Hi Community,

“Defiant Joy” is one of my guide-star phrases for 2026, especially given the manufactured, mean-spirited chaos happening right now in the USA and beyond. In the face of the powers that want us unhappy and scared, JOY feels defiant. JOY is resistance. JOY is this work of creating books for kids and teens that show Queer Joy is possible, is historical, is fierce! In that spirit, here’s my January update:

1) There’s a Publishing for Minnesota KidLit auction happening this Jan 29-30. Their mission: “We are a group of authors, illustrators, agents, and editors who believe the time is now for collective action. In response to ongoing ICE raids and federal actions causing harm to immigrant communities and our neighbors across the country, we are organizing this auction to raise funds for those most impacted. Proceeds from this auction will support organizations providing legal aid, emergency assistance, food, and community resources to those in urgent need.” The auction includes some incredible opportunities if you are interested in creating or reading KidLit (there’s even some adult lit opportunities) so check it out and donate to the great organizations doing good.

2) Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away, so it’s a lovely time to share that LOVE OF THE HALF-EATEN PEACH was selected for the ALA’s Rainbow Book List 2026! Get in on this Queer-history inspired gay love story from 2,500 years ago…

3) BANANA MENORAH got a couple more really nice reviews/shout outs, including Foreword Reviews selecting it as a “Book of the Day” and Lila Spitz from the Jewish Book Garden writing that the book is “Guaranteed to get kids and parents laughing out loud…”

4) Back during the Lambda Literary Awards (LOVE OF THE HALF-EATEN PEACH was a picture book finalist) I was part of their “inclusive representation for the youth” panel. It was a great discussion with Elisa Stone Leahy (Mallory in Full Color), K. Acrum (Icarus), and me!, moderated by Kami Rojas, and you can watch it here.

5) A local media outlet here in Los Angeles, Voyage LA, did a very nice profile piece on me: Hidden Gems: Meet Lee Wind of Independent Book Publishers Association.

6) My friend Abid was quoted in this excellent article in The Hill, Trump’s return chills embattled LGBTQ book industry: ‘They’re stepping back’. For those of us who care about all kinds of diversity in Children’s and Teen literature, it’s well-worth reading.

7) And because this blog/newsletter is still called “I’m Here. I’m Queer. What the Hell Do I Read?” I’ve got two great recommendations for you this month:

The graphic novel Blackwater, by Jeannette Arroyo and Ren Graham: werewolves in the woods just outside town, a teen boy who sees ghosts, an asthmatic track star, and a gay crush… I loved it!

The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World. Nonfiction, the author is listed as Mason Funk, the Founder and Executive Director of OUTWORDS, an award-winning nonprofit that documents the history of LGBTQ people all over the United States. But the stars of the book are the excerpts from the interviews. Hearing the voices of our Queer elders is moving and full of hope, and I can’t recommend it enough.

And that’s the update for now. I’ll sign off with a quote that’s really inspiring me these days, from Hank Green:

“You will always struggle with not feeling productive until you accept that your own joy can be something you produce.”

Stay safe and strong,
Lee

P.S. Looking ahead, another thing giving me hope is the upcoming May 19, 2026 publication of A DIFFERENT KIND OF ENEMY, the 2nd book in my Gay teen action adventure romance series that’s both an homage and a critique of James Bond movies. It’s the sequel to A DIFFERENT KIND OF BRAVE, that Kirkus Reviews called “Thrilling. Positively Thrilling.” and Foreword Reviews gave a Starred review, cheering it as “a gem for young adults: not just a high-octane thriller but also a queer romance full of heart and sensuality.” Sam and Nico’s continuing adventure is fierce and fun and full of Queer Joy! Dahlia Adler hosted a cover reveal with a plot summary over at LGBTQ Reads, which you can check out here. (Bookseller and librarian friends, it’s up on Edelweiss.)