LGBTQ: Children's Literature

"In this western reinvention of the classic tale "Cinderella," Cinda participates in a rodeo and wins the attention of the nonbinary rider hosting the competition"

"A nonfiction picture book about Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride, who dreamed of making a difference as a kid and grew up to become the highest-ranking openly transgender political official in America."

"While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice. This second book in the series begins the conversation on gender, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion"

"Every year in June, we celebrate Pride! But what does Pride mean? And how do you celebrate it? This inspiring celebration of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history and today shows young readers that there are many ways to show your pride and make a difference. Whether you want to be an activist or an athlete, a poet or a politician, a designer or a drag queen, you can show your pride just by being you!"

"Kind Like Marsha celebrates 14 amazing and inspirational LGBTQ+ people throughout history. Fan favorites like Harvey Milk, Sylvia Rivera, and Audre Lorde are joined by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, and more in this striking collection. With a focus on a positive personality attribute of each of the historical figures, readers will be encouraged to be brave like the Ugandan activist fighting for LGBTQ+ rights against all odds and to be kind like Marsha P. Johnson who took care of her trans community on the New York City streets."

"When you’re a kid like Gavin Grimm, you know yourself best. And Gavin knew that he was a boy—even if others saw him as a girl. But when his school took away his right to something as simple as using the boy’s restroom, Gavin knew he had a big decision to make. Because there are always more choices than the ones others give you. Gavin chose to correct others when they got his pronouns wrong. He asked to be respected. He stood up for himself. Gavin proved that his school had violated his constitutional rights and had the Supreme Court uphold his case—bringing about a historic win for trans rights. There are many kids out there, some just like Gavin Grimm, and they might even be you. What choices will you make?"

"A smart and sassy boy in a red riding hood confronts a pushy wolf espousing gender norms."

"A little girl has big plans for her day at the park, but when her two moms stop to talk to some chatty neighbors she is convinced that her whole day will be completely ruined."

"A child who enjoys Grandad's stories of his travels and adventures with Gramps persuades him to fix up their old camper and take another trip, in honor of Gramps."

" This illustrated book introduces children to the story of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, the two transgender women of color who helped kickstart the Stonewall Riots and dedicated their lives to fighting for LGBTQ+ equality. It introduces children to issues surrounding gender identity and diversity, accompanied by a reading guide and teaching materials to further the conversation."

"In 1861, the winds of war blew through the United States. Jennie Hodgers, a young immigrant from Ireland, moved west to Illinois and soon had a new name and a new identity--Albert D. J. Cashier. Like many other young men, Albert joined the Union Army. Though the smallest soldier in his company, Albert served for nearly three years and fought in forty battles and skirmishes. When the war ended, Albert continued to live his life as a man. His identity fit him as snug as his suspenders. Decades later, a reporter caught wind of the news that an old man in the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home was actually a woman. The news swept through the country. What would happen to Albert and his military pension? Would he be allowed to continue to live as he wished? How would his friends, fellow soldiers, and others in the community react? This book is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance."

"Desmond is Amazing is a drag-kid, model, fashion icon, and social justice activist. When he isn't slaying on the catwalk or performing drag, he's an outspoken anti-bullying and LGBTQ advocate. In this uplifting picture book about being yourself, Desmond shows how he can be amazing thanks to courageous people like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and RuPaul who paved the way for a safer, more inclusive society for LGBTQ individuals. A kid-friendly primer to LGBTQ history that covers everything from the Stonewall Riots to RuPaul's Drag Race, Be Amazing shows young readers why we should celebrate the fight for LGBTQ rights."

"Nobody seems to understand that Hannah is not a girl. His parents ask why he won't wear the cute outfits they pick out. His friend thinks he must be a tomboy. His teacher insists he should be proud to be a girl. But a birthday wish, a new word, and a stroke of courage might be just what Hannah needs to finally show the world who he really is. Based on a true transgender identity journey, I'm Not a Girl is an empowering story about a boy who is determined to be himself."

"A child celebrates her Maddy, who is neither mommy nor daddy but a little bit of both, like so many things in nature. Includes note to parents."

