The International Day of Pink takes place this year on April 8, 2026. Millions of people will wear pink to stand against bullying, discrimination, and hate, and to stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Part of the mission is to empower youth to challenge social norms. As such, most of the curated works for this month’s display come from our Educational Curriculum Resources Centre and are aimed at children and young adults.

Queer Love, Romance & Friendship

Belonging & Cultural Intersectionality

Part of the International Day of Pink’s mission is to stand up to discrimination based on race, age, ability, gender, or sexuality. As such, this month’s book display also features works that poignantly and creatively mix race, culture, gender, and sexuality. The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, by Sonora Reyes, is a sharp, funny, and heartfelt novel about a queer Mexican American teen balancing strict Catholic school rules, family pressures, and the courage to come out. Patricia Park’s Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim is a witty, thoughtful exploration of identity as a Korean‑Argentinian American teen navigates cultural expectations and academic pressures. My Paati’s Saris, by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, is a picture book celebrating culture and gender expression as a child finds joy and affirmation in wearing their grandmother’s saris. 

Bullying & Resilience

At its core, the International Day of Pink stands against bullying, discrimination, and hate. Many featured works tackle these difficult subjects through different styles: fiction, nonfiction, verse novels, and graphic novels. First is Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone, by Tae Keller, which is a mystery novel where a group of middle schoolers search for a missing classmate. Accountable, by Dashka Slater, is a nonfiction narrative examining a racist social media account created by teens. C. G. Moore’s Trigger is a verse novel depicting a teen’s experience with trauma, bullying, and chronic illness. Weirdo, by Tony Weaver, is a graphic novel about a socially anxious teen who must navigate school pressures, identity, and the journey toward embracing one’s unique self. 

Gender Identity, Expression & Trans Experiences

Many books in this month’s display are nonfiction works that examine 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences in childhood, such as Free to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity, by Jack L. Turban This work is a supportive, research-based guide that helps young readers and their families explore gender identity and expression. Athlete Is Agender: True Stories of LGBTQ+ People in Sports, by Katherine Locke et al., features a collection of real stories highlighting LGBTQ+ athletes who challenge gender norms and redefine inclusion within competitive sports. 

Memoirs

Perhaps the most affecting works in this month’s display are the many memoirs of identity and 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences. Pageboy: A Memoir, by Elliot Page, is a deeply personal account of Page’s life, career, and coming out as trans. Dan Santat’s A First Time for Everything is a humorous graphic memoir that reflects on adolescence, travel, and the awkward but formative moments that shape who we become. From Here: A Memoir, by Luma Mufleh, tells the inspiring story of the author’s journey as a queer Syrian immigrant in the U.S., with a focus on advocacy. Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer: A Memoir is a graphic memoir tracing Kobabe’s journey of discovering their nonbinary and asexual identity.

To learn more about the International Day of Pink, please visit https://www.dayofpink.org/

Podcasts have transformed the way we learn, connect, and share stories with each other. From investigative journalism to intimate conversations, podcasting offers a unique blend of accessibility and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just curious about the craft, our latest book display celebrates the voices shaping this dynamic industry.

The art of storytelling
Jessica Abel’s Out on the wire: The storytelling secrets of the new masters of radio explores narrative techniques that make audio compelling. Abel’s work emphasizes how structure and emotion create unforgettable stories. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to develop their expertise.

Voices of change
Sarah Florini’s Beyond hashtags: Racial politics and Black digital networks examines how podcasting intersects with race and activism. Florini explores how Black creators use digital platforms to challenge narratives and build community, demonstrating how podcasting can be a powerful tool for social justice.

Academic innovation
Lizzie Beckstead’s Podcast or perish: Peer review and knowledge creation for the 21st Century reimagines scholarly communication through audio. This book shows how podcasts are reshaping academic publishing, making research more accessible and engaging for wider audiences.

Decolonizing podcasting
Baham and Higdon’s The podcaster’s dilemma: Decolonizing podcasters in the era of surveillance capitalism examines how podcasters navigate issues of power, identity, and resistance in a digital landscape dominated by surveillance and profit motives.

Streaming stories about podcasts
The display also features streaming films like Catch and kill: The podcast tapes (available to stream on Kanopy), which delves into the Ronan Farrow’s reporting behind one of the most explosive media stories of our time.

Works of fiction 

Sadie by Courtney Summers is a gripping novel that follows a young woman’s quest for justice after her sister’s murder, told through alternating perspectives of Sadie’s journey and a true-crime podcast investigating her disappearance, making it a perfect pick for fans of Serial or Someone Knows Something. 

Global perspectives
Ying Huang’s Ear economy: China audio streaming programs study offers insight into the booming audio industry in China. Huang’s analysis reveals how cultural and economic forces shape podcasting trends worldwide, providing a deeper look at how local trends influence global listening habits.

This book display invites you to explore podcasting from every angle: technical, cultural, and creative. Stop by McLennan-Redpath and discover how these authors are amplifying voices and shaping the future of audio storytelling.