I’ve been trying to find some fantasy and adventure books for my seven year old, with one criterion: they must have some form of queer representation. After unsuccessfully searching for a while, I reached out to others that I thought might have some answers. I had many wonderful, thoughtful and useful responses. What I wasn’t prepared for was just how controversial my question would be considered; that bigoted views would jump into a conversation about book recommendations to tell me how I shouldn’t ‘expose’ my kids to such issues. Of queer people existing, I suppose. Le sigh.
I’ve been open before about my disdain for knee-jerk book-banning in schools and libraries, as though the very idea that queer people exist might somehow corrupt our youngsters – ignoring the fact that for many of them they will be spending time with queer friends and family, or be confident that whatever they’re being told is the ‘norm’ doesn’t describe how they feel about their own identity. Society has a job to do: to support kids to grow up to become tolerant and weird and questioning and amazing individuals – no matter who they or those around them love, or how they express their identities. And one easy and brilliant way in which we can do this, is to show them characters with different attributes in fiction. Whether that’s television, music, comics, or books. Whether we’re looking at queer characters, or those with disabilities, or from a different cultural background than our own: fiction can open those doors to acceptance and understanding.
With that in mind, I’ve collated some of the suggestions that were given to me from multiple people for queer fantasy for this age group – middle grade fiction. Some came with caveats about age, or content, or that representation improved as a series went on. Not all are books – some are graphic novels, and I’ve even included a handful of cartoons. I’ll add my own disclaimer here: these are all forms of media that were recommended to me, and I haven’t read or watched them yet. Think of this more as my TBR.
Novels
Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series
This was overwhelmingly the most common recommendation. Packed with adventure and excitement – as well as a fair number of Ancient Greek gods, I was assured that not only are these brilliant books, but that the sequels start to introduce a much more diverse and queer cast. I’m excited to read these with the kids.
Cattywampus by Ash Van Otterloo
Another really frequent recommendation. With an intersex main character, and hexes galore, this is a tale of friendship and witchcraft. Suggested for ages 8 and up, I’ll be taking a look at this one for sure.
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith
The third of my choices here, the eponymous Callie is growing up in a world where girls learn magic and boys become knights. Where does that leave non-binary Callie? I’ve read the opening pages of this one and, even without the kids to read to, I’d be happy to add this one to my bookshelf.
Graphic novels
The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill
This looks beautiful, and I’ll be getting this if just for the artwork. It does suggest a reading age of 9+, so I’ll skim over it before sharing with the kids, but the story sounds wonderful: the village’s new Moth Keeper decides to take a break from the moon and see the sun for the first time. Queer characters throughout, and themes of nature and friendship made this stand out for me.
Star Wars: The High Republic (various authors)
We recently watched the first Star Wars movie as a family, and it was a distinct hit, so I was thrilled to hear that there’s been a middle-grade series of comics released that are LGBTQ friendly. I’m not sure that my bank account will thank me for going on this journey, but I’ll borrow or buy at least the first in this series.
Cartoons
The Dragon Prince
Queer relationships are, I’m told, scattered through this without comment. Two human princes and an elven assassin team up for an epic quest – I can’t wait to start watching.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
Surely we all know of She-Ra?! But this is the 2018 reboot, which I haven’t yet watched. I’ll be remedying that shortly!
The Owl House
With a bisexual lead character, this series follows a teenage girl who enters a demon portal to become a witch. Need I say more?
So there we have it, a round up of just some of the recommendations I received over the last week or so. I’m thrilled that there’s starting to be some decent representation suitable for this age group and I’m excited about some of the stories we’ll be starting in the coming months.