Trans high school student Ryo is learning the importance of having people to open up to, and that first perceptions of a person are not always as they seem in the manga Boys Run the Riot by Keito Gaku.

Ryo is a boy, but nobody knows that and the only way he gets any relief is by wearing masculine-presenting clothing. Then, one day, he runs into a classmate he didn't expect at a pop-up clothing shop and makes an unlikely friend. Hosts Em and Cas discuss the struggles of being a trans high school student, clothing as armor, and the intricacies of gender exploration in this week's episode. 

Shapeshifting monster Shesheshen is on the run when she meets Homily, a human, who she is instantly drawn to, in the book Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell. Hosts Annika and Goldie explore some of the questions  this story asks, such as:  Is it wrong to tell your girlfriend that you want to eat her mom? What is a monster, and do we all have to see the same things as beautiful? And what does it mean to want to build a life with someone instead of eat them? Other highlights include "monster enthusiasts," mobility assistants (which may or may not be someone else's femur),  stories for those who don't usually get stories, and literal gender fluid.

Most Ardently reimaginesPride and Prejudice's protagonist as a closeted transboy in Regency London. Oliver, as he's known in this work, is intrigued by the family's new acquaintance, a handsome and aloof Darcy. Join non-Austenite hosts Em and Dani as they discuss molly houses, queer friendships, and more while delving intoMost Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa. Em and Dani say it's worth considering even if you're not a Jane Austen fan!

If you love this take on the classic, consider checking out the rest ofRemixed Classics series!

The magic in the land is awakening, and the Other World threatens multiple realms. Meanwhile, Herla of the Wild Hunt has an awareness she hasn't felt in centuries, brought on by a woman in the midst of battle. Queen Aethelburg, likewise, can't seem to stop thinking about the strange woman on horseback.

Hosts Jamie and Amber discussSong of the Huntress by Lucy Holland, a historical fiction set in early Britain, full of characters from Celtic mythology and history alike. Topics include supernatural and religious influences, power in the land, and different forms of queerness woven naturally into historical narratives. 

How far would you go to save the one you love? Atlas and Moose grapple with this question as they navigate the dangers of a zombie outbreak in this dark romantasy horror, Sleeping Among Wolves by Royal Poff. This episode's host, Dani, is joined by the author themselves! Listen in as they talk about zombie outbreaks, mental illness, horror as a way to deal with grief, and whether York, PA is haunted. To learn more about Royal and their other works, visit https://www.instagram.com/robertroyalpoff/

If you've watched Bridgerton but thought 'this could be gayer,' you may enjoy this episode's selection!  Don't Want You Like A Best Friend  by Emma R Alban is a fluffy, queer historical romance set in the Victorian era, that follows new friends Gwen and Beth as they navigate the courting season and also their unexpected feelings for one another.  Join hosts Jamie and Amber as they discuss poorly carried out plotting, female autonomy, historical

There are no monsters in Lucille... Or that's what Jam has been told her whole life. She was also under the impression that people didn't come out of paintings, though, so there's a lot to learn. Join hosts Samantha and Dani as they discuss this and more, delving into Pet by Akwaeke Emezi. Discussions include queer, neurodivergent, African representation, existential queries, Bible lore, and more. Our hosts have much to talk about with this fast-paced, near-future utopian YA. 

How do you balance who you are versus what you love? Join not only your hosts, Ashley and Goldie, but the author CJ Aralore himself to discuss his book that asks that and more, Gravity's Fire. With two parts fluffy rom-com, one part epic fantasy, this novel follows Nix Ashwell on his quests to find answers about himself and maybe also find a boyfriend. CJ, Ashley, and Goldie discuss the novel's inspirations, character development, magic, music, and teenage self-discovery in this speculative fiction romantasy. If you'd like to see more of what CJ's work, visit his website at http://www.cjaralore.com. 

If you're interested in reading Gravity's Fire after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore or directly from ⁠⁠Midnight Meadow Publishing⁠⁠!

The Dauphin County Library System is delighted to partner with Midnight Meadow Publishing, who specialize in LGBTQIA+ stories. This episode is the second of a series of interviews with their authors with recent releases.

Have you ever listened to “At last I see the light” from Tangled and thought, ‘this could be gayer’? Then this book (and podcast episode) might be for you! Join hosts Em and Cas as they take this opportunity not just to explore the book The Princess and the Thief, but to discuss it with the author, Mary Lynne Gibbs, herself! Topics include DnD-inspired meet- cutes, the importance of nuanced bisexual (and other queer) representation, and finding love when you least expect it. If you’d like to see other works from Mary, visit her website at https://www.marylynnegibbs.com/. 

If you're interested in reading The Princess and the Thief

The Dauphin County Library System is delighted to partner with Midnight Meadow Publishing, who specialize in LGBTQIA+ stories. This episode is the second of a series of interviews with their authors with recent releases.

Transcript of the episode available here

This episode hosts Em and Annica have an exciting guest as they discuss the book Design of Darkness- the author himself, RD Pires! This epic fantasy is filled with magic and mysticism, forbidden love, family, and untold dangers as some set out to save what they hold dear and others trifle with powerful, dark forces. Listen in as we dive into questions about non-eurocentric inspired fantasy, multi-perspective storytelling, and fantasy worldbuilding (and the delightful creatures contained therein). If you’d like to learn more about RD and his other publications, visit his website at https://rdpiresauthor.com/

The Dauphin County Library System is delighted to partner with Midnight Meadow Publishing, who specialize in LGBTQIA+ stories. This episode is the first of a series of interviews with their authors with recent releases.

Transcript of the episode available here