Activity And Project

Afterschool and Summer Reading with LGBTQ Content

Grades
6 - 12
Activity Time
30 minutes (can be repeated multiple times)
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Activity Description

Whether or not your middle school reader identifies as LGBTQ, the social justice issues surrounding the characters in LGBTQ fiction will be motivating and generate opportunities for discussion and writing. This activity includes a list of age-appropriate books, a discussion-starter guide and ideas to extend beyond the books.

Why This Is Helpful

Reading materials in schools often do not include LGBTQ characters and issues, leaving questions unanswered and concerns unaddressed. If your student is interested in this topic, he or she will be motivated to read. Adding the element of choice also contributes to motivation. Research shows that motivation sparks engagement, meaning the student will want to read and will develop higher order thinking skills in the process.

Here's What to Do

  1. Look over the handouts Books with LGBTQ Characters and Finding the Right Book. If you would like to limit the book options, print the book list and cut out your selected books. Present the slips of paper to your student and let them choose. If possible, find copies of each book to make the choices even more appealing.
  2. Help your student obtain the chosen book through the library, friends, or a bookseller.  Considering getting a copy for yourself so you both can read and discuss.
  3. Refer to the handout Discussing a Book Together for ways to promote discussion.
  4. If your student is a reluctant to discuss, offer your own observations and questions about the book to coax them into discussion. Do not, however, force a discussion. Remember that the goal is to encourage reading.
  5. If your student does not feel comfortable discussing the book with you, suggest they record private thoughts and questions in a response journal. This can simply be a spiral notebook. To offer ideas for writing, see Discussing a Book Together.
  6. Show your student the Literary Elements Map, an online visualization tool that helps them analyze characters, setting, conflict, and resolution. Try filling it out together.
  7. As questions arise, such as “What does the law say about LBGTQ rights?” do some internet research together. Websites such as Lambda Legal and The Human Rights Campaign are especially useful.
  8. When the book is completed, find it on Amazon or Goodreads and read a few reviews. Ask your student if they agree or disagree with the reviews.  Suggest the student write a review too. Resources such as the Book Review Form, How to Help a Child Write a Book Review, and the Book Review Template may be helpful.
  9. When your student finishes the book, Encourage them to read another book from the list of Books with LGBTQ Characters (or a book from the podcast episode Gay and Lesbian Characters in Young Adult Literature) and repeat the process.

What You Need

More Ideas to Try

  • Find others to read with you and form a book club.
  • If your student likes to draw, try Literary Graffiti as a way to respond to the book.
  • Encourage your student to write to the author of a book they enjoyed.
  • To learn more about support and advocacy for the LGBTQ community, attend a local PFLAG meeting. Larger cities might also have an LGBTQ community center that provides youth activities.
  • If your student is on social media, suggest they follow GSA Network or GSLEN or The Trevor Project to stay informed.
Aryana
Tutor
The Rainbow List is the perfect platform for children who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or simply undecided. At a young age, it is important that we open up our children's minds to the LGBTQ community so that they are aware. Several students struggle with their sexuality and they don't know how to express themselves. The Rainbow List can help guide children into feeling comfortable and willing to accept who they are from deep within. Whereas some children are confused and unsure of their sexuality, some individuals knew from the time they learned how to speak. Either way, the LGBTQ youth need to feel comfortable and represented in our society. The Rainbow Book List can help with this! When I become a teacher, I will definitely utilize this in my classroom.
Aryana
Tutor
The Rainbow List is the perfect platform for children who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or simply undecided. At a young age, it is important that we open up our children's minds to the LGBTQ community so that they are aware. Several students struggle with their sexuality and they don't know how to express themselves. The Rainbow List can help guide children into feeling comfortable and willing to accept who they are from deep within. Whereas some children are confused and unsure of their sexuality, some individuals knew from the time they learned how to speak. Either way, the LGBTQ youth need to feel comfortable and represented in our society. The Rainbow Book List can help with this! When I become a teacher, I will definitely utilize this in my classroom.
Aryana
Tutor
The Rainbow List is the perfect platform for children who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or simply undecided. At a young age, it is important that we open up our children's minds to the LGBTQ community so that they are aware. Several students struggle with their sexuality and they don't know how to express themselves. The Rainbow List can help guide children into feeling comfortable and willing to accept who they are from deep within. Whereas some children are confused and unsure of their sexuality, some individuals knew from the time they learned how to speak. Either way, the LGBTQ youth need to feel comfortable and represented in our society. The Rainbow Book List can help with this! When I become a teacher, I will definitely utilize this in my classroom.

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