Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi
Staff-created list
A selection of books featuring characters of diverse genders, by writers who (mostly) identify as LGBTQIA+. There are stories about coming out, navigating relationships, and exploring identity on this list, and also stories where identity isn't the driving force. Discover books that span different genres and feature gender diverse folks living rich, complicated, full, and glorious lives! We use the hashtag #ownvoices when the author and the main character share an identity.
This list is loosely ordered from ‘light’ to ‘gritty’ reads. A Christchurch City Libraries’ list.
This is a graphic novel aimed at 10-13 year olds, about Aster, a 13 year-old growing up in a magical family of witches and shapeshifters. There are strict...Show more
This is a graphic novel aimed at 10-13 year olds, about Aster, a 13 year-old growing up in a magical family of witches and shapeshifters. There are strict expectations placed on what you become based on gender, but Aster doesn't fit in. 'The Witch Boy' is a charming, adventure-filled story about family, friendship, and finding your place in the world. Also available as a downloadable graphic novel.
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This is a graphic novel aimed at 10-13 year olds, about Aster, a 13 year-old growing up in a magical family of witches and shapeshifters. There are strict...Show more
This is a graphic novel aimed at 10-13 year olds, about Aster, a 13 year-old growing up in a magical family of witches and shapeshifters. There are strict expectations placed on what you become based on gender, but Aster doesn't fit in. 'The Witch Boy' is a charming, adventure-filled story about family, friendship, and finding your place in the world. Also available as a downloadable graphic novel.
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This fantasy graphic novel follows twins Hawke and Grayson, as they flee their evil cousin and in desperation, dress as girls to seek refuge with the Comm...Show more
This fantasy graphic novel follows twins Hawke and Grayson, as they flee their evil cousin and in desperation, dress as girls to seek refuge with the Communion of Blue. But as they begin to hatch a plan to retake their home, one of the twins realizes that it would be preferable to stay in this new environment, finally living as a girl. This is a fun and fast-paced story about acceptance and family, with a dash of action thrown in.
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This fantasy graphic novel follows twins Hawke and Grayson, as they flee their evil cousin and in desperation, dress as girls to seek refuge with the Comm...Show more
This fantasy graphic novel follows twins Hawke and Grayson, as they flee their evil cousin and in desperation, dress as girls to seek refuge with the Communion of Blue. But as they begin to hatch a plan to retake their home, one of the twins realizes that it would be preferable to stay in this new environment, finally living as a girl. This is a fun and fast-paced story about acceptance and family, with a dash of action thrown in.
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Prince Sebastian's family want him to find a bride, but he's too busy covering up his secret life - royalty by day, fashion icon Lady Crystallia by night....Show more
Prince Sebastian's family want him to find a bride, but he's too busy covering up his secret life - royalty by day, fashion icon Lady Crystallia by night. The one person who knows the truth is Sebastian's dressmaker, Frances, who finds it harder and harder to defer her dreams to keep a friends secret. This is a joyful and gorgeous graphic novel about art, identity, and family, set in Paris at the dawn of the modern age.
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Prince Sebastian's family want him to find a bride, but he's too busy covering up his secret life - royalty by day, fashion icon Lady Crystallia by night....Show more
Prince Sebastian's family want him to find a bride, but he's too busy covering up his secret life - royalty by day, fashion icon Lady Crystallia by night. The one person who knows the truth is Sebastian's dressmaker, Frances, who finds it harder and harder to defer her dreams to keep a friends secret. This is a joyful and gorgeous graphic novel about art, identity, and family, set in Paris at the dawn of the modern age.
