LGBT Meets SPQR: YA Bookshelf

YA Bookshelf

The following is a list of YA (young adult) books that have LGBTQIA+ characters or themes:

Latin Novellas:

Ash, Rachel. Camilla. [Topic: a Latin novella about the asexual Amazon Camilla, inspired by Vergil's Aeneid]
Belzer-Carroll, Arianne and Glasscho, Crispa. Carmen Megilli. [Topic: a Latin novella about the coming-of-age-story of the trans man Megillus, inspired by the character in Lucian's works]
Cunning, Rachel Beth. Atalanta Heroina. [Topic: a Latin novella retelling the myth of Atalanta that depicts her having agency over her life, and choosing the outcome of her fate instead of being a passive victim]
Cunning, Rachel Beth. Virgo Ardens. [Topic: a Latin novella about the coming-of-age story of the W/W couple Iphis & Ianthe, inspired by Ovid's myth]
Hirschler, Michael. Hyacinthus. [Topic: a Latin novella about the myth of Apollo & Hyacinthus]

EMERGING READERS:

Bateman, Teresa. Damon, Pythias, and the Test of Friendship. [Topic: a children's book about the strong bond between Damon and Pythias]
Chae, Yung In. Goddess Power:10 Empowering Tales of Legendary Women. [Topic: a book for emerging readers on famous goddesses of Greece and Rome, including asexual goddesses Artemis and Athena]
Don, Lari. Girls, Goddesses and Giants: Stories of Heroines from Around the World. [Topic: anthology of legends and myths of women warriors from around the world, including one on the poet Telesilla]
Gilman, Melanie. Other Ever Afters: New Queer Fairy Tales. [Topic: a selection of sweet, thoughtful fairy tales with queer protagonists including a trans allegory and a woman falling in love with a mermaid. Each fairy tale centers around topics such as empathy, standing up for justice, and having the courage to be yourself.]
Hahn, Rebecca. The Shadow Behind the Stars [Topic: Chloe, goddess of fate, learns about love, empathy, and humanity when she meets a woman who survived a terrible ordeal. TRIGGER WARNING: themes of war and rape, but described in a level appropriate manner]
Lawrence, Caroline. The Night Raid [Topic: M/M: Nisus & Euryalus]
Lawrence, Caroline. Queen of the Silver Arrow [Topic: W/W: Camilla & Acca]
Leavitt, Amie Jane. Diana: Roman Goddess of the Hunt. [Topic: an informative book about the maiden goddess Diana/Artemis. A good classroom resource with vocabulary building tools and a glossary for larger words]
Leonard, Anya. Sappho: The Lost Poetess. [Topic: A Children's book on the life of the love poet Sappho]
Love, D. Anne. Of Numbers and Stars: The Story of Hypatia. [Topic: a children's book about the life and impact of the asexual scholar Hypatia]
McMullan, Kate. Go For the Gold, Atalanta! [Topic: A reimagining of the myth of the asexual athlete and Argonaut Atalanta. CONTENT WARNING: Although the story itself is a positive reimaging of the myth, the last paragraph of the "primary sources" appendix describes Melanion's rape of Atalanta as "the two married and lived happily ever after," which is problematic and unfortunately not uncommon in YA myth books]
O'Connor, George. Olympians: Apollo, The Brilliant One. [Topic: a graphic novel retelling the story of Apollo using primary sources, including his love of Daphne and Hyacinthus]
O'Connor, George. Olympians: Artemis, Wild Goddess of the Hunt. [Topic: a graphic novel retelling the story of Artemis using primary sources, including her vow of chastity, her friendship with Atalanta, and the death of Orion. Tactfully explains difficult material]
