Our Summer It Gets Better 2026 Queer Reading List

Learn more about the Summer Reading Challenge and click here to learn more about this year’s featured books.

We started with six queer books by six queer authors.

Since then, our list has multiplied to more than 30 books you can add to your reading list.

It Gets Better’s Summer Reading Challenge helps power the next generation of LGBTQ+ storytellers, but it also amplifies the authors and queer stories that are inspiring their journey. So if you’re looking for a few good reads, look no further than this list.

Author: Ryan Douglass

Book: The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay

Ryan’s Must Reads

The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.

Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong.

Stag Dance by Torrey Peters.

Author: Jessica Mary Best

Book: You Pierce My Soul

Jessica’s Must Reads

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Gay the Pray Away by Natalie Naudus

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong.

Author: Mia Siegert

Book: The Names We Buried

Mia’s Must Reads

Once You Go Back by Douglas A. Martin

Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution by Kacen Callender

LITERALLY ANYTHING by Tess Sharpe and Caleb Roehrig 

Author: L.V. Peñalba

Book: Shapes of Love

L.V.’s Must Reads

Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Smash or Pass by Birdie Schae

Author: Jumata Emill

Book: I Don’t Wish You Well

Jumata’s Must Reads

Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

Anger is a Gift by Mark Oshiro

The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Queer Liberation Library – Want access to free queer books? Sign up for a free account with Queer Liberation Library, then use Libby App to sign in and access their collection.

We asked our friends at QLL to recommend three queer books everyone should start with, their summer reading recommendations, and the one queer book they wish everyone was talking about. You can find those below.