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A novel for tweens and younger teens, 'George' is about a girl who wants desperately to play 'Charlotte' in her schools production of Charlotte's Web. But...Show more
A novel for tweens and younger teens, 'George' is about a girl who wants desperately to play 'Charlotte' in her schools production of Charlotte's Web. But George was born a boy, and her teacher says that a boy can't play Charlotte. With the help of a friend, George is able to find a way to be herself - not just on stage, but all the time. This sweet and uplifting story doesn't shy away from some of the challenges and heartbreak of being a young trans person. Also available as a downloadable audiobook. #ownvoices
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A novel for tweens and younger teens, 'George' is about a girl who wants desperately to play 'Charlotte' in her schools production of Charlotte's Web. But...Show more
A novel for tweens and younger teens, 'George' is about a girl who wants desperately to play 'Charlotte' in her schools production of Charlotte's Web. But George was born a boy, and her teacher says that a boy can't play Charlotte. With the help of a friend, George is able to find a way to be herself - not just on stage, but all the time. This sweet and uplifting story doesn't shy away from some of the challenges and heartbreak of being a young trans person. Also available as a downloadable audiobook. #ownvoices
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Liv (a trans boy) isn't out to anyone yet, and he's about to start a new school with a really strict (and sexist!) uniform code. As he works to change the...Show more
Liv (a trans boy) isn't out to anyone yet, and he's about to start a new school with a really strict (and sexist!) uniform code. As he works to change the policy through Operation: Pants Project, he also prepares to get honest with his friends, family, and himself about his identity. This is a warm and inclusive story for tweens and younger teens about friendship, finding ways to be your authentic self, and about the power of collective action to stand up to injustices, big and small.
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Liv (a trans boy) isn't out to anyone yet, and he's about to start a new school with a really strict (and sexist!) uniform code. As he works to change the...Show more
Liv (a trans boy) isn't out to anyone yet, and he's about to start a new school with a really strict (and sexist!) uniform code. As he works to change the policy through Operation: Pants Project, he also prepares to get honest with his friends, family, and himself about his identity. This is a warm and inclusive story for tweens and younger teens about friendship, finding ways to be your authentic self, and about the power of collective action to stand up to injustices, big and small.
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When the famous superhero Dreadnought dies in Danny's arms, he passes his powers onto her - super-strength, flight, and also a body that matches her ident...Show more
When the famous superhero Dreadnought dies in Danny's arms, he passes his powers onto her - super-strength, flight, and also a body that matches her identity. Now she suddenly has the difficult task of juggling coming out and facing her less-than-supportive family, mastering her powers, and saving the world. It's a lot. This book has all the high-stakes action and adventure of the superhero genre, and weaves a challenging coming out story through it as well. #ownvoices
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When the famous superhero Dreadnought dies in Danny's arms, he passes his powers onto her - super-strength, flight, and also a body that matches her ident...Show more
When the famous superhero Dreadnought dies in Danny's arms, he passes his powers onto her - super-strength, flight, and also a body that matches her identity. Now she suddenly has the difficult task of juggling coming out and facing her less-than-supportive family, mastering her powers, and saving the world. It's a lot. This book has all the high-stakes action and adventure of the superhero genre, and weaves a challenging coming out story through it as well. #ownvoices
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Transgender teen Jam lives in a city free from the 'monsters' that used to plague it. Then she meets Pet, a creature who has arrived in her house to hunt ...Show more
Transgender teen Jam lives in a city free from the 'monsters' that used to plague it. Then she meets Pet, a creature who has arrived in her house to hunt a monster, while the adults around her won't admit they still exist. What follows is a moving and magical story of good and evil, and of bravery in making your voice heard. Also available as an eBook. #ownvoices
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Transgender teen Jam lives in a city free from the 'monsters' that used to plague it. Then she meets Pet, a creature who has arrived in her house to hunt ...Show more
