'The Deep' author Rivers Solomon shares 5 book picks for Pride Month
This Pride Month, there many ways to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, including through books.
Rivers Solomon, the author of award-winning books such as "Sorrowland" and "The Deep," is a nonbinary and intersex author who incorporates experiences of the queer community in their work.
Read below to see Solomon's book recommendations to celebrate Pride Month, as described in their own words.
"Hurricane Child" by Kacen Callender
Coming up on nearly five years since first reading it, "Hurricane Child" by Kacen Callender remains a favorite. Lyrical, magical, and haunting, this middle-grade novel explores the interior world of 12-year-old Caroline in the aftermath of her mother's disappearance.
Dealing with being a bullied outcast is hard enough, but she's also being stocked by a mysterious spirit. Thankfully, a little sweetness comes into her life in the way of new student Kalinda, with whom she forms a romantic bond.
Such a book would've meant so much to me as a queer Black child, but it also means so much to me as an adult still constantly on the outskirts of things and finding their way.
"Snapdragon" by Kat Leyh
"Snapdragon" is a graphic novel for young people who are a bit rough around the edges and like it that way!
When young Snap meets the Crocs-wearing, bone-selling town witch, a friendship full of warmth, humor, and aventure begins. With absolutely charming and evocative illustrations, Snapdragon is a fast-paced read full of love. It's a book that, thank goodness, flies its freak flag high.
"Elatsoe" by Darcie Little Badger
I read "Elatsoe" in a few sittings, immediately drawn into the uniqueness of its voice and the richness of its magical world.
Written with wit and darkness, it is a book that will appeal to fans of the macabre.
As a former punkish goth kid who was obsessed with horror, I found myself in Elatsoe's exquisitely written pages. Elatsoe's Lipan Apache asexual protagonist has gumption, heart, and a ghost dog companion. I'm not sure what else readers could ask for.
"Wildthorn" by Jane Eagland
"Wildthorn" explores the deep injustices present in the life of not just gender nonconforming women, but in the lives of poor, disabled, and other marginalized women who can not fit into a sanist society in which personhood is hinged on conforming to an extremely narrow, oppressive set of norms.
Times have changed in some way, but in many ways, they have not. Set in an asylum, this will be a troubling and potentially triggering book for some young readers.
That said, there's an undeniable warmth in the story's blossoming romance. While at times a difficult ride, it's ultimately reaffirming.
"Oranges Are not the Only Fruit" by Jeanette Winterson
"Oranges Are not the Only Fruit" is a classic for a reason.
The story of a young lesbian rebelling against her strict religious upbringing will be relatable for many young people who find themselves at odds with a society who punishes them for not being straight.