O'Connor, George. Olympians: Dionysus, The New God. [Topic: a graphic novel retelling the story of Dionysus using primary sources, including his marriage to Ampelos and Ariadne. Tactfully explains difficult material]
Parmar, Shivani. Achilles & Patroclus: A Moment of Peace in a Lifetime of War. [Topic: M/M: Achilles and Patroclus. CONTENT WARNING: the "F word" is used once in dialogue on p. 21; otherwise suitable language for middle / high school audience]
Riordan, Rick. The Blood of Olympus: Heroes of Olympus #5 [Topic: one of the supporting characters is gay]
Riordan, Rick. The Sun and The Star. [Topic: M/M: A standalone adventure of the gay couple Nico D'Angelo and Will Solace. TRIGGER WARNING: this book addresses complex topics like PTSD and trauma in a careful and tactful way.]
Riordan, Rick. The Trials of Apollo: The Hidden Oracle. [Topic: Apollo is pansexual, in love with both Hyacinthus and Daphne; his sister is asexual; his son is gay. TRIGGER WARNING: Daphne, typically portrayed as asexual, is portrayed as a heterosexual in this story]
Riordan, Rick. The Trials of Apollo: The Dark Prophecy. [Topic: Apollo is pansexual; his sister is asexual; the antagonist is gay; secondary characters include a lesbian couple]
Riordan, Rick. The Trials of Apollo: The Burning Maze. [Topic: Apollo is pansexual; his son is gay; multiple LGBTQIA+ secondary characters]
Riordan, Rick. The Trials of Apollo: The Tyrant's Tomb. [Topic: Apollo is pansexual; multiple LGBTQIA+ secondary characters]
Riordan, Rick. The Trials of Apollo: The Tower of Nero. [Topic: Apollo is pansexual; his son is gay].
Sanmamed, Marta, and Wimmer, Sonja. Cyparissus: That Which Dies Is Never Forgotten; That Which is Forgotten, Dies. [Topic: a children's book that reframes the myth of Cyparissus as an allegory for explaining death of a pet to young readers]
Skelley, Billie Holladay. Hypatia: Ancient Alexandria's Female Scholar. [Topic: a biography of the famous asexual scholar Hypatia]
Smith, Ali. The Story of Antigone. [Topic: the role of women in ancient Greece; Tiresias is also a minor character in this book]
Stevenson, ND. Nimona. [Topic: a graphic novel set in a steampunk medieval setting about the friendship that grows between a wrongly banished knight and his spunky shapeshifting sidekick. Both protagonists are queer coded, but with subtle nuances instead of their more obvious portrayals in the award-winning Netflix film adaptation].
Sutcliff, Rosemary. The Eagle of the Ninth. [Topic: M/M: asexual bond of love between protagonist and freedman Esca]
Symes-Smith, Esme. Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston. [Topic: a medieval / high fantasy series involving a 12 year old non-binary teenager and their two fathers. This is an outstanding series that deals with messy topics such as societal bias, fascism and scapegoating in a deep, meaningful way that doesn't tie everything up in a neat little bow at the end. Major societal flaws get addressed, but are portrayed realistically and not idealistically].
Symes-Smith, Esme. Sir Callie and the Dragon's Roost. [Topic: a medieval / high fantasy series involving a 12 year old non-binary teenager and their two fathers. This is an outstanding series that deals with messy topics such as societal bias, fascism and scapegoating in a deep, meaningful way that doesn't tie everything up in a neat little bow at the end. Major societal flaws get addressed, but are portrayed realistically and not idealistically]
Thompson, Ryan. Achilles: Making of a Hero. [Topic: M/M: Achilles and Patroclus]
Zoraki, Sophia and Papadakis, Stamatis. Hypatia. [Topic: a children's book about the life and impact of the ace scholar Hypatia]

ADVANCED READERS:

