With autumn fast approaching, upstate New York is finally cooling off – quite the relief after a hot and muggy summer where about all I could do was lay in front of the fan and sweat. I’m Lynne Rhys; I’m an academic librarian and a proud member of the Rainbow List selection committee. Now that I’m not sweating all over the books, here’s what I’m reading:

The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths and Magic by F.T. Lukens: Lukens, author of the Broken Moon series of books, has a knack for authentic voice; in this case, it’s the voice of Bridger Whitt, a high schooler determined to pay for college.When he answers a Craigslist ad for an “assistant,” he winds up climbing up the side of a strange old house trying not to look down – and that’s just to apply for the job. This book has comedy and action from the first page, and you’ll find yourself laughing as Bridger enters a world of pixies, werewolves, a hostile unicorn and even Bigfoot. Can he help stabilize the magical realm and, at the same time, learn to accept his emerging bisexuality? You’ll have to read this young adult novel to find out.

My Life as a Diamond by Jenny Manzer: Caspar “Caz” Cadman is good at baseball. I mean, he’s really good. So after his family moves to Seattle, he can’t wait to join the local team. In his last town, though, when he came out as transgender he was harassed and ostracized. Will things be better here?  This is a terrific book about gender identity for middle graders. An easy read packed with themes of family, acceptance, friendship, and baseball.

Dead Endia: The Watcher’s Test by Hamish Steele: If you like funny, quirky, queer graphic novels that abound with demons, ghosts, talking dogs, and wizards, I think you’ll enjoy Dead Endia. The story is set in Pollywood, a theme park dedicated to the movies of a famous actress. In the middle of the park is Dead End, a haunted house that also serves as a portal into the underworld. One of Dead Endia’s main characters is Barney, a young transgender man who has been rejected by his parents. Barney battles the bad guys while Steele uses a light touch to integrate diverse characters and confront themes like homelessness. A fun and colorful read for ages 12 and up.

Visit this blog for updates on books we’re considering for next year’s Rainbow List. In the meantime, enjoy the colors of fall wherever you are. And read!