""Elvi, which one is your mom?" "They're both my mom." "But which one's your real mom?" When Nicholas wants to know which of Elvi's two moms is her real mom, she gives him lots of clues. Her real mom is a circus performer, and a pirate, and she even teaches spiders the art of the web. But Nicholas still can't work it out. Luckily, Elvi knows just how to explain it to her friend."

"Small footprints. Brave steps. Angry and alone, Thuy shuffles, tiptoes, and stomps toward home through fresh snow. Some bullies have been bothering her again. Then a cardinal catches her attention and sets Thuy on a new path. What if she could fly away like a bird? Sprint to safety like a deer? Roar like a bear to show her might? Mimicking their footprints all the way home and into the arms of her moms, Thuy takes on each creature's strengths and discovers her own."

While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes -- and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julian sees himself?

"Aidan, a transgender boy, experiences complicated emotions as he and his parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby"

"A young girl describes how her two daddies help her through her day, including her poppa cooking eggs and toast, her daddy fixing her knee when she is hurt, and both fathers being there for her when she needs love."

"Susan loves her baby sister, Jackie, but as Jackie grows older and behaves more and more like a boy Susan must adjust to having a brother, Jack, instead."

"As they play, Mia and Tayja confirm that there's one thing they don't have to pretend: They know in their hearts that they're real sisters, even though others don't always recognize this, since they're adopted and don't look alike. Safe in the knowledge that adoption has made them 'forever family,' the sisters end their make-believe journey with a joyful homecoming to a real home with their two moms."

"Struggling with her feelings for a female classmate, an eleven-year-old Irish girl tries to confide in her mother, the person she trusts most in the world."

"What do Frank Ocean, Sally Ride, and George Takei have in common? They're all proud LGBTQ Americans! Featuring people from a variety of careers and backgrounds, this collection of 25 short biographies by debut author Chase Clemesha celebrates the pride, diversity, and accomplishments of the LGBTQ community--and inspires young readers to find pride in whatever they do."

"For two years, twelve-year-old Hazel has coped with her Mum's accidental death by overprotecting her sister and Mama, but when Mama reconnects with her first love, roles begin to shift."

"In the summer of 1987 in Venice, California, ten-year-old Bug and her new friend Frankie learn important lessons about life, family, being your true self, and how to navigate in a world that is not always just or fair."

"Born in 1930--learn how politician and activist Harvey Milk used his voice to overturn policies that targeted LGBT people and how labor reformer Dolores Huerta fought for working rights for Mexican/Latinx laborers. Aligned with curriculum standards, this book also highlights key 21st Century content: Global Awareness, Civic Literacy, and Economic Literacy. Thought-provoking content and a hands-on activity encourage critical thinking and civic engagement. Book includes table of contents, glossary of key words, index, author biography, sidebars, and timeline."

"Fifth-grader Penny writes a series of letters to her future sibling, including facts about their Oakland, California, home, questions about whether their moms will ever marry, and especially that he or she is loved."

Eleven-year-old Liv fights to change the middle school dress code requiring girls to wear a skirt and, along the way, finds the courage to tell his moms he is meant to be a boy.

Although not thrilled when her summer plans are upended for a surprise cross-country train trip with her family and embarrassed because one of her moms is writing a tell-all book about the trip, twelve-year-old Sara Johnston-Fischer finds herself changing along with the landscape outside the train windows.

Knowing herself to be a girl despite her outwardly male appearance, Melissa is denied a female role in the class play before teaming up with a friend to reveal her true self.

Chloë is jealous and sad when her favorite uncle announces that he will be getting married, but as she gets to know Jamie better and becomes involved in planning the wedding, she discovers that she will always be special to Uncle Bobby--and to Uncle Jamie, too.

From the moment Donovan wakes in the morning, he painstakingly prepares for his special role in the wedding ceremony of his two mothers.

As the Dalinger family travels across America in a rented recreational vehicle, Keats grows more accepting of the attention-getting behavior of their "manny"--male nanny--especially after a visit with the manny's parents on their Wyoming ranch.

India, an unusual nine-and-a-half-year-old living in small-town Maine, has a series of adventures which bring her closer to her artist-mother, strengthen her friendship with a neighbor boy, and help her to accept the man for whom her father moved away.