Adderley, Michael. Certamen: A Novel. [Topic: Excellent representation of LGBTQIA+ characters and allies in this novel. Many of the main characters are LGBTQIA+, including a pansexual person of color, an openly gay young man, and a teenager questioning his own sexuality.]
Alvear Shecter, Vicky. Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii. [Topic: role of women in ancient Rome; an unrequited M/M love triangle]
Alvear Shecter, Vicky, and Mayer, Bill. Warrior Queens: True Stories of Six Ancient Rebels. [Topic: biographies of six warrior women, including Pharoah Hatsheput and Artemisia I, who took on masculine indicators in their reign. Also includes the Nubian warrior queen Amanirenas and the Iceni queen Boudicca, which helps students see famous enemies of Rome without the lens of Roman bias]
Balmer, Josephine. The Paths of Survival. [Topic: a volume of poetry based on how Aeschylus' lost play Myrmidons (the story of Achilles' & Patroclus' relationship) affects its readers throughout the centuries]
Belzer-Carroll, Arianne and Glasscho, Crispa. Carmen Megilli. [Topic: a Latin novella about the coming-of-age-story of the trans man Megillus, inspired by the character in Lucian's works]
Binyon, Laurence. Penthesilea. [Topic: a modern retelling of the events of Quintus Smyrnaeus' Posthomerica Book I. It explores the relationship between Penthesilea and Andromache, as well as the role of women in the ancient world]
Calimach, Andrew. Lovers' Legends: The Gay Greek Myths. [Topic: M/M, a collection of primary sources and retellings of Greek myths that have same sex love stories]
Caprara, Rebecca. Spin. [Topic: a queer feminist retelling of the Arachne myth. TRIGGER WARNING: there are numerous myths involving assault discussed in the myth, and the protagonist's love interest is assaulted off-page].
Cleveland, T. S. Ganymede and Other Romantic Short Stories from Greek Mythology. [Topic: four short love stories, including Ganymede/Zeus, Persephone/Hades, Callisto/Artemis, and Hermes/Perseus. Although some depictions of these myths in modern retellings are not consensual, this book portrays these myths with healthy, consensual relationships without a power imbalance]
Coombe, Clare. Camilla. [Topic: W/W retelling of Vergil's Aeneid from the perspective of Camilla's lover Acca. An excellent novel, but the reader should be aware that there are some steamy-yet-not-explicit romance scenes, and the "F word" used four times]
Cunning, Rachel Beth. Virgo Ardens. [Topic: W/W tale of Iphis & Ianthe]
Dakutis, Peter. Phis, or the True History of Iphis. [Topic: a 10-minute play providing a modern retelling of Iphis coming out to his mother as trans.]
Deane, Maya. Wrath Goddess Sing. [Topic: a retelling of the Trojan War in the perspective of the trans woman Achilles. This book does an amazing job with trans representation; it has nearly a dozen trans characters (both main characters and secondary characters), and does a lovely job showcasing the numerous trans figures in Greco-Roman-Egyptian mythology. TRIGGER WARNING: the book deals with toxic masculinity in Achilles' culture, and so there are several slurs and curse words used in the book. There are also two steamy-yet-not-explicit lovemaking scenes.
Desmarais, Grace. Song for Medusa. [Topic: a retelling of the Perseus / Medusa myth where Medusa falls in love with Danae, the blind princess (who is not related to Perseus in this version)]. There is one page where Medusa is naked, but not in a sexual manner (during her transformation).
Diemer, S. E. The Dark Wife. [Topic: W/W: A retelling of the abduction of Persephone myth where Hades is a goddess. TRIGGER WARNING: this book deals with Zeus' numerous sexual assaults and the imbalance of power of women in the ancient world].
Donai, J. Now the Wind Scatters. [Topic: W/W: a retelling of the myth of Iphigenia and Artemis. Includes positive portrayals of numerous gay and trans minor characters. TRIGGER WARNING: the book deals with topics like rape, transphobia, enslavement and human sacrifice in a tactful way. There are numerous curse words used throughout the book in dialogue].
Donne, John. Sappho to Philaenis. [Topic: W/W: a poem in which the narrator Sappho yearns for her lover Philaenis. Contains some steamy imagery, but nothing explicit.]
Dzielska, Maria. Hypatia of Alexandria. [Topic: a nonfiction book that explores primary sources of the asexual scholar Hypatia, as well as her portrayal in literature through the ages.]
Edwards, Samuel Achilles. Caeneus. [Topic: a screenplay about the myth of the trans warrior Caeneus; includes an M/M affair between him and Nestor. Also includes the gender fluid prophet Tiresias, as well as a W/W relationship between his sister Dotis and Medea. Tactfully yet beautifully deals with the trans experience, including complex relationships between a trans person and their family members, as well as juggling a blossoming relationship while navigating self-discovery. Love scenes include hand holding and kissing. Perfect for performance at the high-school level]
