My student Library Assistants have been on flag duty this week, and have made the library a proud and colourful place to be. Please come up to see the large collection of books for LGBTQ+ History Month, many of which were bought using money from our generous PTA. 

Mrs Carey, School Librarian

Student LGBTQ+ book recommendations

Heartstopper - Alice Oseman 

I recommend the graphic book series Heartstopper by Alice Oseman!  It’s a lovely book surrounding the lives of Nick and Charlie and their challenges that needed to be overcome to be accepted by their family and school as well as lots of light-hearted comedic scenes! It’s such a heart-warming series and Oseman is such a great writer and illustrator.  My favourite character is Oliver, Charlie’s little brother! This book is a must for anyone interested in reading LGBTQ+ books!

Jessica, Year 8

I really enjoyed the book  'Heartstopper' as it talks about the hardships and mental health issues that formulate due to homophobia. It shows that there isn't a shortcut to mental health recovery. I also liked the bond between Nick and Charlie.

Isabelle, Year 8

 

Heartstopper, Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, Alex in Wonderland, Beautiful Music for Ugly Children, The Art of Being Normal and Buy Meets Boy are all amazing.

Alex, Year 9

The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller

Set in Ancient Greece, The Song of Achilles is a book following the hidden romance of Achilles, a half-god destined for greatness, and Patroclus, a banished prince.

As the friendship grows into something more, they're faced with a series of complex challenges and opposers to their relationship. A retelling of the
well-known story, Achilles and Patroclus are called to war and the test of their bonds are pushed to the limits. I love this book as it's not only a beautiful relationship, from friends to lovers, but also because of the different perspective provided.  I would recommend this book to not just ancient history/ history lovers, but to everyone - from age Year 9+.

Scarlett, Year 11

 

My Policeman - Bethan Roberts

I read the book My Policeman a couple of months ago. It is about three characters called Tom, Patrick and Marion, in which Tom and Marion are supposedly in a relationship with each other as Tom begins to fall in love with a museum curator he met called Patrick. As they play it off as a close friendship, their secret relationship grows behind Marion's back, as being gay was illegal at the time. I love this book because it's interesting to see the lengths people will go to, to be with the person they love and the risks they would take to conceal it at a time when they can't express their love. I recommend this book to Year nine and above. 

Mya, Year 11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2020 Penguin released a report on 'Diversity in Literature in English Schools' which found that fewer than 1% of students at GCSE study a book by a writer of colour.