By Laura Schmiedicke

Monroe Public Library

This summer at the library, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with our summer theme, “Blast Off with Books.” In addition, another historic American anniversary is happening at the end of June: the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which was a significant milestone in the movement for gay and lesbian rights. To mark this occasion, we’ve created a display of LGBTQIA+ reads for all ages, with fiction and nonfiction. Take a closer look at some of the selections with these reviews.

Bitty is the hockey-playing, pie-baking star of Check, Please! #Hockey by Ngozi Ukazu. Based on a webcomic, this charming graphic novel follows a college freshman as he joins the hockey team, adjusts to college life, makes friends and develops a huge crush on team captain Jack. The wide-eyed appearance of Bitty, who narrates as if he is filming a video for an audience, makes this comic instantly engaging. The distinct personalities of his teammates and other characters emerge as you read, and the significant detail about the game of hockey and hockey culture make this comic engrossing on many levels.

Actor Neil Patrick Harris has quite a story to tell about his life, from his days as a child actor and his love of magic, to his more recent career as Barney on “How I Met Your Mother” and marriage to his husband. Rather than tell it in order, Harris structures his memoir as a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book. What will Neil do after the end of “Doogie Howser?” How does he choose what comes next in his life and career? Reading Choose Your Own Autobiography is so fun, as you discover the choices he made that took him to stardom and a happy, settled life.

It’s never too early to start learning about all the different people who make up a community. 

Try the picture book This Day in June, by Gayle E. Pitman and illustrated by Kristyna Litten, which uses simple, two-line rhymes and colorful illustrations with tons of momentum to celebrate one community’s pride parade. This book depicts the wide variety of people who are united by a pride parade, and all the different fashions and traditions they may participate in.

Writer and transgender activist Janet Mock paints an aching picture of childhood and her difficult “path to womanhood” in her memoir, Redefining Realness. Wonderful slice-of-life images from her early years in Hawaii contrast with the tumultuous family life she experienced. She takes readers through her difficult coming of age and early adulthood, when she did whatever it took to save money for gender-affirming surgery. Mock tells not only her own story, but also shares the universal experience of young trans women, particularly those stories of poor women of color. Her writing is incredibly engaging; you’ll feel like you’re listening to the tale of a beloved friend.

A charming and effective introduction to gender identity, for children and those just starting to learn, is the beautiful picture book Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall. The metaphor is simple: a crayon’s wrapper says red, but everything it draws is blue. Blue fire trucks, blue strawberries and blue hearts are nothing like what the other crayons are drawing. Everyone insists the crayon is red, and each of the craft supplies has an opinion or a possible solution, but nothing really clicks until the crayon draws an ocean. The book clearly depicts how appearances and identities don’t always match, and the themes of gossip and compassion also make this a universal story for anyone who has felt different, particularly in terms of not fitting in at school socially or academically.

A classic of young adult literature, Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan is a goofy, funny romantic comedy set at an unconventional high school that accepts everybody. Paul and Noah start dating, only for friends, relationships and life to get in the way. Paul starts a campaign to win Noah back before the school dance. Full of unforgettable characters like Paul’s best friends Joni and Tony, and Infinite Darlene, the school’s star quarterback and homecoming queen, this book has you laughing all the way to the end. Levithan has gone on to write many beloved YA books, many with gay themes, but it’s always fun to revisit the original.

Sometimes a big life change leads to self-exploration — and bigger changes. When Katie Met Cassidy by Camille Perry introduces Katie, who, dumped by her fiance, runs into self-assured lesbian Cassidy by chance. Their instant connection and an unforgettable night with Cassidy’s friends lead Katie to explore a new side of herself. Funny, warm and romantic, this story is perfect for any readers who have experienced a major turning point in their lives.

With the revival of “Tales of the City” coming to Netflix, you may wish to read the series of books that inspired it, featuring a large cast of characters in San Francisco who all come together around the accepting and welcoming landlady Anna Madrigal. Or, take a peek into the author’s life with Logical Family, Armistead Maupin’s memoir. He starts with his early life in the conservative South, then moves to his years in the Navy, then finally settles in San Francisco when it was just becoming the hub of American gay life. Learning about his journey to self-acceptance and coming out is fascinating, considering that his work, over the years, has given countless people the support and community they need to be themselves.

Come celebrate Pride Month this June with a book from the library. Whether you’re looking for a reflection of yourself in literature, or enjoy reading about the life experiences of others, the Monroe Public Library has many books to choose from!

— Cover to Cover is provided by the Monroe Public Library and is published the fourth Wednesday of the month.