To celebrate Northern Pride 2024 taking place in Newcastle this month, we’re proud to introduce our July #7StoriesSelects theme: ‘Identity and Belonging‘!

Here at Seven Stories we want to continue to support children and young people’s access to stories that explore LGBTQ+ themes compassionately, mindfully and most importantly… with Pride!!

Be sure to follow #7StoriesSelects on social media to stay in the know with all of our recommended reading.

Confetti by Dean Atta

Picture Book Choice

One day, Ari discovers a piece of pink confetti under the sofa. She throws is up into the air and watches it helicopter down: a small, bright moment of celebration.

And before long, Ari discovers confetti in other places: at her birthday party; at the Pride parade; in autumn’s falling leaves; in the magical sprinkling of snowflakes. She finds that when you look around, life is full of celebrations, each moment bursting with colour and joy – just like a handful of confetti!

The Dress in the Window by Robert Tregoning

Five & Over

One afternoon, on the high street in town,
A boy, with his mum, saw a sparkling gown.
There, in that moment, the boy made a wish:
To put on that dress and to swirl and to swish!!

Inspired by the author’s husband and his childhood memory of falling in love with a gown in a shop, this is a story of imagination, parental love, community and self-expression.

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Jamie by LD Lapinski

Middle Grade

Jamie is a young non-binary child who loves playing and hanging out with their two best friends. But when the trio realise that they will be moving to different schools – one for boys and the other for girls – Jamie worries where they will fit into this.

The three friends, therefore, embark on a mission to raise awareness of and challenge the binary labels of school to ensure they remain happy, together.

Can Safiyyah find the courage to enter the treacherous catacombs under Paris and lead the Jews to safety?

Gwen and Art are NOT in love by Lex Croucher

YA Fave

Gwen, the quick-witted Princess of England, and Arthur, future duke and general gadabout, have been betrothed since birth. Unfortunately, the only thing they can agree on is that they hate each other.

When Gwen catches Art kissing a boy and Art discovers where Gwen hides her diary (complete with racy entries about Bridget Leclair, the kingdom’s only female knight), they become reluctant allies. By pretending to fall for each other, their mutual protection will be assured. But how long can they keep up the ruse?

With Gwen growing closer to Bridget, and Art becoming unaccountably fond of Gabriel, Gwen’s infuriatingly serious, bookish brother, the path to true love is looking far from straight…

My Brother George by Kelley and Zoey Allen

All The Family

Molly’s brother George tells funny jokes and has the best laugh! When they are together, they have all sorts of adventures, whether that’s on the beach, climbing trees or snuggling on the sofa at home.

Sometimes other children laugh at George and don’t understand that his long hair and clips are just part of who he is and how he is.

An uplifting story about daring to be different, but finding our place as part of loving, happy families.

The Big Day by Rachel Plummer

Story Seller Recommendation

When a giant, sparkly blue envelope arrives in the post, one tiny human knows just what to do. They set off to a magical wedding where witches, elves, unicorns and more gather in excitement. They watch the giant grooms sweep in with a burst of gorgeous colour and exchange vows, before everyone tucks into an other-worldly wedding feast. This is a wedding they’ll never forget!

Lift the flaps to uncover the details as the wedding unfolds, from the RSVP to the magical menu. With beautiful poetry by Rachel Plummer and stunning illustrations by Forrest Burdett, this charming picture book sends a message to all: that love is just love, whether giant or small.

Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

Classic

David, a young American in 1950s Paris, is waiting for his fiancée to return from vacation in Spain. But when he meets Giovanni, a handsome Italian barman, the two men are drawn into an intense affair.

After three months David’s fiancée returns, and, denying his true nature, David rejects Giovanni for a ‘safe’ future as a married man – a decision that will eventually bring tragedy, longing and regret…

This now-classic story of a fated love triangle explores, with uncompromising clarity, the conflicts between desire, conventional morality and sexual identity.