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Article published In: Labeling in Language, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Edited by Heiko Motschenbacher
[Journal of Language and Sexuality 15:1] 2026
► pp. 105–126

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“I like girls”

Coming out in contemporary queer middle-grade fiction

ORCiD logo with link | Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
Published online: 5 January 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/jls.25002.jaq
Abstract
This article focuses on three contemporary middle-grade novels published in the United States: Small Town Pride (2022) by Phil Stamper, Hazel’s Theory of Evolution by Bigelow, Lisa Jenn. 2019. Hazel’s Theory of Evolution. La Porte, IN: HarperCollins.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar, and In the Key of Us (2022) by Mariama J. Lockington. The novels have protagonists who come out as queer over the course of the narratives. I use labeling theory and queer theory related to identity formation to analyze the moments of coming out in terms of the use of labels. While the texts use labels for sexuality, they are not utilized in the initial moments of coming out. Rather the characters express themselves in terms of which kinds of people they might (or might not) desire. The openness with which the preteens express themselves leads to the building of queer community in the novels and also allows for an articulation of potential queer futures.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Defining middle-grade queer fiction
    • 2.1Sexuality in middle-grade fiction
  • 3.Labels and labeling theory
  • 4.Close reading
  • 5.Analysis
    • 5.1In the Key of Us and figuring it out
    • 5.2Small Town Pride and establishing community
    • 5.3Hazel’s Theory of Evolution and queer futurity
  • 5.Conclusion
  • References
References (29)
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