Belle of the Ball

A parent would reach for this book when their child is exploring their gender identity or feels pressured to conform to social expectations. This charming graphic novel follows Belle, a nonbinary teen who loves fashion and is magically transported to a fairytale kingdom. There, they befriend a prince and use their talents to help him in a royal ball competition. The story gently explores themes of self-acceptance, finding your community, and first love in an affirming and joyful way. Perfect for middle grade readers, it offers a positive, celebratory representation of nonbinary identity wrapped in a fun, low-stakes fantasy adventure, making it an excellent choice for normalizing different identities without being a heavy 'issue' book.