LGBTQ Reads Most-Anticipated Middle Grade Fiction (‘21)

Mombian: 16 Spooky Books for Halloween

Rainbow Book List ‘22 (American Library Association)

“For readers who love ghost stories, A Touch of Ruckus provides plenty of excitement with a thought-provoking plot line to add substance—a fantastic read at any time of year.” —The Children’s Book Review

“The pressure is real for some kids to try to be fixers, especially in larger families. And that trait married so well with Tennie's Superburden and the introductions of ghosts and the plot's overarching mystery. Books like this, where queer kids exist as part of a larger non-coming out story, are so needed…” —A.J. Sass, MG author of Ellen Outside the Lines and This is Our Rainbow

“The plot is tight and compelling, and the spooky is REALLY SPOOKY!!! Definitely got the shivers! If you want LGBTQIA+ MG Friendship/Ghost stories, this is your book!” —Esme Symes-Smith, MG author of the Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston series

“I adored this delightful, warm, and spooky MG. Tennie reminded me so much of my younger self. Hand this to kids that love a funny, ghostly Southern tale of family, friends, and courage.” —Maleeha Siddiqui, MG author of Barakah Beats and Bhai for Now

“Delves into important issues not many MG books dare to touch, and Van Otterloo does it with the best skill.” —Fleur Bradley, MG author of Midnight at the Barclay Hotel

The Children’s Book Council Notable Social Studies Award

Lambda Literary Award Finalist (LGBTA+ Middle Grade Category)

Rainbow Book List 2024 (American Library Association)

LGBTQ READS FAVE FIVE: MG FANTASY WITH NONBINARY MCS

The Children’s Book Council’s Hot Off The Press List

PRIDE: 15 Books by Trans and Nonbinary Authors

“In Van Otterloo's winning, authentically queer middle-grade novel, The Beautiful Something Else, a seventh-grader stumbles upon a magical force that pushes them to make the leap from surviving to truly thriving.” —Kieran Slattery, teacher, co-creator of Gender Inclusive Classrooms, for Shelf Awareness

“This striking novel unflinchingly covers dark themes while threading hope through Sparrow's queer coming-of-age journey…libraries and schools will want to fight to keep this beautiful book in their collections.” —Starred review, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“In this moving tale of growing into yourself, Van Otterloo gives upper middle grade readers a relatable, imperfect nonbinary protagonist.” —Booklist

"A character-driven novel that touches on navigating generational trauma, personal growth, and queer identity in circumstances both dire and abundantly safe." —Publishers Weekly

“A perfect way to infuse fiction with science; use this with Eliot Schrefer’s Queer Ducks (and Other Animals), in SEL classes, or offer it to those reading Ann Braden or Leslie Connor.” —School Library Journal

“An endearing celebration of the value of queer community and family.”
—Alex Gino, Stonewall Award-winning author of Melissa

“The writing sings and the characters soar. I cheered for Sparrow on every page”
—Natalie Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of A Snicker of Magic

“This is the loveliest example of finding yourself I've ever read. Hands down, I would recommend this for all gender identities and all ages...This book will save lives.” —Kate Larson, bookseller at Ballast Book Company

“Author Ash Van Otterloo writes thoughtfully of Sparrow’s personal journey, the impact of intergenerational trauma, and the importance of queer mentors…More than just a coming-out story, this novel should find many fans.” —featured on Mombian

“…reading about Sparrow's experiences has been something special, in the way that they are torn in two: between being the 'normal girl' their mother needs them to being, and being the authentic, queer, neurodivergent child that they actually are.” —Sam Erin, queer book reviewer

“Everything about this book is love. Sparrow isn’t a perfect character, and they learn that that’s okay. The people around them do as they’re supposed to do and continue to love them unconditionally—the way love’s supposed to be.” —Nico, queer book reviewer