Recommendations for LGBTQ YA Themed Month

I am going to be hosting another themed month next year after a break this year, and this time, it will be on LGBTQ YA novels!

I discovered recently that I have read only one, but had more than I realised in my TBR pile. I believe it's time for a little education and a way towards a little more understanding for me, so this is what I will be doing. However, the books I do have... there aren't enough for a whole month. So, I need some help.

I would like you to recommend YA LGBTQ novels (which will include all novels under the QUILTBAG acronym - Queer/Questioning, Unidentified, Intersex, Lesbian, Transgender, Bisexual, Asexual, and Gay/Genderqueer) that you think are pretty good - preferably ones that are published in the UK, so it'll be easier for me to get a hold of.

I am particularly looking for recommendations for the bisexual, transgender and intersex novels, as there doesn't seem to be too many going about.

If you have any ideas, please recommend them to me on Goodreads (link goes direct to my recommendation request), where I am create a shelf for these novels so I can find them easily. Thanks!

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Love Month Over on Fluttering Butterflies

The wonderful Michelle of Fluttering Butterflies had the brilliant idea of hosting Love Month in February, to celebrate Valentine's Day.

There will be reviews, guest posts, discussions and giveaways! My guest post for the month will be going up on 3rd Feb, so be sure to check it out.

I will also be taking part on my own blog over the month. I don't know how exactly yet, but it's going to be good! Keep an eye out!

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Next Themed Month: Death and Bereavement in Teen Lit

I know this is early, but I have decided to start working on the next themed month for July '11, which will be Death and Bereavement in Teen Lit Month - as suggested by Michelle of Fluttering Butterflies via Twitter. I find when I start working on a themed month only a few months before the Months begin, I end up putting pressure on myself to read faster and get everything done, and end up stressing myself out a little. So now I've decided I will start now; I'll read books, draft reviews, and post them in July 2011.

This time round, I'm doing things differently in regards to those who take part. With BI&SP Month, although I believe it went pretty well, in hindsight I think there were too many people taking part "officially", which meant some blogs and their posts were overlooked by readers - there was just too much going on for everyone to keep up with. So this time I've decided there will be just four or five blogs involved "officially" - mine and three or four others. Other blogs are allowed and encourage to read around the topic for the month and post too, but just without me linking to them and including them in the schedule. I'll have a Mr Linky available for those people. I'm also thinking to open this up to bloggers who weren't heavily involved in BI&SP Month, simply to allow other people to get involved and highlight other blogs - unless other bloggers aren't interested but previously involved people are.

Also during BI&SP Month, there were a few books that were read by several bloggers and, although at the time I said I didn't mind a little overlap, I think it was a mistake. I think this is also partly why some posts on some blogs were overlooked too. So this year I'm going to say each book read for the month is read by one blogger involved only.

After reading all this, if you think you'd like to take part, please email me at joannestapley[at]gmail[dot]com.

N.B. You don't have to start preparing and reading now too, it's just going to help me. I just felt I should announce it now as people are already showing interest on Twitter.

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