Eileen, Shelby. Goddess of the Hunt. [Topic: poetry inspired by the asexual / aromantic goddess Artemis]
Elliott, David. Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc. [Topic: a novel in verse about Joan of Arc's rejection of gender roles in her quest to save France]
Euripides. Hippolytus. [Topic: Hippolytus is asexual]
Euripides. Ion. [Topic: gender roles, double standards of sex and gender in the ancient world]
Frye, Ellen. The Other Sappho. [Topic: W/W, treatment of women in the ancient world: in going on a quest to visit the famous Sappho, the poet Lykainia finds herself and her own voice]
Garcia, Jasmine. Blind Beauty. [Topic: W/W, a love story between Medusa and a blind woman. CONTENT WARNING: Medusa is a survivor of sexual assault and although there is no explicit depiction of the event, she has several vivid flashbacks and nightmares that may not be suitable for all readers]
Goodloe, Abbe Carter. Antinous: A Tragedy (1891). [Topic: the death of Antinous to court intrigue. A surprisingly progressive and empathetic take on the relationship between Hadrian and Antinous]
Graham, Jo. Stealing Fire. [Topic: M/M: former slave Lydias and eunuch Bagoas navigate the collapsing world of Alexander the Great's empire after the death of their leader. CONTENT WARNING: the "f word" occurs several times throughout the book in dialog]
Haynes, Natalie. Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth. [Topic: a collection of essays on Greek goddesses with a feminist lens. CONTENT WARNING: discusses rape]
HD. Collected Poems of H.D. (1925). [Topic: poetry heavily influenced by Sappho]
HD. Hippolytus Temporizes and Ion. [Topic: translations and reinterpretations of two classic plays by the Greek tragedian Euripides, which deal with gender roles and sexuality]
HD. The Wise Sappho. [An essay about the writing and impact of Sappho]
Hill, Laban M., and Bates, James Edward. The Story of Damon & Pythias. [Topic: a verse retelling of the story of Damon & Pythias]
Hoffman, Alice. The Foretelling. [Topic: A story about Amazons and Amazon culture; the protagonist's mother is married to a woman. TRIGGER WARNING: the protagonist is the product of rape, and both rape and slavery are mentioned several times throughout the work]
Hopkinson, Elizabeth. Asexual Myths & Tales. [Topic: A collection of short stories based on myths and legends from around the world, including Greece and Rome, with asexual protagonists]
Jeffery, Georgina. Beneath Shivering Skies: A Modern Greek Folktale. [Topic: W/W a modern retelling of the myth of Iphis and Ianthe, where Iphis is a young teenage girl raised by a harpy.]
Jenkins, K. Iphis and Ianthe. [Topic: a retelling of the myth of Iphis and Ianthe, where Iphis is an intersex child torn between fulfilling their love for Ianthe and obeying their parents' pressures on them to be a perfect "son"]
Johnson, Marguerite. Ancients in Action: Sappho. [Topic: a scholarly analysis of the life, poetry, and impact of the Greek poet Sappho. Although it deals with themes of Sappho's sexuality and sexuality in the ancient world, it does so in a scholarly manner. Written with a high school readability level.]
Kantor, Ali. Iphis and Ianthe at the Courthouse. [Topic: a 10-minute play as a modern retelling of the intersex protagonist Iphis getting a marriage certificate with Ianthe at a courthouse].
LeGuin, Ursula K. Lavinia. [Topic: Role of Women in the Ancient World; Aeneas' son is gay]
Lieberman, Tucker. Enkidu is dead and not dead / Enkidu esta muerto y no lo esta. [Topic: poems on Gilgamesh's grief over the death of Enkidu]
Lyly, John. Galatea. [Topic: 16th century drama that retells the myth of Iphis & Ianthe]
Lynn, Hannah. Queens of Themiscyra. [Topic: a retelling of the sisters Hippolyte, Antiope, and Penthesilea. A great novel about Amazons, that portrays them as people without voyeurism or oversexualizing them. There are two relationships in the novel; the heterosexual relationship between Hippolyte and Theseus has a PG-13 rated heat level, and the lesbian relationship between Penthesilea and Cletes has a PG rated heat level.]
Maggs, Sam. Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers who Changed History. [Topic: A book that discusses women's contributions to science, medicine, exploration and literature, including Agnodice & Hypatia. Content Warning: This book has a conversational tone and occasionally uses language that may not be appropriate for the classroom.]
Pavese, Cesare. Dialogues with Leuco. [Topic: Modeled on Lucian's "Dialogues of the Gods," the author creates dialogues between two mythological figures to expound on life and love. "Sea Foam," a dialogue between the asexual nymph Britomartis and the poet Sappho, is an excellent supplemental story for a classroom discussion on the role of women in the ancient world. This book also covers mythological figures Hippolytus, Hyacinthus, and Tiresias.]
