Monthly Book Recommendations - June

Integra Youth
15 hours ago
5 min read

June marks the start of summer and it is also known as pride month. The month of pride is a time dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ2S+ community and advocating for equal rights and inclusion. Here are some of the must-read books in June.

Elementary - Fiction

Maiden & Princess by Daniel Haack, Isabel Galupo, and illustrated by Becca Human

Here’s a short description by Goodreads…

“Once in a faraway kingdom, a strong, brave maiden is invited to attend the prince's royal ball, but she's not as excited to go as everyone else. After her mother convinces her to make an appearance, she makes a huge impression on everyone present, from the villagers to the king and queen, but she ends up finding true love in a most surprising place.”

A brave young maiden is invited to a royal ball meant for the prince to find a bride, but unlike the others, she doesn’t feel excited about marrying him. Instead, she finds herself drawn to the princess, and as the night unfolds, the two form a strong and genuine connection. Even though the ball is filled with tradition and expectation, the maiden stays true to herself and follows her heart. This story shows that love can come in many forms, and being honest about who you are can lead to real happiness. With support from the kingdom and royal family, the book shares a message of acceptance, confidence, and staying true to your identity, while showing young readers that love, in all its forms, deserves to be celebrated.

Elementary - Nonfiction

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, and illustrated by Steven Salerno

Here’s a short description by Goodreads…

“In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world. Award-winning author Rob Sanders’s stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno’s evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable—and undertold—story. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride.”

Readers can learn about Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, and how he inspired the creation of the rainbow flag as a symbol of hope and equality. The book follows Harvey’s journey as he fought for love and rights for the LGBTQ+ community, and how artist Gilbert Baker helped bring the rainbow flag to life as a powerful sign of pride. Even after Harvey's tragic death, the flag continued to fly, spreading his message of unity and acceptance across the world. This story shows how one person’s courage and belief in equality can inspire a lasting symbol of hope, and teaches readers about standing up for what’s right, the power of symbols, and the importance of fighting for love and justice.

Middle School - Fiction

Skating on Mars by Caroline Huntoon

Here’s a short description by Goodreads…

“A heartwarming debut from author Caroline Huntoon about a young figure skater discovering who they are on and off the ice. Skating on Mars is a tender examination of grief and a hopeful middle grade tale of self-discovery.”

Mars, a nonbinary middle schooler, dreams of being the best skateboarder at their local skatepark, even if it means going up against older boys who don’t take them seriously. When Mars decides to enter a big skating competition, they face bullying, doubt, and pressure to prove themselves, all while navigating friendships and their identity. Despite the challenges, Mars doesn’t give up and keeps pushing to show they belong in the sport they love. This story shows that believing in yourself, even when others try to hold you back, can lead to powerful moments of growth and confidence. It also highlights the importance of being true to who you are, finding community, and standing up for yourself and others.

Middle School - Nonfiction

Rainbow Revolutionaries: Fifty LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by Sarah Prager, and illustrated by Sarah Papworth

Here’s a short description by Goodreads…

“This book is a celebration of the many ways these heroes have made a difference and will inspire young readers to make a difference, too. Featuring an introduction, map, timeline, and glossary, this must-have biography collection is the perfect read during Pride month and all year round.”

Readers are introduced to fifty inspiring LGBTQ+ figures from different times, cultures, and professions who changed the world through their courage, creativity, and determination. From artists and activists to scientists and leaders, each short biography highlights how these individuals broke barriers and made lasting impacts despite the challenges they faced. The book celebrates diversity and resilience, showing that being true to yourself can lead to incredible achievements. This story shows that LGBTQ+ people have always been part of history, and their stories deserve to be known, honored, and celebrated for inspiring future generations to be proud of who they are.

High School - Fiction

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green, and David Levithan

Here’s a short description by Goodreads…

“Will Grayson meets Will Grayson. One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two strangers are about to cross paths. From that moment on, their world will collide and their lives intertwine.”

Two teenage boys with the same name—one quiet and reserved, the other angry and isolated—unexpectedly cross paths in Chicago, changing each other's lives in powerful ways. Through alternating perspectives, the story explores identity, friendship, love, and the challenges of growing up, all centered around the larger-than-life character Tiny Cooper, who brings both Wills into his world through a high school musical about his own life. As the characters face heartbreak, misunderstandings, and self-discovery, they begin to understand the importance of being seen and accepted for who they really are. This story shows that even when life is messy and confusing, being open to connection and staying true to yourself can lead to real love, personal growth, and friendships that matter.

High School - Nonfiction

Pride: Celebrating Diversity & Community by Robin Stevenson

Here’s a short description from Goodreads…

“For gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their supporters, June is a month of pride and celebration, and the high point of that month is the Pride Day Parade. Pride Day is a spectacular and colorful event. But there is a whole lot more to Pride than rainbow flags and amazing outfits. So what exactly are we celebrating on Pride Day? How did this event come to be? And what does Pride mean to the people who celebrate it?”

Readers are given a vibrant and accessible introduction to the history, meaning, and spirit of Pride. The book explains how the Pride movement began after the Stonewall riots in 1969 and how it grew into a global celebration of LGBTQ+ rights and identity. Through colorful photographs, real-life stories, and clear explanations, the book shows how Pride events bring together people from all backgrounds to stand up for equality and love. This story shows that Pride is not just about parades—it's about visibility, acceptance, and honoring the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. It encourages young readers to celebrate diversity, learn from history, and support others in being their true selves.

Written By: Krisha L