New LGBTQ+ Middle Grade Book: Just Ask Elsie

A new LGBTQ+ friendly book is coming out. It is called Just Ask Elsie. The author is Ari Koontz. It is a middle grade book for young readers.

The main character is Elsie Parker. She is in fifth grade. Her school year seems very normal at first. She learns about fractions and conjunctions in class. She also worries about starting middle school soon.

But there is something special about Elsie's story. She joins a puberty class at her church. The class talks about bodies in a positive way. It also covers feelings and identities. This includes LGBTQ+ topics for young people.

The book deals with growing up. It shows that identity questions are normal. Young readers can see themselves in Elsie's story. The book uses kind and inclusive language. This makes it safe and welcoming for all kids.

Books like this are important for young LGBTQ+ readers. They help children feel less alone. They also help non-LGBTQ+ kids understand their peers better. Representation in middle grade fiction matters a lot.

The book releases on June 16, 2026. It is listed on LGBTQ Reads. This website shares new books with LGBTQ+ themes. It helps readers find inclusive stories easily.

This week's post is also sponsored by FlameCon. FlameCon is a popular LGBTQ+ comic and pop culture convention. You can find more information and buy tickets at FlameCon.org. It is a great event for LGBTQ+ fans of comics, books, and art.

Just Ask Elsie looks like a warm and honest story. It talks about puberty, identity, and growing up. These are topics many kids wonder about. The book makes these topics easy and safe to explore. It is a welcome addition to LGBTQ+ inclusive children's literature.