Books for Young LGBT Folks and Anyone Who Wants to Understand Them

First loves, family problems, compelling discoveries, self-realization, and acceptance during adolescence to adult years are among the things found in this collection of books.

BY Clea Kim

January 31 2013 5:00 AM ET UPDATED: January 31 2013 5:04 PM ET

Danny’s Mom by Elaine Wolf (Arcade Publishing, $24.95)

Anguished mother Beth Maller has recently returned to her job as a high school guidance counselor following the loss of her teenage son Danny in a car accident. She blames her husband for his death, for he insisted the roads were safe that snowy night, when Beth strongly disagreed. She also blames herself for avoiding confrontation with her husband. This incident causes Beth to become a leader at Meadow Brook High, where she learns to speak out and fight against homophobia, bullying, and negligent administrators, risking her personal and professional life. Danny’s Mom is an eye-opening novel about what really goes on in schools and with the people in charge. This is an excellent and essential read for mothers, adults who work in schools, and the LGBTQ community.