This blog was written by SJPL Librarian, Nina Zeininger
Transgender and gender expansive adults and youth exist in every community. In addition to community members who identify specifically as transgender, the transgender spectrum may also include people who identify as non-binary, agender, gender queer, and gender fluid. Ensuring access to information about transgender identities, healthcare, and rights from credible sources is important because this leads to accurate representation. This, in turn, means greater understanding and inclusion for all.
Though International Trans Day of Visibility, a holiday begun in 2009 by activist Rachel Crandall-Crocker, happens each year on March 31, it’s always a good time to recognize and honor people around the world with this identity. And what better time to celebrate than now, as we look forward to Silicon Valley Pride in August?
Pride is a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities, so let us take a moment to do just that through representation in books. The following book recommendations highlight trans joy. While the books below do not necessarily shy away from the difficulties of the trans experience, the stories are ultimately uplifting, centering trans people in epic adventures, finding family, love, and happiness.
Recommendations for Adults
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
This genre bending sci-fi/fantasy novel showcases queer love in all its forms. Did I mention there’s a deal with the devil AND a donut shaped spaceship? What’s not to love?! Shizuka Satomi needs one more soul to get out of her demonic contract and save her own life, Katrina Nguyen, a young violin prodigy and transgender runaway is just trying to find a better life, and Lan Tran is an interstellar refugee doing her best to build a better life for her family. As the lives of these three women become entangled by chance and fate, a story of magic, identity, curses, and hope begins, and a family worth crossing the universe for is found.
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
Transgender people have existed throughout history and this trans Regency romance imagines a love story between Viola Caroll and lifelong best friend Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood. Viola was presumed dead at the Battle of Waterloo and took that as an opportunity to live as her true self, even though it meant she would have to leave behind everything from her former life inlcuding her title and her best friend behind. After reconnecting years later, fresh desires give new names to old feelings, but is this an impossible love? This book proves that love will find a way.
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
A romance novel that redefines what it means to be a romance novel. Theo and Kit have been a lot of things: childhood best friends, crushes, in love, and now estranged exes. Four years later, it's not until they board the bus for a European food and wine tour that they discover they've both accidentally had the exact same idea. They may just find themselves craving more than what’s being served for dinner at their next stop. Fair warning: this book will not only have you falling in love with the characters, it’ll leave you hungry for a food and wine tour of your own.
Recommendations for Young Adults/Teens
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Nova
Why yes, there is a Pride and Prejudice adaptation for that. Oliver Bennet, trapped by societal expectations to live as female, discovers the possibility of love and freedom when he forms a connection with Darcy. Bonus: if you too dreamed of having the wonderful Mr. Bennet as a dad when reading Jane Austen’s original, Mr. Bennet’s love and care for his son in this version will melt your heart.
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
Teo is a carefree transgender teen demigod until he unexpectedly gets selected for the Sunbearer Trials, a series of difficult challenges where the winner must sacrifice the loser to keep the Sun from going dark. Steeped in the Mexican landscape and mythology, this is an adventure tale that balances tension with humor and an abundance of love.
This Day Changes Everything by Edward Underhill
This delightful romcom, with a large helping of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off mixed in, takes places over the course of one day in New York City. Abby and Leo are both in NYC to perform in the Thanksgiving Day parade with their respective high schools’ marching bands. When Leo accidentally causes Abby to lose her epic coming out gift for her best friend/crush, the race is on to dodge the grown-ups and create an even more epic gift. As they get to know each other better, this day might just be changing everything for each of them in ways they never expected.
Recommendations for Children
Ho’Onani by Heather Gale
An empowering celebration of identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story of a young girl in Hawai'i who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her school. Ho'onani feels in-between. She doesn't see herself as wahine (girl) OR kane (boy). She's happy to be in the middle. But not everyone sees it that way. This book tells the story of a child learning to accept who they are and, in doing so, gains the acceptance of those around them.
ho'Ho'onani
One of a Kind Like Me by Laurin Mayeno
Danny wants to be a princess in the school parade, a decision that his mom supports, and the two race to the thrift store to find his costume right before closing time.
Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker
Zenobia July is starting a new life. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was. When someone anonymously posts hateful memes on her school's website, Zenobia knows she's the one with the abilities to solve the mystery, all while wrestling with the challenges of a new school, a new family, and coming to grips with presenting her true gender for the first time. Timely and touching, Zenobia July is, at its heart, a story about finding home.
There are so many more books that center transgender experiences than could be included here. If you’re interested in reading and learning more, consider browsing the Trans Rights Readathon database, opens a new window.
Want more Staff Picks for Pride Season?
Check out these curated book lists with recommendations from San Jose Public Library staff for all ages.
SJPL Recommends: Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility
Add a comment to: Reading Trans Joy