Pfaltzgraff, Fernando. Apollo & Hyacinth. [Topic: M/M: a retelling of the myth of Apollo and Hyacinthus in a sci-fi setting]
Portman, Bridgette Dutta. Caeneus and Poseidon. [Topic: a play about the trans warrior Caeneus and his transformation, which explores the treatment of trans people as well as gender roles in ancient Greek mythology. CONTENT WARNING: carefully and tactfully deals with themes of rape, trauma, and transphobia]
Pressfield, Steven. Last of the Amazons. [Topic: Gender Roles / Amazons; loving relationships between Amazons; one Amazon is asexual]
Pryor, Zander. The Legend of Caeneus. [Topic: a play about the transformation of the trans Argonaut Caeneus. Artfully and tactfully explores difficult topics such as parent / child relationships, trans identity, the role of women in the ancient world, gender roles, and sexual assault and consent]
Renault, Mary. Fire From Heaven. [Topic: M/M: the first book in the Alexander the Great trilogy; this book explores Alexander the Great's first twenty years of life, including his relationship with Hephaestion. It covers some intense themes (child abuse, the brutality of war, etc.) but in a tactful, non-exploitative manner]
Renault, Mary. The Bull From the Sea. [Topic: M/M: Theseus & Pirithoos; Gender Roles: Amazons; Secondary characters are same-sex couple; Hippolytus (Theseus' son) is asexual; Akamas (Theseus' son) is gay]
Renault, Mary. The Last of the Wine. [Topic: M/M: the life of Alexias, a 5th century Athenian youth]
Roberts, H. M. Prophecy of Achilles. [Topic: M/M: a verse novel about the life of Achilles, which includes his relationship with Patroclus. CONTENT WARNING: there is one poem that uses a metaphor to refer to the romantic nature of his relationship with Patroclus)
Roche, Paul (translator). The Love Songs of Sappho. [W/W: translation of Sappho and other archaic Greek fragments on love and women].
Rogerson, Phoenicia. Herc: A Queer Greek Mythology Retelling. [Topic: a retelling of people in Hercules' life, including lovers of various genders. CONTENT WARNING: crude language and references to intense themes like domestic abuse and rape]
Schlitz, Laura Amy. Amber and Clay. [Topic: role of women and slavery in 5th century BCE Athens; theme of Plato's idea of soulmates as the main theme of the book; explores the relationship of Socrates and Alcibiades].
Smith, Ali. Girl Meets Boy. [Topic: a modern retelling of the myth of Iphis & Ianthe. It deals with difficult topics like gender inequality, homophobia, and sexual harassment in the workplace in a tactful manner.]
Sueng, Siryn. Young King Arthur and the Round Table Knights. [Topic: M/M: a retelling of the King Arthur myth with Arthur having a crush on one of his knights]
Swinburne, Algernon Charles. Anactoria. [Topic: in this poem, Sappho processes her emotions while dealing with her lover Anactoria's infidelity]
Swinburne, Algernon Charles. Atalanta in Calydon. [Topic: asexual warrior Atalanta; the role of women and motherhood in the ancient world]
Tammi, Elizabeth. Outrun the Wind. [Topic: W/W retelling of the myth of Atalanta]
Tedesco, Mark. I am John, I am Paul: A Story of Two Soldiers in Ancient Rome. [Topic: John and Paul are asexual life partners living during the age of Constantine].
Toland, John. Hypatia, or The History of a Most Beautiful Most Vertuous, Most Learned, and Every Way Accomplish'd Lady; Who Was Torn to Pieces by the Clergy of Alexandria, to Gratify the Pride, Emulation and Cruelty of their Archbishop, Commonly but Undeservedly Styled St. Cyril. [Topic: an 18th century essay on the asexual scholar Hypatia]
Underwood, Sarah. Lies We Sing to the Sea. [Topic: W/W/M: Multiple POV story involving two women and a descendant of Odysseus trying to undo a curse set upon Ithaca that condemns twelve maidens to death each year. One of the protagonists, Leto, is torn between her feelings for the nymph Melantho and the prince of Ithaca. Romantic scenes are PG rated (kissing, hand holding, etc.) and heavy topics, including slavery and wartime rape, are addressed deeply but tactfully.]
Valleroy, T. R. Silent Knight. [Topic: M/M: set in Medieval France. A baker's son falls in love with a knight]
Wilk, Stephen R. The Traveler [Topic: an asexual time traveler is stranded in ancient Rome, and needs the help of newfound friends to rebuild the parts he needs to return home]
Yourcenar, Marguerite. Fires. [Topic: essays on the theme of love as a disease, with retellings of the myths of Phaedra/Hippolytus, Phaedo/Socrates, Achilles/Diadamia, Achilles/Patroclus, Sappho/Attis; etc. TRIGGER WARNING: the essay on Phaedo discusses, albeit tactfully, Phaedo's enslavement and subsequent sexual abuse]
Yourcenar, Marguerite. Memoirs of Hadrian. [Topic: life of the Emperor Hadrian; relationship with Antinous].