Transgender teen Jam lives in a city free from the 'monsters' that used to plague it. Then she meets Pet, a creature who has arrived in her house to hunt a monster, while the adults around her won't admit they still exist. What follows is a moving and magical story of good and evil, and of bravery in making your voice heard. Also available as an eBook. #ownvoices
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Euphoria Kids is a gentle, imaginative book about the power of queer friendship. Set in a high school, three trans students find each other in an environm...Show more
Euphoria Kids is a gentle, imaginative book about the power of queer friendship. Set in a high school, three trans students find each other in an environment where they are otherwise invisible. Magical realism and lyrical writing weave together beautifully as these characters support each other to explore their identities and dreams. #ownvoices
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Euphoria Kids is a gentle, imaginative book about the power of queer friendship. Set in a high school, three trans students find each other in an environm...Show more
Euphoria Kids is a gentle, imaginative book about the power of queer friendship. Set in a high school, three trans students find each other in an environment where they are otherwise invisible. Magical realism and lyrical writing weave together beautifully as these characters support each other to explore their identities and dreams. #ownvoices
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'The Brilliant Death' is a fast-paced fantasy, set in a 19th-century-Italian-mafia inspired world and featuring political intrigue, queer romance, and gen...Show more
'The Brilliant Death' is a fast-paced fantasy, set in a 19th-century-Italian-mafia inspired world and featuring political intrigue, queer romance, and gender-fluid shapeshifters. It follows Teodora, a young woman who has hidden her magical abilities from her family all her life. After all, everyone knows people who can do magic - known as stregas - are simply magical figures from fairytales. But when her father, along with the heads of the other Five Families, is poisoned, she seeks the help of of Cielo, a strega who can switch between male and female effortlessly, to master her powers and travel to the capital as her fathers son and save the family. Also available as an eBook.
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'The Brilliant Death' is a fast-paced fantasy, set in a 19th-century-Italian-mafia inspired world and featuring political intrigue, queer romance, and gen...Show more
'The Brilliant Death' is a fast-paced fantasy, set in a 19th-century-Italian-mafia inspired world and featuring political intrigue, queer romance, and gender-fluid shapeshifters. It follows Teodora, a young woman who has hidden her magical abilities from her family all her life. After all, everyone knows people who can do magic - known as stregas - are simply magical figures from fairytales. But when her father, along with the heads of the other Five Families, is poisoned, she seeks the help of of Cielo, a strega who can switch between male and female effortlessly, to master her powers and travel to the capital as her fathers son and save the family. Also available as an eBook.
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In 'Blanca & Roja', the story of Snow White and Rose Red is spun into a Latinx, queer fairytale about two sisters, shaped by the generations-old curse...Show more
In 'Blanca & Roja', the story of Snow White and Rose Red is spun into a Latinx, queer fairytale about two sisters, shaped by the generations-old curse that follows their family. This curse means that, one day, the swans in the woods will pull them into a dangerous game and leave only one; the other trapped in the body of a swan. But two locals, Page (who is genderqueer) and Yearling, become entwined in their story, and other fates become possible. Dazzling and richly detailed, this is a story about identity and family, love and hatred, and the price we pay to protect our hearts.
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In 'Blanca & Roja', the story of Snow White and Rose Red is spun into a Latinx, queer fairytale about two sisters, shaped by the generations-old curse...Show more
In 'Blanca & Roja', the story of Snow White and Rose Red is spun into a Latinx, queer fairytale about two sisters, shaped by the generations-old curse that follows their family. This curse means that, one day, the swans in the woods will pull them into a dangerous game and leave only one; the other trapped in the body of a swan. But two locals, Page (who is genderqueer) and Yearling, become entwined in their story, and other fates become possible. Dazzling and richly detailed, this is a story about identity and family, love and hatred, and the price we pay to protect our hearts.
