The 2026 Lambda Literary Prize Finalists in Youth Categories

Chinese American Derrick explores his queer identity by competing in a small-town beauty pageant where he shares his new love of drag with his family and friends.

"Author and illustrator James Marshall let kids in on the joke. He knew little kids were smart, and he didn't talk down to them in his stories. He was right--kids loved his picture books. Decades after his death, the characters he illustrated--Miss Nelson, Viola Swamp, George and Martha, Goldilocks, Fox and His Friends--are still beloved. James Marshall should be at least as famous as his characters, and now he is, in his own picture book biography. Created in an irreverent style inspired by James Marshall's own art and storytelling, this delightful biography, featuring James as a fox, celebrates in both form and content what made James--'Jim' to his friends--so talented, funny, and special, and what has made his tales last. This time, Jim is the main character"-- Provided by publisher.

"Many words that start with 'bi' mean two. Bicycle. Bilingual. Binoculars. Biracial. Sometimes, it can mean more than two. Like when it comes to people who identify as 'bi.' Because some hearts love in a rainbow of ways. This sweet, bold picture book is a gentle introduction to bisexual identity, by way of many different words that share the root 'bi,' that will become a staple for LGBTQ+ readers, parents, and educators for years to come"-- Provided by publisher.

O.K.'s friends keep interrupting him when he tries to share that he is gay and he belongs with George.

"A middle-grade novel in verse about a young trans girl who uses a computer game to process an ADHD diagnosis, isolation, and her relationship to gender."-- Provided by publisher.

"Rowan knows exactly what they want: to be a ranger, protecting their village alongside their trusted flying horse Kes. But when Rowan's eagerness to show off their worth gets Kes injured, Rowan is suddenly unsure if they're capable of being the protector they've always dreamed of becoming. With Kes needing to heal, Rowan is assigned a slow and winding expedition across the outlying lands. Paired with a lackadaisical sheep herder Leone, Rowan only finds frustration as they seem to fail even the simplest tasks. But Leone's own struggles, and endless support brings a new possibility to Rowan. Could their unlikely friendship be something more? And if it is, will Rowan be able to leave Leone behind to pursue being a ranger once Kes is healed?" -- Provided by publisher.

Gloria and Xia, two very different high school seniors in a small South Carolina town, form an unexpected friendship that blossoms into more intense feelings and challenges their identities, forcing them to confront their hidden truths.

"These are the fairy tales that history forgot--or concealed. Ten tales in which gender is fluid and where queer stories can have a happy ending. Some are rare examples of LGBTQ+ folklore, like "The Dog and the Sailor," which features a male protagonist who meets his own handsome prince. These stories include folklore from Europe, Asia, and the African savanna." -- Provided by publisher.