21 Kids' Books That Celebrate LGBTQ+ Stories
Books are powerful—they can open kids’ eyes to aspects of the world that are unfamiliar, or make them feel seen and loved for who they are. These 21 books celebrating LGBTQ+ kids and families can act as both a mirror and a window—and they’re just a lot of fun to read!
Pink Is for Boys
Written by Robb Pearlman, illustrated by Eda Kaban
This book is a wonderful entry point for kids to discover that life isn’t color-coded! And, more importantly, they don’t need to stick to traditional gender norms. Boys and girls can love pink, blue, unicorns, dressing up, baseball, cars, and everything in between!
Love Makes a Family
Written and illustrated by Sophie Beer
Whether you're looking for a sweet book that shows your family—or one that opens your tot up to other types of families, this vibrant board book is for you! Love Makes a Family demonstrates that, no matter if a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, the most important part of each family is the love they share.
Strong
Written by Rob Kearney and Eric Rosswood, illustrated by Nidhi Chanani
Strong is the bright, bold, and super-engaging story of Rob Kearney, the world’s first openly gay professional strongman. Growing up, Rob feared that his dazzling leggings, unicorn tees, and rainbow-colored hair would keep him from being a champion. He was wrong! This book is not only a great read, it does an A+ job of breaking LGBTQ+ stereotypes!
Pink, Blue, and You!
Should girls and boys have different toys? Is it okay for boys to cry? Should we be able to love whoever we choose? This adorable and easy-to-understand picture book is a superb jumping off point to start important conversations about gender norms and embracing yourself and others, no matter what!
I Am Jazz
Written by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
Based on Jazz Jennings’ real life, this book tells the story of Jazz, a little kid who, from a young age, recognizes that she has a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. It highlights and explains the experience of being transgender in a way that kids can easily understand.
Julián Is a Mermaid
Written and illustrated by Jessica Love
In this stunningly illustrated award-winner, young Julian is inspired when he sees three women dressed as mermaids and decides he wants to be a mermaid, too! But what will his abuela think? Through Julian’s story, young readers learn about loving themselves and celebrating what makes them special…mermaid tails and all!
The Boy and the Bindi
Written by Vivek Shraya, illustrated by Rajni Perera
The 5-year-old South Asian boy at the center of this story admires his mother’s bindi (the red dot Hindi women wear), and wants one for himself. His mother bucks the norm and lets him wear a bindi of his own, while also teaching him about the significance of this tradition.
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea
Written by Kai Cheng Thom, illustrated by Wai-Yant Li and Kai Yun Ching
This beautiful, fairytale-like book shares the story of Miu Lan, a child who can change into any shape imaginable—a bird, a fish, a boy, or a girl. Here, gender identity and fluidity is explored in a sweet and age-appropriate manner, teaching children to value people for who they are, not who others think they should be.
My Footprints
Written by Bao Phi, illustrated by Basia Tran
Thuy is Vietnamese American and has two moms, which makes her different from most of her classmates. So, when a bully leaves Thuy feeling sad and lonely, she treks home from school through the snow, imagining herself as various animals. (What if she could fly away like a bird or sprint like a deer?) In the end, Thuy's moms help her see just how brave, beautiful, and wonderful she already is.
When Aidan Became a Brother
Written by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylana Juanita
When Aidan was born, he was given a pretty girl’s name, a pretty girl’s room, and pretty girl’s clothes…the problem was, none of it felt right. So, Aidan’s mom and dad helped Aidan adjust to his new life as a boy. But soon, Aidan must prepare for another big shift: the birth of a baby sibling!
Mommy, Mama, and Me
Written by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Carol Thompson
With Mommy, Mama, and Me, there's zero mention of diversity or sexuality. Instead, this board book shares the story of a child, their parents, their ordinary day filled with games of hide-and-seek and bath time...and their love. It's simple and it's wonderful! (Also check out Daddy, Papa, and Me by the same author).
My Two Dads and Me
Written by Michael Joosten, illustrated by Izak Zenou
Much like the book Mommy, Mama, and Me, this board book gives tots a glimpse into the life of several diverse families with two dads. It's wonderfully told from the point of view of the children—and the pictures have a hip, fashion-illustration vibe. (There’s also My Two Moms and Me, by the same author.)
A Family Is a Family
Written by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng
Love is love, and a family is a family…no matter if your family is made up of two dads, or one grandma, or a bunch of stepsiblings. This sweet story celebrates families of all configurations.
Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero
Written by Ellie Royce, illustrated by Hannah Chambers
The boy narrating this story tells readers about his Uncle Leo…who transforms into Auntie Lotta when performing drag! After Auntie Lotta saves the day at the town Pride Parade, her nephew helps come up with the perfect way to celebrate both sides of his fabulous Auntie Uncle!
Prince & Knight
Written by Daniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Your little one will probably be exposed to a lot of fairytales throughout childhood…and most will feature the typical Prince-Princess pairing. That’s where this book breaks from the norm! This story tells a swashbuckling story of a prince and knight who join forces to battle a monster—and find love along the way.
This Day in June
Written by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna Litten
This whimsical and award-winning book is the perfect kid-friendly primer on the pride movement’s history! This Day In June invites readers to experience a pride celebration, plus it features a Note to Parents and Other Caregivers with age-appropriate tips on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
Written by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno
This Amazon Teacher's Pick tells the moving and empowering true story of how the rainbow gay pride flag came to be. Pride is a great introduction to two LGBTQ+ heroes—social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker—and to the exuberant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.
My Mommy, My Mama, My Brother, and Me: These Are the Things We Found By the Sea
Written by Natalie Meisner, illustrated by Mathilde Cinq-Mars
This enchanting book uses rhymes and illustrations to bring to life the story of a loving family’s trip to the seaside...a family that happens to include two moms. Even sweeter: The book is a loving homage to the author's own two-mom, two-son family growing up in Nova Scotia.
The Adventures of Honey & Leon
Written by
rescue mutts Honey and Leon who wonder what their two dads do when they're away on important business. So, the furry pair set off on a dad-protecting adventure! This book is not overtly LGBTQ-focussed, but it effortlessly highlights the everyday-ness of same-sex couples...and that's a win!
More Books For Kids:
- Books That Celebrate Disability and Differences
- Celebrate Amazing Women in History With These Reads
- Books About Big Emotions for Little Kids
- Kid-Friendly Books on the “Birds and Bees”
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