AT THE DISCRETION OF TEACHER / GUARDIAN:

***These books are valuable sources of discussion and analysis, but may contain foul language and / or explicit sex scenes. To be used in classrooms / school libraries at the discretion of administration / teacher / guardian***

* Andrews Grace, Susan. Hypatia's Wake. [Topic: a poetry volume on the topic of Hypatia with a feminist lens. Includes frank discussion of sexuality and discusses society's expectation of women to procreate in a manner that may not be suitable for younger readers]

* Bailey, Nicole. Apollo Ascending: Veil of Gods and Kings. [Topic: M/M, a reimagining of the Apollo-Hyacinth relationship. There are a couple of steamy-yet-tactfully-depicted romance scenes, and several "F" words used in dialog, which may not be suitable for younger readers]

* Bailey, Nicole. Apollo Ascending 2: A Crown of Hopes and Sorrows. [Topic: M/M, reimagining of Apollo-Hyacinth relationship; also includes asexual Artemis ("Temi") and lesbian couple Sappho and Phaon as secondary characters. This book has a slightly higher heat level than the first book, and there are some steamy-and-nearly-explicit romance scenes, as well as several "F" words used in the dialog, which may not be suitable for younger readers]

* Bailey, Nicole. Apollo Ascending 3: A Shield of Fate and Ruin. [Topic: M/M, reimagining of Apollo-Hyacinth relationship, also includes asexual Artemis ("Temi"). The book has a lower heat rating than the first two, but there are some steamy-and-nearly-explicit romance scenes, as well as several "F" words used in the dialog, which may not be suitable for younger readers]

* Bailey, Nicole. Apollo Ascending 4: A Spark of Death and Fury. [Topic: M/M, reimagining of Apollo-Hyacinth relationship, also includes asexual Artemis ("Temi"). This book has a lower heat rating than the first three, but there is one steamy-and-nearly-explicit romance scene, as well as several "F" words used in the dialog, which may not be suitable for younger readers]

* Beutner, Katherine. Alcestis. [Topic: Alcestis and Persephone become lovers; Alcestis' husband Admetus is a lover of Apollo; role of women in the ancient world. There are a couple of steamy-yet-not-explicit romance scenes that may not be suitable for a classroom setting].

* Carpenter, Edward. Iolaus: An Anthology of Friendship. [Topic: a collection of homoerotic quotes from diverse cultures and historical time periods under the guise of "friendship." Although this work does not have any explicit passages, there are a handful of references to the ancient Greek erastes / eromenos relationship, which may not be a suitable topic for the classroom].

* Graham, Jo. Black Ships. [Topic: a retelling of the Aeneid from the perspective of the Sibyl Gull. Discusses wartime rape, slavery, and toxic relationships in a frank but tactful manner; there is one steamy-yet-not-explicit romance scene that may not be suitable for the classroom setting, and the "F-word" used once in dialogue.]

