Although each of us should be proud of who we are every month of the year, June is officially PRIDE month, celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ population.

Jewish literature has always dealt with the issues of the day: Heather Has two Mommies (1989) by Jewish writer Leslea Newman was a breakthrough book for young children. In an updated edition, it is still a go to book for the intended audience.

The first specifically Jewish picture book about an LGBTQ family was Kushner’s The Purim Superhero (2013). With its Jewish setting and matter-of-fact story, the book gained a wide audience.

In the years since these books, there have been many mainstream books dealing with the everyday joys and challenges of LGBTQ characters- from comedies to tragedies, stories of love and friendship, fantasies and mysteries.

Below are a few worthwhile books out of the scores available to be enjoyed by any reader. Available in the Lampert Library or from your local public library.

Books are listed by publication date

2023     Hemon, The World and All its Holes. A WWI novel of love, memory and history.

2022     Gephart, Abby, Tried and True. Abby’s mother is a lesbian.

2022     Lamb, When Angels Left the Old Country. An angel and demon are study partners.

2022     Sass, Ellen Outside the Lines. 13 year old neurodivergent Ellen deals with her multiple  Identities (J)

2022     Twitty, Koshersoul. Explores the author’s identity as a Black gay Jew.

2021     Polydoros, The City Beautiful. A historical mystery-fantasy set in 1893 Chicago. (YA)

2020     Lehrer, Golem Girl. Born with spina bifida, Rena is challenged  on many levels.

2020     Lewis, The Rabbi who Prayed with Fire. A young rabbi finds love in this mystery. (J)

2018     Colbert, Little & Lion. A Black Jewish girl struggles to define herself. (YA)

2019     Thorn, It Feels Good to be Yourself: a book about gender identity. (Parenting)

2016     Gordon, The Flower Girl Wore Celery. A sweet book about a misunderstanding. (Picture)

2012     Ladin, Through the Door of Life: a Jewish journey between genders

2009     Torah Queeries: weekly commentaries on the Hebrew Bible

2006     Alderman, Disobedience. A  woman returns to the strict Orthodox community she fled.