8 June 20204 March 2021 Kirsten

21 Diverse Children’s Books with LGBTQ Characters

21 Diverse Children’s Books with LGBTQ Characters

These wonderfully diverse picture books, with LGBTQ characters, can be used with children of all ages to answer their questions with understanding and empathy.

Celebrate Pride Month (and every month) with LGBTQ Characters

As teachers, we will have seen diverse children and their families come through our doors. It is important that we celebrate every child under our care for who they are.

Every Children’s Library Lady book list is as diverse as possible and this one is no exception. You will find LGBTQ characters from different backgrounds and cultures. Many of the books are suitable for pre-school age children.

Some of the books celebrate Pride Month, its history and the people behind it. You can find out more about how to celebrate Pride in your school, along with related resources in the posts Talking to Young Children about Pride Month.

Diverse Books with LGBTQ Characters

10,000 Dresses by Marcus Ewert

Bailey identifies as a girl and every night dreams of wearing beautiful dresses. The reaction of her family is devastating. “Boys don’t wear dresses!” An older girl is inspired by Bailey’s courage to follow her dreams. They work together to make the dresses in Bailey’s dreams become a reality. Promotes resilience, identity, tolerance and gender roles.

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara

A board book about different forms of activism including environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights. Promotes community, equality, justice and hope.

A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager

Two children discuss that one of them has two daddies. She describes how poppa helps her cook eggs and toast, and her daddy is her soccer coach. Her answers show how her daddies are always there for her and provide love and support.

A Tale of Two Mommies by Vanita Oelschlager

Three children talk to each other about their mothers. One boy answers the questions of his curious friends about what it is like to have two mummies.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson

In Central Park Zoo two male penguins, Roy and Silo, long for a family like the other penguins, so Mr Gramzay places an egg in the nest for them to care for. When the egg hatches the zookeeper named it Tango, “because it takes two to make a Tango.” Promotes family, belonging, diversity and tolerance.

Angus all Aglow by Heather Smith

Angus loves sparkly things but when he wears a beautiful necklace from his gran he is teased by his classmates. Crushed, he loses his love of shiny objects until a new friend helps him remember why he loved the sparkle in the first place and helps him accept himself for who he is. Promotes school life, LGBTQ+, gender roles, individuality, tolerance and self-acceptance.

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom & Kai Yun Ching

Miu Lan has the ability to change into a boy or a girl, a bird or a fish and anything they can imagine. But they can't decide what to be. At school they must endure inquisitive looks and difficult questions from the other children. But they find true acceptance in the arms of their mother. Reinforces the themes of acceptance, identity and love.

It's Okay to be Different by Todd Parr

Todd Parr spreads a message acceptance, self-confidence and individuality while celebrating diversity. Sometimes the advice is practical, while others are more fun.

Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman

Susan wants Jackie to be like her, pretending to be forest fairies or kittens. But Jackie dons a cape or plays in the mud. As Jackie gets older, she wants to wear clothes from the boy’s section. Susan's feelings become more confused as her sister changes her name to Jack and cuts her hair short. Promotes acceptance, identity, self-awareness and open-mindedness.

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Travelling home with his abuela, Julian sees three spectacular ladies dressed in mermaid costumes. At home, he creates a mermaid outfit and proudly shows it off to his abuela. She takes him to the parade, joining others in their fabulous costumes. Promotes identity, creativity, self-awareness and open-mindedness.

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino

At school, Morris loves dressing up in a tangerine dress but his classmates tease him. In the end, Morris helps then realise it doesn’t matter what you wear it is who you are. Promotes acceptance, bullying, gender roles, identity, and self-esteem.

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis is a lesson of acceptance and tolerance about a 4-year-old boy, teased because he loves wearing dresses and told boys should not wear them.

Neither by Airlie Anderson

Neither lives in the Land of This and That, and it doesn’t quite fit it. Each creature is a blue bunny or a yellow bird but Neither is not quite a bird or a bunny. It finds a new home full of colour, shapes and different creatures. Neither is welcomed with open arms as the differences unite the community.

Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman

Pink is for Boys teaches children you can love any colour and it doesn't matter if you are a girl or a boy. Promotes gender identity, gender roles, tolerance and inclusion.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders

Harvey Milk wanted to create a symbol of hope and pride for the LGBTQ community. In collaration with designer Gilbert Baker they created the first rainbow flag. With the rainbow flag held high, the gay community celebrated Pride Month by marching for equality through the streets of San Francisco.

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

Red’s label says red but no matter how hard he tries he can only create blue. A friend suggests he casts aside his label, opening a whole new world to Red.

Sparkle Boy by Lesléa Newman

Casey loves to wear a shimmery skirt and glitterynails, just like his older sister, Jessie. He also loves construction play, puzzles, and trucks. While Casey's family embrace his many interest his siter is not so sure. It is only when Casey is teased at school Jessie understands he has the right to be himself. Reinforces the themes of acceptance, gender, identity and siblings.

Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer

Stella has two dads but doesn't know what to do when her class celebrates Mother's Day. She feels loved by her Papa and Daddy and extended family, but she has no mother to take to the party. She is able to find a unique solution to her problem. Promotes acceptance, LGBTQ+ families and love.

The Boy & the Bindi by Vivek Shraya

A young boy loves his mother’s bindi and longs for one of his own. His mother agrees he can have one and teaches him about its cultural and religious significance. The boy wears his bindi and feels he can be himself.

They She He Me: Free to Be! by Maya and Matthew

They She He Me: Free to Be! explores the themes of identity, inclusion and gender through the use of pronouns and gender fluidity.

This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman

Celebrate Pride with Month with This Day In June. Children can take on board different levels of meaning depending on their age and understanding of LGBT history and culture. The book includes notes for parents and caregivers with ideas of how to talk to children about issues that may arise while reading.

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff

Aidan, a young transgender boy, finds out his mother is expecting a baby. Growing up, Aidan felt trapped, until he spoke to his supportive parents. As a big brother, he wants to make sure his new sibling grows up in a happy environment.

In Conclusion...

I hope you enjoyed browsing these wonderfully diverse picture books with LGBTQ characters. They are a great way to celebrate Pride Month, but of course, should be read all year round!

Let their stories be heard to promote understanding and tolerance in your classroom. If you have any further suggestions let me know in the comments below!

Here are some resources for you to use in your classroom or school. You can find more at Talking to Young Children about Pride Month.

Educate & Celebrate: PRIDE In Education Classroom Resources
Educate & Celebrate: Posters and media completely free to download!
GLSEN: Educator Resources and Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Classroom Resources
Safe @ School: Lesson Plans and Tool Kits
Stonewall: Best practice, toolkits and resources
University of Southern California: LGBT Resource Center

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