* Justice, Faith. Sword of the Gladiatrix. [Topic: W/W a historical fiction novel about an African gladiatrix's love affair with a gladiatrix from Briton. Due to the frank language and some steamy love scenes, this may not be suitable for the classroom setting, but older readers may enjoy reading a book that portrays a BIPOC protagonist in a positive / non-voyeuristic / non-objectified / non-victimized way.]

* Krishna, Swapna and Northington, Jenn. Sword, Stone, Table. [Topic: an anthology of Arthurian lore reimagined with diverse characters. There are numerous stories with gay protagonists. Although this book in its entirety is not suitable for the classroom, many of the stories would make meaningful supplemental readings for a unit on King Arthur. CONTENT WARNING: there are a couple of steamy-yet-not-explicit romantic scenes that may not be suitable for a classroom setting; furthermore, there are numerous "F-word" expletives used throughout a few of the stories.]

* MacLaughlin, Nina. Wake, Siren: Ovid Resung. [Topic: trans characters Tiresias, Caeneus, and Iphis. As a modern retelling of Ovid's Metamorphoses in the perspective of each myth's victim, there are frequent and frank accounts of sexual assault. Although this book in its entirety is not suitable for the classroom, there are many individual myths that can be incorporated into high school curriculum for engaging classroom discussions on gender and sexuality in the ancient world].

* Miller, Madeline. The Song of Achilles. [Topic: M/M: Patroclus & Achilles. This award-winning novel does a beautiful job bringing to life Patroclus' love for Achilles; however, it may not be suitable for the classroom due to a couple of explicit lovemaking scenes ]

* Rayor, Diane J. Sappho's Lyre: Archaic Lyric and Women Poets of Ancient Greece. [Topic: an excellent collection of translated poems of ancient women poets, including Sappho. It is a perfect resource for high-school age scholars seeking primary sources of women authors; the content is varied but classroom appropriate, with the sole exception of the Cologne Epode of Archilochus, which is explicitly erotic and may not be suitable for the classroom]

* Reames, Jeanne. Dancing With the Lion: Becoming. [Topic: a novel on the youth of Alexander the Great and his blossoming relationship with Hephaestion. There is one explicit romance scene, as well as cursing in both English and ancient Greek that may not be suitable for the classroom.]

* Rebele-Henry, Brynne. Orpheus Girl. [Topic: a modern retelling of the Orpheus myth, this coming-of-age story involves the teenage lesbian protagonist taken against her will to a conversion therapy program. Due to the violent nature of the book, this may not be suitable for the classroom.]

* Renault, Mary. The Persian Boy. [Topic: the eunuch Bagoas' life and love affair with Alexander the Great. Beautifully written, but contains upsetting content (i.e., Bagoas' enslavement, castration, and being abused as a teenage sex worker). While the writing is not explicit or graphic, the topic is nevertheless disturbing and should only be read by an older reader ]

* Roehrig, Caleb. Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix. [Topic: a M/M retelling of the tale of Romeo and Juliet, with asexual representation as well!]

* Tarr, Judith. Lord of the Two Lands. [Topic: a historical fantasy about an Egyptian healer who accompanies Alexander the Great on his conquest of Persia and Egypt. In this novel, Alexander the Great is openly gay and the pressure to give up Hephaestion and marry / produce an heir is a major plot point of the novel. CONTENT WARNING: There is a steamy love scene between the protagonist and her husband that might not be suitable for the classroom].

* Tempest, Kae. Hold Your Own. [Topic: a volume of poetry exploring gender and sexuality through the myth of the gender-fluid prophet Tiresias. Although the entirety of the book may not be appropriate for the classroom due to the content of some poems (explicit language and sexual situations), the Tiresias cycle is a beautiful example of gender exploration and a perfect supplement for expanding the impact of Tiresias in Greco-Roman myth and culture]

* VanPatten, Bill. Seidon's Tale. [M/M: the god Poseidon recounts his life, including his love for Pelops. Although the dialog contains some expletives and frank discussion of sexual relationships, the themes of found family and the importance of interpersonal connections make this award-winning novel a beautiful and uplifting read]

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