like he’s doing something that matters. But friendship drama, a mysterious cyber-crush, and rising tension with his rival and ex Cohen “Coco” Fisher threaten to undermine his newfound pride. When his final party ends in near-disaster, Zeke must ask himself what he’s really trying to do. After all, there’s a reason that the first pride was a riot.

ON SALE JUNE – DECEMBER 2025

Witchycakes #1: Sweet Magic

Witchycakes #1: Sweet Magic By Kara LaReau; Illustrated by Ariane Moreira

Welcome to the most magical bakery -- Witchycakes! Little Blue, a witch-in-training, delivers baked goods all over their town, and helps their neighbors with a touch of magic. Cozy up with this sweet chapter book with irresisitible full-color art on every page!

In a magical bakery called Witchycakes there's a young witch-to-be named Blue. Blue's Mama bakes with magic and Blue makes the deliveries! They ride their bike all over town with their basket filled with magical scones, tartes, and pies to deliver. There's always something going on in Shelville and Blue loves to help their neighbors -- especially if helping them means they get to use a little bit of magic.

Cook up some love with Blue as they use magic and problem-solving to be the best helper they can be in their whimsical little town. And there's a special magical recipe at the end of the book!

Fresh from the oven. . . another WITCHYCAKES book! Don't miss Witchycakes #2: Changing Magic

Witchycakes #2: Changing Magic

Witchycakes #2: Changing Magic By Kara LaReau; Illustrated by Ariane Moreira

Welcome to the most magical bakery -- Witchycakes! Little Blue, a witch-in-training, delivers baked goods all over their town, and finds things are magically changing allaround them, whether they like it or not. Cozy up with this sweet chapter book perfect for early elementary school readers!

In a magical bakery called Witchycakes there's a young witch-to-be named Blue. It's Fallnow but Blue doesn't want to let go of the sunshine from summer. Does everything have tochange? Then, Blue discovers they aren't the only one who's not ready for change. Asthey deliver magical baked goods all over town, Blue helps their neighbors get used to newthings. . . and in the process finds the magic of change! 

Cook up some love with Blue as they use magic and problem-solving to be the besthelper they can be in their whimsical little town

Fresh from the oven. . . another WITCHYCAKES book! Don't miss Witchycakes #1: Sweet Magic!

I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 1

I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 1 By Umi Takase

Being in love with your childhood best friend can be complicated, especially when, right before high school, she transitions to living as a girl. Printed for the first time in English, this manga series thoughtfully explores a story about the complications of first loves, friendship, and what it truly means to be an ally.

Hime has secretly been in love with her childhood best friend Akira for as long as she can remember. She was the first person who knew that Akira identified as a girl, and she made it her mission to be her Akira’s protector against the world. Hime is thrilled that Akira has finally decided to live as her true self now that they are starting high school.

However, as Akira starts to attract all types of attention, Hime takes it upon herself to aggressively stick up for Akira whenever necessary. Not wanting her to be singled out or bullied, Hime decides that her only option is to put herself in Akira's shoes. Hime dresses like a boy in support of the friend she loves...too bad her plan only backfires on them both.

I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 2

I Wanna Be Your Girl Vol. 2 By Umi Takase


Being in love with your best friend is hard enough, but being a good friend is even harder. The second volume of the hit manga series about the complications of first love, friendship, and what it truly means to be an ally.


Hime thinks she’s doing the right thing by sticking up for Akira, but from her friend’s point of view, it’s only making things worse. Akira doesn’t want to stand out because of her transition. Her only wish is to enjoy school, to make memories like everyone else. But Hime’s constant need to speak out on Akira’s behalf is putting these two best friends at odds.

And when Akira becomes the manager for the soccer team because of a crush on a boy, Hime feels the rift with her friend growing wider. Although desperate to save her relationship with Akira, everything she tries only creates new problems. What if Akira decides she’s done with Hime completely?

Alex Wise vs. the Cosmic Shift

Alex Wise vs. the Cosmic Shift By Terry J. Benton-Walker

No one ever said saving the world would be easy. In the second installment of this thrilling fantasy series all about finding your inner hero, a 12-year-old boy leads the charge against the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Alex Wise is no superhero. Or at least, he doesn't feel like one. Sure, he vanquished Death and saved his sister Mags—with the help of some new magic powers, his best friend Loren and demi-god Liam. But the apocalypse shows no signs of slowing down. Now, Alex and his friends will have to find new allies and face new dangers—from battling a giant snake in a literal ghost town and infiltrating the Horsemen’s new home base on the Vegas Strip…on the back of a dragon. 

With everyone looking to him for answers, Alex isn't sure he's cut out for this world saving thing. And the closer he gets to Liam, the farther away he feels from Loren and from Mags, who hasn't been the same since she was possessed by Death. How can Alex lead a team if he doesn't even feel like he deserves to be a part of it? 

