The second anthology from Faerie Press offers a vibrant and heartfelt collection of short stories and poetry from emerging young LGBTQ+ voices. Through the exploration of the theme of ‘dreams’, the twenty-one writers featured graciously offer us a glimpse into their rich inner worlds.
Ellora McGee has finally settled into her new school, yet the true excitement is only just beginning. In the series’ second instalment, Ellora and her friends embark on a new adventure and must learn to work together to overcome the challenges they face.
NeuroQueer is a welcoming and informative guide put together by ShoutOut, a charity that aims to improve life for LGBTQ+ people in Ireland. It highlights how neurodivergent and queer identities can and often do overlap, and demystifies common terminology associated with both.
Too Nice is a sensitive and nuanced exploration of adolescence at a challenging moment in the protagonist’s life. The novel captures the emotional turbulence of growing up, grieving, and adapting to change, offering young adult readers an insightful look at how families evolve after loss.
When a new boy joins Pearl’s class in school at first she is surprised to learn that he has two mums. In a refreshingly childlike way, she accepts this fact and goes on to learn more about her new friend and their shared love of art, humour and chocolate cake. This is a simple story with a simple message at its core and will be enjoyed by young artists in particular. The children are relatable and sweet, and the classroom context is one that many will feel familiar with.
Fans of Zainab Boladale’s debut novel, Braids Take a Day, will be delighted with the author’s second book that tackles a very modern problem. The protagonist, Aurora Kutti, is a teenage influencer living a glamorous life of constant attention. Her lifestyle is enviable, but tightly controlled by her ‘momager,’ and Aurora is starting to lose her sense of self.
This book is an explosion of colour and positivity and contains a strong message for its young readers about both freedom and acceptance. There is no conventional storyline within the book, rather the text addresses children directly, emphasising the importance of just being themselves, while allowing others the freedom to do the same. The text rhymes, and features some lovely, lyrical verse, which makes it perfect for reading aloud.
At only twenty pages, this little board book is short and simple, yet it packs a surprising amount of humour and heart in such a short span.
Max and Ella, Stuck Together is a warm, perceptive and uplifting middle-grade novel about identity, family and finding your voice. Told in alternating chapters from Max and Ella’s perspectives, the story explores what happens when two families are brought together through a shared connection: Max’s mums chose Ella’s dad, Hari, as a known donor, and the children are about to meet for the first time.
Owais seems to epitomise London swagger, whether navigating his extended family, school, or the gangs in his neighbourhood. Committed to his comedic persona, the patter of groan-inducing puns conceals an unfocused, uncertain yet charming teenager, struggling with self-doubt and fear of the future. Failing grades lands Owais in a summer programme and life is further complicated by the disruptive arrival of his moody and troubled cousin Abass into the midst of his stable and loving family.
