LGBTQIA+ Books
Children
"Love is never wrong."
— Melissa Etheridge
My Shadow is Pink
Ratings: 4.65/5
Author: Scott Stuart
My Shadow is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity.
“I wish this book had existed when I was a child. This book helps break down gender stereotypes that are both toxic and outdated. I love the way the author relates a universal matter to all children helping them understand that color has no gender. He also helps them to realize that toys shouldn't be used to enforce gender roles. If a child wants to play with a doll or a truck it really shouldn't matter they should be allowed to explore and understand who they are without judgment. Excellent book and read.” -Mery
Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero
Rating: 4.58/5
Author: Ellie Royce
Review: “This is a really modern take on gender and how it is fluid. It is how Drag is not just "dressing up" but being who you are. The best part is how normal the situation is. Also, realistic. The child of the story is unsure if Leo's friends and Lotta's friends will like each other. While it might be a tad too much for the youngest crowd, all ages can find something about this book and enjoy it.” -Raven Black
Summary: Told from the perspective of their adoring nephew, Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero is the story of a courageous drag queen who saves the day, and brings two communities together.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity
Rating: 4.31/5
Author: Theresa Thorn
Review: “So cute! A great introduction to gender for young kids. I loved the artwork, which is done by a non-binary illustrator (and the words are written by the parent of a trans child). It includes two non-binary characters: ones who feels like both a boy and a girl, and one who doesn't feel like either. Very simple, clear, and gentle, with adorable illustrations showing a variety of characters with different gender expressions. Also includes a list of resources in the back.” -Danika at The Lesbrary
Summary: Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between. This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, It Feels Good to Be Yourself provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity.
Jacob’s New Dress
Rating: 4.20/5
Author: Sarah Hoffman, Ian Hoffman
Review: “This is another book I really like, because it has a mix of reality and "fairy tell endings." When Jacob decides to wear his dress to school instead of just wearing it at home he got mix reactions. His teacher was at first hesitant that he would be picked on it for it, but jacob was head strong and knew what he wanted and decided to do it anyways. When she saw that, she quickly became accepting of it, and made sure to reassure him that its okay to dress how he likes. However, not everyone was okay with it like his fellow classmate who bullied him for it. This is where the reality sets in, because not everyone will be accepting, but that shouldn't change how you portray yourself. In the end, although someone didn't agree with how he chose to be, he was not changing for anyone and living his life to the fullest.” -Kaley
When Aidan Became a Brother
Ratings: 4.58/5
Author: Kyle Lukoff
Review: “Not only is this book desperately needed, but it's also packed with kid appeal, as well as illustrations SO adorably charming that I can barely handle it.” -Becket
Summary: When Aidan Became a Brother is a heartwarming book that will resonate with transgender children, reassure any child concerned about becoming an older sibling, and celebrate the many transitions a family can experience.
Maddi’s Fridge
Rating: 4.49/5
Author: Lois Brandt
Review: “This is an interesting book. And one full of emotion. It’s hard to write a book about children helping other children with problems that are beyond their reach. A household where there is not enough money to buy food is one of such problems. Yet, Brandt manages to write a compelling story that is not a preachy one.” -Fran
Summary: This is an interesting book. And one full of emotion. It’s hard to write a book about children helping other children with problems that are beyond their reach. A household where there is not enough money to buy food is one of such problems. Yet, Brandt manages to write a compelling story that is not a preachy one.
And Tango Makes 3
Rating: 4.29/5
Author: Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell
Review: “A great story about what really happened. As they say love is love. I love this book and I'm so glad this is out there for the LGBT children coming along in the world. This is a wonderful thing.” -Calista
Summary: At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo got the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own!
Different: A Great Thing to Be
Rating: 4.22/5
Author: Heather Avis
Review: “I appreciate that this book creates a positive view of celebrating others' differences as well as accepting our own.” -Kayla Johnson
Summary: Macy is a girl who's a lot like you and me, but she's also quite different, which is a great thing to be. With kindness, grace, and bravery, Macy finds her place in the world, bringing beauty and laughter wherever she goes and leading others to find delight in the unique design of every person.
The Pronoun Book
Rating: 4.4/5
Author: Cassandra Jules Corrigan
Review: “The Pronoun Book is a fantastic resource for teaching children of all ages about the correct gender terms and which means which. As an adult I myself have learned many different things from this book!” -Natalie
Summary: Welcome to The Pronoun Book! Join Ellie and Casey as they introduce you to the wonderful world of pronouns. Learn about what pronouns are, how they relate to us, and why it's so important to get them right!
47,000 Beads
Rating: 4.55/5
Author: Koja Adeyoha, Angel Adeyoha
Review: “An amazing, beautifully told story of a community coming together to show love and acceptance to a child.” -Susan
Summary: Peyton loves to dance, and especially at pow wow, but her Auntie notices that she's been dancing less and less. When Peyton shares that she just can't be comfortable wearing a dress anymore, Auntie Eyota asks some friends for help to get Peyton what she needs.
They, She, He as Easy as ABC
Rating: 4.05/5
Author: Maya Gonzalez
Review: “This is a great book that helps explain (some of) the different types of pronouns that people prefer to use.” -BiblioKel
Summary: They, She, He: Easy as ABC shows that including everyone is all part of the dance. It’s easy. It’s fundamental. As the dance begins the kids proclaim, “No one left out and everyone free,” in a sing-song rhyme about inclusion.
A Costume for Charly
Rating: 4.9/5
Author: C.K. Malone
Review: “Clever and powerful! Great message! Highly recommend!” -Becky Walker
Summary: Halloween has always been tricky for Charly, but this year they are determined to find a costume that represents their feminine and masculine identities equally. Digging through their costume box, Charly finds many fun costumes that could be for either girls or boys, but they all miss the mark.
Worm Loves Worm
Rating: 4.04/5
Author: J.J. Austrian
Review: “This one took me by surprise. Sweet and simple, it manages to discuss gender, sexuality and "changing the way things have always been done" in a way that felt entirely natural to me.” -Caitlyn
Summary: When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux? The answer is: It doesn't matter. Because Worm loves Worm.
Oliver Button is a Sissy
Rating: 4.1/5
Author: Tomie dePaola
Review: “I really enjoyed reading this book. The message behind the book is very strong and has an encouraging message.” -Ali Gregory
Summary: A little boy must come to terms with being teased and ostracized because he’d rather read books, paint pictures, and tap-dance than participate in sports.