“Never has the apocalypse been so fun!"
—Mark Oshiro, author of THE INSIDERS and co-author with Rick Riordan of THE SUN AND THE STAR: A NICO DI ANGELO ADVENTURE.

Among Ghosts

Among Ghosts By Rachel Hartman

Set in the world of New York Times bestseller Seraphina, a boy on the run from a dragon—among other dangers—seeks refuge in a haunted abbey in this wholly original ghost story about what haunts us, and what connects us.

A few things to know about the town of St. Muckle’s: It’s too out-of-the-way to interest greedy lords, and too damp and muddy for marauding dragons to burn. And anyone, from a humble serf to a runaway nun, may earn their freedom by living for a year and a day within the town walls. Seven years ago, Charl and his mother fled to St. Muckle’s and made it their safe-haven, building a new life in this so called Peasant’s Paradise. But when Charl sees something impossible—a ghost—soon the embers of his past are threatening to engulf his world in flame. A tragic accident is quickly followed by murder, a deadly plague, and a mercenary dragon. 

Charl manages to escape to an abandoned abbey outside of town, but finds no safety within those ruined walls. A treacherous nun, a chorus of murdered girls, and the fearsome Battle Bishop await, ready to ensnare him in a complex web of history, magic and fate. For some things should never be forgotten, however much they haunt us, and Charl will need all his wisdom and resiliency if he is to fight for the world he knows…and the people he calls home.

Discover more critically-acclaimed fantasy from Rachel Hartman!
Seraphina
Shadow Scale
Tess of the Road

Kill Creatures

Kill Creatures By Rory Power

Last year, Nan’s three best friends ventured into the canyons near their small town and never returned. Now one of them is back, and Nan can’t believe it…because she’s the one who killed them. From the New York Times bestselling author of Wilder Girls comes another dark thriller about friendship, jealousy, desire, and revenge, with a twist ending that needs to be talked about.

Last summer, Luce, Edie, Jane, and Nan took a boat out for one final swim in the river. It was a perfect summer night.

But the only one who returned that night was Nan. Edie, Jane, and Luce disappeared, and Nan’s story has always been the same: She has no idea what happened. The girls went ahead, and it was as though they vanished into thin air.

Now, one year later, all of Saltcedar has gathered at the river for a memorial. Nan even recreated the outfit she wore that fateful day last summer. And when Luce climbs out of the water, no one is more surprised than Nan.

Because Nan killed her. Right before she killed Edie and Jane.

All's Fair in Love and Field Hockey

All's Fair in Love and Field Hockey By Kit Rosewater

A high school field hockey star must choose between her love of the game and her new, distractingly beautiful rival in this queer YA romance perfect for fans of She Drives Me Crazy and Cleat Cute!

"A masterclass in romantic tension."—Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda


Evelyn was raised to see field hockey as war.

Before she could write her own name, her family’s legacy on the field was already spelled out. Every step Evelyn takes toward glory is within a footprint her mother left behind. And no step matters more than this next one, with Evelyn about to lead her varsity team into their final battle season. Evelyn is beyond ready to score the Nationals title and win the critical scholarship to her mom’s alma mater that comes with it.

This year, she’s out for blood, and nothing can stand in her way...

...except for Rosa Alvarez, the highly talented new recruit on her biggest rival’s team.

After a humiliating homecoming game and follow-up prank leave the two enemies in a stalemate, they grudgingly strike a deal to help each other overcome their weaknesses on the field. But the more time Evelyn spends with Rosa, the more she finds herself casting her hardened armor aside, until she begins to wonder what life might be like if she left the battlefield behind and fought for love instead.

"This one’s definitely a keeper!”—Jennifer Dugan, bestselling author of Some Girls Do

Marisol Acts the Part

Marisol Acts the Part By Elle Gonzalez Rose

A teen actress lands a role on the same high-profile show as her ex-boyfriend—only for things to get messy when she falls for his cute scene partner—in a dazzling sapphic rom-com from the author of Caught in a Bad Fauxmance.

After wrapping the hit drama that made her a star, actress Marisol Polly-Rodriguez is worried she might be entering her flop era. A concern that’s amplified when she’s suddenly dumped by her co-star turned boyfriend, Miles, for being “unserious.”

With Marisol’s post-breakup meltdown splashed across the tabloids, she sets out to show that she’s just as talented as Miles by landing a role on the same buzzworthy show as him. From the eccentric director who pushes her to her limits, to the snobby castmate who can’t stand her, Marisol realizes that her dream of nabbing a Supporting Actress nomination during awards season may never be a reality.

The drama only continues as Marisol develops feelings for her ex’s on-screen love interest, Jamila. The wounds of her breakup barely healed, Marisol is hesitant to fall in love again. But as Jamila gets Marisol to unlock her full potential as an actress, and Marisol returns the favor by helping Jamila find her confidence and style as she navigates newfound fame, the sparks between them quickly become too intense to ignore.

