Book Recommendations for June

Spent this rainy day putting up fresh book displays for a fresh month.  Because two big things happen in June.

PRIDE

This month we recognize and celebrate gay, bisexual, lesbian, queer, and transgendered people and the steps that have been made towards equality and acceptance.  The last year is marked by both the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and President Obama's public statement in support of gay marriage.  Lady Gaga came to Harvard University to launch her Born This Way Foundation.  And only days ago, Massachusetts declared the federal Defense of Marriage Act to be unconstitutional.

But the struggle isn't over.  North Carolina passed a law banning same-sex marriage.  Three gay teens -- Jay 'Corey' Jones, Jack Reese, and Kenneth Weishuhn -- have committed suicide after being bullied.  And this is only within the last two months.


So this month, and all year round, stay strong and take care of each other.

• Gemini Bites by Patrick Ryan
• Huntress by Malinda Lo
• I am J by Cris Beam
• PINK by Lili Wilkinson
• Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy by Bil Wright
• a+e 4ever by Ilike Merey 
• Money Boy by Paul Yee
• With or Without You by Brian Farrey 
• Freaks and Revelations by Davida Willis Hurwin
• Love Drugged by James Klise
• Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey

Speaking of taking care of each other...

POP

Mentor, father figure, librarian. Oh, Giles...

Father's Day is June 17th!  What are you planning to do for your dad, grandpa, brother, uncle or other awesome familymanperson?  Here are some new books and old favs!

Death Jr. by Gary Whitta
Death Jr. is just a regular-ish sort of kid starting out at a new school and hoping to make friends.  Well, except that his dad is the Grim Reaper.  But that doesn't stop him from being one of the best dads ever!

Guy Langman, Crime Scene Procrastinator by Josh Berk
Guy's dad, on the other hand, is actually dead.  But man, was he one amazing individual when he was alive: scuba diver, inventor, and all around ladies' man.  A lot to live up to.  So Guy mostly doesn't.  Until he joins his high school forensics club and starts uncovering mysteries in his father's past and his own present.

Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt
How does Peyton's dad's multiple sclerosis diagnosis lead to an obsessive crush?  A crush on the guy Peyton's sat behind in school since third grade?  Dang alphabetical seating...


Before you go, take a moment to read these incredible words from Libba Bray.  This June, don't be afraid to speak love and kindness -- to Dad, to a friend, to the world.