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After coming out as non-binary to their parents, Benjamin is forced to leave home and move in with their estranged sister and her husband, and complete th...Show more
After coming out as non-binary to their parents, Benjamin is forced to leave home and move in with their estranged sister and her husband, and complete their last year of high school at a new school. What follows is an exploration of friendship, family, romance, and overcoming trauma, written by an author who identifies as non-binary as well. #ownvoices
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After coming out as non-binary to their parents, Benjamin is forced to leave home and move in with their estranged sister and her husband, and complete th...Show more
After coming out as non-binary to their parents, Benjamin is forced to leave home and move in with their estranged sister and her husband, and complete their last year of high school at a new school. What follows is an exploration of friendship, family, romance, and overcoming trauma, written by an author who identifies as non-binary as well. #ownvoices
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Pony is a transgender high school boy who has chosen to go 'stealth' at his new school, after a whole lot of unwanted attention at his last school when he...Show more
Pony is a transgender high school boy who has chosen to go 'stealth' at his new school, after a whole lot of unwanted attention at his last school when he came out. Georgia is a cheerleader who just wants to fly under the radar until she can escape high school and move on with her life. Then their paths cross, and things get a little more complicated for both of them. 'Stay Gold' has all the hallmarks of a great romance, and it also tackles some bigger themes of identity, acceptance, and being 'out', in an honest and genuine way. #ownvoices Also available as an eBook.
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Pony is a transgender high school boy who has chosen to go 'stealth' at his new school, after a whole lot of unwanted attention at his last school when he...Show more
Pony is a transgender high school boy who has chosen to go 'stealth' at his new school, after a whole lot of unwanted attention at his last school when he came out. Georgia is a cheerleader who just wants to fly under the radar until she can escape high school and move on with her life. Then their paths cross, and things get a little more complicated for both of them. 'Stay Gold' has all the hallmarks of a great romance, and it also tackles some bigger themes of identity, acceptance, and being 'out', in an honest and genuine way. #ownvoices Also available as an eBook.
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High school student Felix is being bullied online, through a series of transphobic messages, as well as anonymous sharing of his name and photo pre-transi...Show more
High school student Felix is being bullied online, through a series of transphobic messages, as well as anonymous sharing of his name and photo pre-transition. His plan for revenge lands him in an unexpected love-triangle, as well as giving him an opportunity for some questioning and self-discovery. Relationships and identity drive this story, but there's an intriguing whodunit mystery to keep readers on their toes, too. #ownvoices
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High school student Felix is being bullied online, through a series of transphobic messages, as well as anonymous sharing of his name and photo pre-transi...Show more
High school student Felix is being bullied online, through a series of transphobic messages, as well as anonymous sharing of his name and photo pre-transition. His plan for revenge lands him in an unexpected love-triangle, as well as giving him an opportunity for some questioning and self-discovery. Relationships and identity drive this story, but there's an intriguing whodunit mystery to keep readers on their toes, too. #ownvoices
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This is a magical and surreal novel about two mysterious and inseparable friends, Miel - who can grow roses from her wrists; and Sam, a trans boy, who is ...Show more
This is a magical and surreal novel about two mysterious and inseparable friends, Miel - who can grow roses from her wrists; and Sam, a trans boy, who is known for his secretive life before he moved to town with his mother. It is a complex, slow-moving, gorgeous story about friendship and romance and about the lengths people will go to in order to protect their secrets.
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This is a magical and surreal novel about two mysterious and inseparable friends, Miel - who can grow roses from her wrists; and Sam, a trans boy, who is ...Show more
This is a magical and surreal novel about two mysterious and inseparable friends, Miel - who can grow roses from her wrists; and Sam, a trans boy, who is known for his secretive life before he moved to town with his mother. It is a complex, slow-moving, gorgeous story about friendship and romance and about the lengths people will go to in order to protect their secrets.
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A group of friends head to a cabin in the woods to finish the role-playing game they invented together. But they are a group of friends with secrets and h...Show more
A group of friends head to a cabin in the woods to finish the role-playing game they invented together. But they are a group of friends with secrets and history and pain, and their weekend is doomed from the beginning. This novel is a twisty and suspenseful thriller/horror with a diverse cast. Told through alternating and sometimes unreliable voices, it keeps the reader guessing until the end.
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A group of friends head to a cabin in the woods to finish the role-playing game they invented together. But they are a group of friends with secrets and h...Show more
A group of friends head to a cabin in the woods to finish the role-playing game they invented together. But they are a group of friends with secrets and history and pain, and their weekend is doomed from the beginning. This novel is a twisty and suspenseful thriller/horror with a diverse cast. Told through alternating and sometimes unreliable voices, it keeps the reader guessing until the end.
