Looking for a spring break read that will offer some different perspectives? Want to explore books offering different life experiences and perspectives for youth? Start by exploring the American Library Association's 2023 Rainbow Book List.
UNLV's own Amanda Melilli, head of the UNLV Teacher Development & Resources Library (TDRL), chaired the book list selection committee. The list offers an array of diverse stories and identities representing the LGBTQIA+ youth experience. Here she recommends some of the top selections – all available at the TDRL – for you to check out over spring break.
The Summer of Bitter and Sweet — Jenny Ferguson
Métis teen, Lou, doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone, but then her peaceful summer plans of working at her family’s ice cream shop get turned upside down. Between relationship problems with her friends, threats from her biological father who has recently been released from prison, and struggles with feeling different from everyone around her, Lou has to decide how much she is willing to carry alone in order to keep others safe.
Cafe Con Lychee — Emery Lee
Theo and Gabi are rivals at everything, but when both of their families' restaurants are threatened by a trendy new business in town, they reluctantly agree to work together to keep their families safe.
Loveless — Alice Oseman
Georgia is determined to move past the embarrassing prom night of her senior year and start over in college with a new reputation. Her plan is to finally find love and have the relationship of her dreams, but no matter what she does, she just can’t get the romance thing right. Through the ups and downs of building relationships with old and new friends, Georgia discovers that there is more than one way to have a meaningful connection with others.
Nate Plus One — Kevin Van Whye
When Nate's best friend and crush, Jai, asks him to fill in as lead singer of his band, Nate reluctantly agrees to face his fear of performing. In return, Jai has to travel to South Africa to be Nate’s plus one at a family wedding that his ex-boyfriend will also be attending. The last thing Nate wants to do is ruin his friendship with Jai, but keeping his feelings to himself for the entire trip may prove impossible.
Flip the Script — Lyla Lee
Hana’s acting dreams have finally come true when she’s given a lead role in a new romantic K-drama. Unfortunately, the ratings aren’t good enough, and the director pressures her into a publicity stunt involving fake dating her popular costar. Hana soon finds herself thrown into a celebrity world where every detail about her life is talked about, and everything she’s worked for unravels when a love interest rival joins the show's casts of characters.
Man O’ War — Cory McCarthy
River is a trans Arab-American teen struggling with everyday life, but a chance encounter with an openly queer person at their local SeaPlanet sets River on a path of self-discovery. Over the following years, River has to wade through all the expectations placed on them to finally discover who they truly are.
Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality — Eliot Schrefer
Humor and research combine in this book about the untold (and often censored) queer world of animal sexuality. Learn about the intimate lives of geese, dolphins, bonobos, albatrosses and a host of other animals as author Eliot Schrefer takes readers through the history and restrictions of researching the sexual behaviors of animals.
