5 positive & inclusive LGBTQ+ children’s books, just in time for Pride month
Pride month is here! Though nothing beats the vibrant celebrations and rich history surrounding the month of June–except for uplifting and protecting Queer identities– I believe that self-acceptance and celebration of differences should happen year-round. Enter LGBT children’s books…
These titles –many by LGBTQ+-identifying authors– are helping children around the world feel more comfortable in their own skin. They’re showing readers just how valuable acceptance and self-expression can be, all while captivating even the youngest of audiences.
As a children’s author myself, I admired nearly every book I came across–but these 5 especially stood out.
Rain Boy: (Kindness Books for Kids and Children, Teaching Empathy, Inclusion, and Diversity) by Dylan Glynn
This weather-themed picture book is the perfect way to expose younger children to ideas like acceptance and diversity. Toronto-based artist Dylan Glynn wrote and illustrated Rain Boy, his debut children’s book, for 3 to 5-year-olds, though kids of any age (and kids at heart) will appreciate the innocence and expression of this story.
Surprisingly, my favorite thing about this book isn’t the expressive watercolor illustration, despite its captivating and emotive aesthetic. It’s the realistic, comforting message that I would have loved to hear as a child.
“Will the other kids ever love Rain Boy for being himself? And, more importantly, can Rain Boy learn to love his rain?”
I really love how Glynn does not dismiss Rain Boy’s experience with the other kids. While Rain Boy comes to learn that it’s not the most important thing, it is a piece of his struggle that can sometimes be accidentally invalidated in real life. It’s much easier to encourage someone to be themselves than to actually be oneself while facing differences, bullying, or peer pressure.
I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
I originally learned of this book through TLC’s television show of the same name. The series followed transgender teen Jazz Jennings as she and her family navigate the physical, mental, and social experiences surrounding her transition. Though the show originally aired in 2015, Jazz has swapped life in front of the camera for life in the classroom. She’s currently attending Harvard and playing on the school lacrosse team.
Don’t worry–the picture book Jazz co-wrote is much more kid-friendly than Harvard or reality TV. It begins with two-year-old Jazz and her simple explanation of what it means and feels like to be transgender. It walks readers through part of the journey her family took, too; how communication and love can lead to endless understanding and support.
This book is recommended for 4 to 8-year-olds, though its message is ageless.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno
It’s impossible to discuss LGBT children’s books without giving homage to the heroes who paved the way for today’s Queer community. Harvey Milk is undeniably one of those heroes, and this book tells only one of his remarkable stories.
Readers can follow the history of the Pride Flag all the way from its beginnings in 1978 San Francisco, when Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker co-created a world-changing symbol of Gay Pride. This gloriously illustrated nonfiction book is ideal for kids as young as 3, though folks of any age can learn something new from this story.
This book is especially rewarding to read in the month of June when Pride flags are everywhere. You and your kiddos will have so many opportunities to think about–and maybe even share– all the new fun facts you’ve learned. Kirkus Reviews described this book best:
A biography LGBTQ+ rights activists and allies can proudly share with children . . . A hope-filled ode to the rainbow flag.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole
For a heartwarming tale about the coming together of a loving, nontraditional family, look no further. Even toddlers will love meeting Roy and Silo, two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who long to welcome a baby of their own. With the help of a zookeeper, their dream becomes reality, and readers get to experience the magic of new parenthood through the eyes of this couple. Even better–this is based on a true story!
Amazon reviews are overwhelmingly positive–parents love the simple language and child-friendly way the authors introduce ideas like reproduction. As if it were any surprise, young readers love the cute penguins! It gets even cuter, though, as the coauthors are also a couple with their very own baby Tango, a little girl named Gemma. There is no doubt that this story was created with endless love, which is exactly what young readers deserve.
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
Though it’s not a picture book for elementary-age children, Beyond the Gender Binary is a must-have for older kids. This 64-page project “deconstructs, demystifies, and reimagines the gender binary” through thoughtful essays and meaningful storytelling, but–before you get intimidated– Amazon reviews still promise an easy read. This is a book that can be (and is) thoroughly enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s not just for kids!
Even though Beyond the Gender Binary is packed full of masterfully explained concepts and Alok’s real experiences, it’s small enough to be read in one sitting, if you like. The simple language makes even the most complex topics accessible, while the vivid illustrations set a positive, approachable tone.
I believe singer/songwriter Sam Smith’s review says it best:
“When reading this book, all I feel is kindness.”
Isn’t that what we all should strive for? Whether writer or reader, there’s so much to learn from the empathetic, crystal clear approaches these LGBT children’s books take on very personal topics. There is no judgment, no hiding, and no tolerance for hate of any kind. I can only speak for myself, but these are traits I would love my future children to learn about.
