The 2024 Rainbow Book List is excited to present its selection of books catering to LGBTQIA+ youth, spanning from birth to age 18. The compilation includes over 100 titles released between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.

It is critical that the Rainbow Book List, and other book lists like it, are made available to assist librarians, educators, caregivers, LGBTQIA+ members, and community allies in selecting quality books for LGBTQIA+ youth. As attacks against LGBTQIA+ books have become upsettingly frequent, it is important to fight for the inclusion of all stories in community libraries and schools. Our youth deserve to see themselves reflected in their literature. Unfortunately, this list will undoubtedly be misused by some to target, censor, and ban LGBTQIA+ stories. It is therefore up to all of us to rally behind the authors on this list and support, read, share, and discuss their books.

Despite facing a significant surge in book challenges and censorship attempts over the past year, it is heartening to note that the availability of queer literature for youth is on a continuous rise. This past year, the Rainbow Book List committee assessed more than 450 books, enabling us to continue to offer two distinct top 10 lists. The Top Ten Titles for Young Readers are tailored for readers from birth to middle school, while the Top Ten Titles for Teen Readers cater to a young adult audience. Throughout the annotated list, the presence of an asterisk (*) signifies that a title has earned a spot on one of the top ten lists.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who has shown interest in the 2024 Rainbow Book List. Thank you for standing with us in championing the power of storytelling and the importance of embracing all voices.

The Rainbow Book List is brought to you by the Rainbow Round Table of the American Library Association. Members of the 2024 Rainbow Book List are: Jess Geiss (Chair), Stanislaus County Library (CA); Isaiah West (Chair), Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (MD); Sarah Anderson, Charles County Public Library (MD); Nathan Bartos, Kent District Library (MI); Tori Gellman, Public Library (MA); Kelly Hart, Sequoyah Regional Library System (GA); Noah Mullens, University of Florida (FL); Jennifer Powell, Tuscaloosa City Schools (AL); Carrie Richmond, Racine Public Library (WI); Molly Saunders, ALSO Youth (FL); Melaina Squicciarini, Highland Park Public Library (NJ).

View the Full 2024 Rainbow Book List (PDF).