Pride Month is a time to celebrate love, identity, and the vibrant spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community. At Charlesbridge, we believe every reader deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read. This June, we're proud to spotlight a collection of books that feature LGBTQIA+ characters, themes, and creators. Join us as we celebrate Pride through the power of storytelling—because every story deserves to be told with pride.

If you'd like to take a look at our full catalog of LGBTQIA+ books, you can check it out on our website.

Young Adult Reads

The Other Pandemic: An AIDS Memoir
Lynn Curlee
9781623543501 • Hardcover • 06/06/2023 • $19.99
Charlesbridge Teen

A searing photo-illustrated historical memoir from the LGBTQIA+ frontlines of the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s.

Before COVID-19 made "pandemic" a household word in 2020, there was the AIDS pandemic of the 1980s and 1990s. Author Lynn Curlee explores the parallels and the difference as he recounts living in New York and Los Angeles when the disease silently took hold of the gay community. As the disease became a full-blown public health crisis, Curlee watched in horror at the devastating progression of HIV/AIDS, the staggering losses endured, and divisive politics and discrimination that cost many people their lives.  

With honesty and heart, Curlee tells the stories of the many friends and loved ones that he lost to the disease, including his own life partner. LGBTQ+ rights and access to health care continues to be threatened today. The Other Pandemic is a stark and strong reminder of how history speaks to the present, and this window to the past is a valuable tool for understanding our current cultural landscape.

"Curlee has written an important book, for, as he acknowledges, “AIDS still simmers in the United States,” and so, more good books about it are necessary—particularly those such as this that put a human face on it. It belongs in every library."—Booklist, starred review

"A poignant memoir that readers will not be able to put down. Keep tissues handy. Highly recommended."—School Library Journal, starred review

"In his memoir, Curlee uses personal photographs, powerful quotes, and his own memories to build a gripping, unforgettable account of the early years of the AIDS crisis."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

Henry Hamlet's Heart
Rhiannon Wilde
9781623543693 • Hardcover • 10/18/2022 • $18.99
Charlesbridge Teen

This smart and charming queer YA rom-com about falling for your best friend will win the hearts of fans of Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli.

Henry Hamlet doesn’t know what he wants after school ends. It’s his last semester of high school, and all he’s sure of is his uncanny ability to make situations awkward. Luckily, he can always hide behind his enigmatic best friend, Len. They’ve been friends since forever, but Len is mysterious and Henry is clumsy, and Len is a heartthrob and Henry is a neurotic mess. Somehow it’s always worked.

That is, until Henry falls in love. Hard. How do you date your best friend?

"Wilde proves to be especially good at dialogue, with a gift for witty banter that rings true and helps define character. Set in Australia, this superb first novel proves the universality of love."—Booklist, starred review

Picture Books

Our Wish For You: A Story About Open Adoption
Dano Moreno; Illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke
9781623543556 • Hardcover • 09/12/2023 • $17.99
Charlesbridge

This moving picture book about open adoption shares all parents’ wish for a child’s life to be full of love and family.

One birth mother is pregnant with a baby and wants to find parents to adopt the child. Eventually she finds two dads who will be just the right parents, because they, too, share her same wishes of love and happiness for the baby. Author Dano Moreno drew from his and his husband's experience with adopting their son to write a gentle, universal story about all the hopes, dreams, and wishes parents have for their children to live happy lives. 

Sweet and tender, Our Wish For You is the perfect gift for growing families, baby showers, or adoption day celebrations.

My Dad is the Best
Fran Pintadera; Illustrated by Joan Turu
9781623544911 • Hardcover • 04/22/2025 • $17.99
Charlesbridge

A fierce competition ensues between two boys arguing over whose dad is strongest in this absurdly silly-yet-sweet picture book, with a surprise twist ending.

Two boys try to one-up each other about their strong dads. One says his dad can pick up a truck filled with elephants, which makes the other boy claim his dad can do the same, but with pregnant elephants!

Eventually the boys realize something even more special about their dads.

The perfect book for any kid who intensely loves their parent.

Far, Far Away
Molly Beth Griffin; Illustrated by Bao Luu
9781623543631 • Hardcover • 04/29/2025 • $17.99
Charlesbridge

A picture book celebrating the beauty of nature, new experiences, and gaining perspective. Sometimes you have to go far, far away to appreciate the world around you.

Mom and Mama are taking Rowan on his first camping trip far, far away from the city where they live. Rowan is excited to see all kinds of wildlife, possibly even a bear or a moose!

But they are canoe camping, which means they carry all their supplies on their back and paddle from place to place. Before long, Rowan is tired and hungry, itchy from mosquito bites, and downright grumpy. In fact, he wants to go home.

When night falls, Mom and Mama listen to his complaints, but when they show him the sky—full of stars like he's never seen before—Rowan realizes that though camping is hard work, it is worth it in the end.

Interested in seeing more of our LGBTQIA+ titles? Check it out on our website.

As we celebrate Pride Month, we’re proud to uplift stories that reflect the beautiful spectrum of identities in the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you're a young reader discovering who you are or a parent, educator, or ally looking to share inclusive stories, we hope these titles offer both inspiration and affirmation. Happy Pride!

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