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'Birthday' is a novel told in alternating voices, beginning at best friends Eric and Morgan's shared 13th birthday and spanning the following 6 years. The...Show more
'Birthday' is a novel told in alternating voices, beginning at best friends Eric and Morgan's shared 13th birthday and spanning the following 6 years. Their friendship suffers during high school for a number of reasons, and Morgan struggles alone with identity and grief. This is a raw and unflinching look at the reality of being young and trans in an unsupportive environment, but is ultimately a reminder that however dark it gets, there is always hope, sometimes in unexpected places. #ownvoices
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'Birthday' is a novel told in alternating voices, beginning at best friends Eric and Morgan's shared 13th birthday and spanning the following 6 years. The...Show more
'Birthday' is a novel told in alternating voices, beginning at best friends Eric and Morgan's shared 13th birthday and spanning the following 6 years. Their friendship suffers during high school for a number of reasons, and Morgan struggles alone with identity and grief. This is a raw and unflinching look at the reality of being young and trans in an unsupportive environment, but is ultimately a reminder that however dark it gets, there is always hope, sometimes in unexpected places. #ownvoices
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Yadriel (a young trans man) comes from a traditional Latinx family who are struggling to accept his gender. Determined to prove himself a real brujo (a Sp...Show more
Yadriel (a young trans man) comes from a traditional Latinx family who are struggling to accept his gender. Determined to prove himself a real brujo (a Spanish word meaning sorcerer, a role for men), he performs a ritual to find the ghost of his murdered cousin. But the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, a rebel from Yadriel's high school who isn't ready to go quietly into death. This fairly intense plot premise is paired with characters that are engaging, charming and warm, creating a story full of joy and heart, unapologetic in its exploration of queerness and Latinx identities. #ownvoices Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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Yadriel (a young trans man) comes from a traditional Latinx family who are struggling to accept his gender. Determined to prove himself a real brujo (a Sp...Show more
Yadriel (a young trans man) comes from a traditional Latinx family who are struggling to accept his gender. Determined to prove himself a real brujo (a Spanish word meaning sorcerer, a role for men), he performs a ritual to find the ghost of his murdered cousin. But the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, a rebel from Yadriel's high school who isn't ready to go quietly into death. This fairly intense plot premise is paired with characters that are engaging, charming and warm, creating a story full of joy and heart, unapologetic in its exploration of queerness and Latinx identities. #ownvoices Also available as an eBook and downloadable audiobook.
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After a traumatic event, bigender teen Aleks/Alexis chooses to move in with their uncle, a Catholic priest, for a fresh start. In their new room, Aleks/Al...Show more
After a traumatic event, bigender teen Aleks/Alexis chooses to move in with their uncle, a Catholic priest, for a fresh start. In their new room, Aleks/Alexis discovers they can overhear the confessions from parishioners, and decides to anonymously help these strangers with their problems. But one day, they overhear another priest admitting to abusing a parishioner, and Aleks/Alexis feels compelled to uncover the priest's identity before he causes more harm. This is an engaging, slow-burning thriller, as well as a thoughtful and intense exploration of gender, religion, and the impact of trauma. #ownvoices
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After a traumatic event, bigender teen Aleks/Alexis chooses to move in with their uncle, a Catholic priest, for a fresh start. In their new room, Aleks/Al...Show more
After a traumatic event, bigender teen Aleks/Alexis chooses to move in with their uncle, a Catholic priest, for a fresh start. In their new room, Aleks/Alexis discovers they can overhear the confessions from parishioners, and decides to anonymously help these strangers with their problems. But one day, they overhear another priest admitting to abusing a parishioner, and Aleks/Alexis feels compelled to uncover the priest's identity before he causes more harm. This is an engaging, slow-burning thriller, as well as a thoughtful and intense exploration of gender, religion, and the impact of trauma. #ownvoices
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