"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.

"Shine" by Lauren Myracle

Black Creek, North Carolina is a small town where everyone knows everyone's business. Teenagers at the local high school have grown up together, and it's a tragedy when 17-year-old Patrick Truman is found brutally beaten outside the convenience store where he worked. What is more shocking is that Patrick appears to be the victim of a vicious hate crime. Police are searching for subjects but they have no lead, and no witnesses have come forward.

16-year-old Cat used to be best friends with Patrick when they were younger. She stopped being social with him a few years back...not because of his personality or sexual preferences, just because Cat felt more at home by herself and at church.

When Cat hears of the attack against Patrick, she is devastated. Some community members warn her to leave the issue alone, and some people are convinced that Patrick deserved what he got. Cat is determined to find the responsible person(s) and bring them to justice for the crime they committed. When she starts her investigation, certain members of her friends and community are exposed in unfavorable circumstances. A dark, meanacing problem is ravaging the young people in Black Creek, and its presence may have contributed to Patrick's assault.

This is a powerful, raw, violent book, but has many important messages regarding hate crimes and stereotypes. I would recommend for high school or mature readers. Heavy language and subject matter, but extremely well written.

"Scars" by Cheryl Rainfield

Kendra's memories are starting to resurface. She knows she's been abused, but she can't remember who hurt her. Her dreams and recollections are hazy, but she's sure it's someone who is close to her, and she's having problems trusting people. It's bad enough with the memories, but things have taken a turn for the worse. Her abuser has started to stalk her, to make sure she keeps quiet and doesn't remember.

Kendra has her art. Art gives her a way to express her emotions and anger. And she also has cutting. She knows it's dangerous and harmful, but sometimes it seems like the only way to become numb to her horrifying memories, and keep her abuser at a distance.

She develops a special friendship with Meghan. When Meghan discovers Kendra's past, her concern escalates as Meghan's self-destructive behavior spirals out of control.

"Suicide Notes" by Michael Thomas Ford

15-year old Jeff is in the nuthouse, the psychiatric ward of a mental institution, for attempting to commit suicide. But he didn't do it on purpose. At least he didn't mean to. He's got 45 days of treatment to explain to his counselor why this is all a big mistake. At first Jeff is opposed to group therapy and doesn't want to discuss his personal issues with all the other locked up teenagers. But after he gets befriends a few insiders, he realizes everyone has issues and maybe he's just been ignoring one big issue he didn't want to face. His relationship with his best friend, Allie, may have more to do with his suicide attempt than he's willing to admit. This book is part "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and part "Girl, Interrupted" but funnier. Good for 8th and up.

"Parrotfish" by Ellen Wittlinger

Angela knows that she's always been a boy, and now it's time to let everyone else know. Angela comes out as a transgendered, changing her name to Grady, cutting her hair, and dressing in male clothing. Grady's new identity suits him well, but people in his life are having a harder time adjusting. Friends at school don't always know the best way to react, and some are outright homophobic and hostile. Grady's family is confused, but supportive, and Grady keeps busy helping his dad with their overboard Christmas decorations and the arrival of his newest cousin. This book is great for building awareness around transgendered issues, and provides valuable resources for any questioning teenagers.