"Geography Club" by Brent Hartinger

Russel feels like the only gay student at his high school. Well, he’s pretty sure he’s gay, but he’s never dated or kissed a guy before. He’s a pretty average guy, has friends, gets good grades, and has a decent social life. But if anyone knew he was gay, he knows his reputation would be ruined. So he keeps this secret to himself, and even goes on dates with girls to avoid questions about his sexuality. One night Russel goes online in a chat room, and discovers he’s not the only gay student at his school. Turns out that Kevin, the star baseball player, is also in the closet, and Russel learns that other gay students feel just as isolated as he does.

How can they hang out together and talk about these issues without being discovered? Start an after-school club that sounds so boring and lame that no one would ever want to join. That is how the Geography Club got founded. Meeting after school, the group members learn about each other, and start to realize how important it is to be true to yourself and be honest with your friends.

This is a great GBLT novel about discovering yourself, appropriate for 8th grade and up.

"It Gets Better: coming out, overcoming bullying, and creating a life worth living" by Dan Savage

This book was published in conjunction with the "It Gets Better Project," this collection of essays gives hope to those who have struggled with bullying, intimidation, and loneliness in high school. Dan Savage was inspired to ignite the "It Gets Better" YouTube campaign, after a number of high school students commited suicide after enduring relentless taunting and bullying. A number of these students were LBGT and felt isolated in their homophobic and judgemental communities. Savage encouraged adult survivors of bullying to submit videos encouraging young people not to commit suicide, with the premise that "it gets better." Included are essays by our President Barack Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, Hilary Clinton, Suze Orman, and Al Franken. Other testimonials include an assortment of LBGT adults ranging from actors, dancers, military veterans, doctors, activists and parents. They all survived high school, and have created happy, fulfilling lives with strong support systems. While the book isn't as emotionally charged as the videos, it is an excellent resource for any struggling LBGT youth or family member.

"Stuck in Neutral" by Terry Trueman

Imagine having no control over your body. You can't move your legs, your arms, your head, or anything. All of your life you've been confined to a wheelchair. You can't communicate, and you're dependent on those around you to feed you, bathe you, and take care of your every need. That is what life has always been like for Shawn. Shawn has had cerebral palsy his entire life. At 14, Shawn is used to being called a vegetable, a retard, and plenty of other names. No one thinks Shawn is capable of understanding anything, let alone having feelings. His family loves him, but even they have a problem making a connection. This is a book written from Shawn's perspective. Not only can Shawn process information and have deep thoughts, he's confident his life may be in danger. Shawn suspects his own father may be plotting to kill him, to put him out of his misery. But Shawn's not miserable! How do you tell someone your life is in danger when you can't communicate?

"By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead" by Julie Anne Peters

Daelyn has been bullied at school as long as she can remember. She's struggled with her weight and emotions, and her enemies taunt her everyday. Daelyn is determined to kill herself, since her last few attempts have failed. As far as she can see, failure is no longer an option and Daelyn becomes obsessed with researching suicide methods on-line. She's given up on talking. Her parents try to monitor her every move and won't let her out of their sight. A new boy, Santana, attempts a friendship (or more), and Daelyn isn't sure if she's willing to let anyone into her life. Everyone has a breaking point, and Daelyn is planning for her Day of Determination, her last day of her life. Can anything change her mind? There are always alternatives to suicide.

This is a very powerful and sad book, about how bullying can impact people. Whether on-line, or in-person, this story reminds us of how important it is to treat everyone with respect.

"When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead

Bad things keep happening to Miranda. Her friend Sal gets beat up on the street. The apartment she shares with her mom gets broken into. And her best girlfriends are being brats!

Someone, somewhere, knows when and where these bad things are going to happen. Miranda keeps receiving mysterious notes that give specific details on what's going to happen in Miranda's life. And they come true! How is this possible?

Miranda lives in New York City. She's street smart, curious and one sharp student. She doesn't necessarily believe in magic, but there has to be a reasonable explanation.

If you liked "A Wrinkle in Time", you will love, love, love this book!

"Boys are Dogs" by Leslie Margolis

Sixth grade Annabelle just moved into a new house with her mom and her mom's boyfriend Ted Weeble. Annabelle creates a secret nickname for Ted, Dweeble, which is very fitting with his dorky running shorts and nerdy music. New house equals a new school, and her new middle school is filled with pesky boys that take great pleasure in teasing and tormenting Annabelle. Mom and Ted surprise Annabelle with a new puppy, hoping the distraction will help her adjust. Annabelle soon discovers that boys and dogs have a lot in common, and dog training is coming in very useful for putting boys in their place! This is a funny read, Annabelle is super clever and confident.