If you love reading, you know the struggle of ending a book and trying to find a new one that you like.

And there’s a wide range of books out there, but it can still be hard to find a main character you truly connect with, especially if you’re looking for someone in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexcual, Transgender (LGBT) community.

So, to aid in your search, here are five books with LGBT main characters.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz.

Aristotle is a generally bitter teen. He isn’t happy often, and he tends to distance himself from others.

One day he meets Dante at the pool, and the two hit it off. This story follows Aristotle as he figures out his feelings about life, and his new friend Dante.

This book has won the Stonewall Book Award, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award for Writing.

This is one I’ve personally read, and loved. It’s one of my favorite books. I enjoyed the dryer humor, and watching the boys relationship develop.

Keeping You a Secret, by Julie Anne Peters.

Holland grew a crush on Cece the second she lay eyes on her, Cece quickly becomes Holland’s biggest secret. A source of great joy, and fear.

They start a relationship, but as word gets out about it, Holland faces exclusion from her peers. Cece stays as a constant companion, staying by Holland as even her own family turns on her.

I read this one, and though I had trouble getting through. The conflict wasn’t something that really interested me, but it was a worthwhile read, and one others will no doubt love.

If you like more slice of life stories, this is one you’ll love.

Simon Vs the Homosapien Agenda, by Becky Albertalli.

Simon is a pretty average high school senior. He has a loving family, wonderful friends, and aspirations for college. He just has one secret. He’s gay.

Simon struggles through coming out, while growing a crush on the person he’s been communicating through anonymous emails with, Blue.

I thought this story was wonderful, and really sympathized with Simon. If you don’t want to read it, but find the plot interesting, there is now a movie adaption staring Nick Robinson as Simon.

Gracefully Grayson, by Ami Polonsky.

Grayson is a closeted trans girl, raised as a boy. She keeps to herself, avoiding the bullies in her school.

One day she impulsively signs up for the play, and auditions for the role of Persephone in The Myth of Persehone  She gets the role,  but causes controversy in both the school and her family.

Additionally, she gets close to a girl in the play Who takes Grayson under her wing.

As she hangs out more with the theater girls, Grayson starts to wish she could be more like her friends. Like a normal girl.

I haven’t managed to get my hands on this yet, but I’ve wanted to read it for a while.

Symptoms of Being Human, by Jeff Garvin.

Riley is gender-fluid and struggling through identity crisis, mental illness, and fitting in.

To try and help them cope, their therapist suggests they create an anonymous blog to express their feelings, and to help them connect with others.

Riley is surprised at how much people like the blog, but when their secret is threatened to come out, they must decide whether to leave it all behind or risk coming out.

This book is one I just recently discovered, but Goodreads gave it a 4.2 out of stars. I haven’t read it yet, but definitely wish to.

I know the struggle of finding a good book; I know the longing of wanting to connect with a character, so I hope you found a book you want to read because you’re dealing with the same problems, or want to see them through the eyes of another person.

There is nothing better than good reads like these.