Sir Callie and the Final Stand

Sir Callie and the Final Stand By Esme Symes-Smith

In the conclusion of this bestselling fantasy series a nonbinary knight-in-training, a reluctant crown prince, a fierce young witch, and her resilient twin brother must fight for the heart of their kingdom against tyranny, once and for all.

Helston and its champions have been torn apart by war. Finally reunited after being scattered across the realm fighting personal battles, Callie, Elowen, Edwyn and Willow must prepare to step into the roles they've been training for: Champion, Witch, Knight and King.

Even if it feels like their best will never be enough to conquer the infection of hate that has spread across Wyndebrel, even when their numbers seem so small compared to the might of their enemies, they must hold true to their mission: to create a better and safer realm for everyone. 

With the aid of Eyrewood, Fairkeep, and the dragons, they are as ready as they’ll ever be to ride on Helston and Dumoor, to confront the newly crowned King Peran and the Witch Queen, and finally define what peace truly means. And there is a single truth Callie and friends must cling to: The battle is still worth fighting even when victory seems impossible.

Everything She Does Is Magic

Everything She Does Is Magic By Bridget Morrissey

In the charming town of Fableview, every day is Halloween. Get ready to fall under the spell of this bewitching sapphic romance, perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Wicked!

Darcy Keller, resident ray of sunshine and town spirit princess, loves every moment of Fableview’s fall festivities. But she’s also really ready to leave for college next year, even though her parents expect her to stay and take over their Halloween empire.

Enter brooding new girl Anya Doyle, a real-life witch and almost a full member of her coven. In order to be initiated, she has to choose a mortal ally to act as her “protector.” But having moved around so much, Anya is completely friendless. So she does what any self-respecting teenage almost-witch would—she lies and tells her coven her secret crush, Darcy, is willing to do the job.

Desperate to solve their personal problems, they agree to help each other out, attending everything from a costume parade to a pumpkin patch party to an apple bobbing contest together. But with Anya’s magical powers and Darcy’s future independence on the line, the last thing they need is the added complication of pesky feelings . . .

Extraordinary Quests for Amateur Witches

Extraordinary Quests for Amateur Witches By Kayla Cottingham

After accidentally cursing his ex-boyfriend, a reluctant hero must complete a dangerous quest to undo his spell . . . all while falling for a brooding new crewmate with dark secrets.

Kieran has never had much luck in love or magic. Other than being freed from a family curse that would have killed him and doomed his twin sister, life isn’t going his way.

So, after getting put on notice by his boyfriend and accidentally writing a poem so bad (and magically hazardous) that it makes him invisible to the guy, of course Kieran returns home to find the Witches Council sitting in his living room, demanding he complete his magical training. Panicked, he blurts out that his Calling—a kind of magical thesis—will be to find a magical cure-all that can break any curse . . . an enormous task that he absolutely doesn’t have the power to pull off.

Nevertheless, Kieran sets off on this dangerous journey, accompanied by his sister Briar, her girlfriend Delilah, and a swoony new crewmate, Sebastian. If he survives, he may just learn how to turn his luck around and figure out what kind of witch, person, and boyfriend he wants to be.

The Transition

The Transition By Logan-Ashley Kisner

A transgender teen’s post-op recovery is derailed when he is bitten by a werewolf and his body begins to change. A thought-provoking page-turner that will haunt you for days!

Hunter’s life is at a turning point: After years of fighting his father for it, he’s gotten top surgery. He’s finally starting to feel comfortable in his own skin . . . only to be attacked by a strange creature in his backyard.

The encounter should kill him, but his best friend Gabe intervenes, and Hunter is able to walk away from the incident with his life—and new body—mostly intact. Still, something isn’t right. First, his wounds are healing quickly—too quickly. Then there are the feverish nightmares, the sudden return of his period, and his teeth . . . they’re falling out of his head.

Enter Mars, Hunter’s other best friend. A horror movie devotee, Mars points out the obvious: That mysterious creature was a werewolf, and Hunter is becoming one too—unless they can figure out a cure, which basically means they have to kill the creature that bit him.

Now, Hunter, Gabe, and Mars are in a race against time. A voice that could only belong to the creature itself is worming its way into Hunter’s head, and as the days pass, it’s only getting louder. It promises revenge on Hunter’s transphobic peers if he succumbs to his lycanthropic transformation. Or he can reject the monster and fight alongside his friends before the body—and life—he’s fought so hard for slips away for good. The choice is Hunter’s.

FREE Resources for Pride Month and Beyond

At Random House Children’s Books, we have pride in our pages. Use these free downloadable resources and the books featured in them to start conversations about LGBTQIA+ history and experiences, gender stereotypes, human rights, and the importance of celebrating yourself as you are and others as they are. 

For even more book recommendations, visit our Read with Pride Pinterest board.

No one should have to grow up feeling alone in who they are, and these narratives ensure that everyone can feel seen, understood, valued, and celebrated. This brochure includes book recommendations and conversation starters for grades K-12.

Picture Books

Middle Grade

Young Adult

Random House Teachers and Librarians