Happy Pride Month! June is the month we celebrate the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ folks, and we are thrilled to share this special book list with you all. Whether someone in your family is LGBTQ+ or not, we could all benefit from reading these amazing titles. As always, regardless of your child’s age or reading level, we have tried to include a little something for everyone: from picture books right up through young adult fiction and graphic novels.
We hope you find one or two books to enjoy on this list, and if you have any you think others should know about, please share!
Picture Books
The Little Library by Margaret MacNamara, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Jake's class is so excited about the new school library…but not Jake. Jake isn’t a huge fan of reading, but he manages to make a connection with the new (nonbinary) librarian, and he discovers something he’s passionate about. Over the course of the school year, Jake’s perspective on reading changes, and he finds a special way to say thank you to Librarian Beck.
Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope by Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Penelope is named after his grandmother, but nothing feels quite right. He knows deep down that he’s a boy, but everyone else thinks he’s a girl. This makes him angry, and he feels unseen and unheard, until he talks to his mom. His fifth birthday is his chance to tell his loving family, and the next day at school, he confidently walks in with his new (to the rest of the world) identity.
Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima
Harriet loves costumes, and she wears them everywhere she goes. As she gets ready for her birthday party, she and her two dads realize they need to run some last-minute errands. Her imagination gets a little carried away, and she finds herself on an adventure with penguins, an orca, and some helpful pigeons.
Children’s Nonfiction
People of Pride: 25 Great LGBTQ Americans by Chase Clemesha, MD
Easy-to-read mini biographies, each accompanied by a photograph, share some of the most influential LGBTQ+ Americans’ lives. Additionally, there is a list of more notable people kids may want to learn about, a historical timeline of relevant events, and a glossary of helpful terms.
Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by Sarah Prager, illustrated by Sarah Papworth
One of the coolest parts of this book is the colorful world map that shows the birthplaces of each person listed in the book. Prager wrote the book specifically to increase representation for youth: “When I was growing up, I didn’t know that LGBTQ+ people had changed the world, I wrote the book to make sure you never have to think that.”
Children’s Graphic Novels
Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up by Heather Corinna and Isabella Rotman, colored by Luke B. Howard
Probably best for middle schoolers and up, this title says it all. Comprehensive, body positive, encouraging, and inclusive, this is a must-read as your child gets a bit older.
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
Snapdragon is named after her mother’s favorite flower. She finds herself suddenly helping out the neighborhood “witch” and learns that not everything is as it first seems. Untangling family rumors, characters revealing true identities, and people showing their different sides, this book is magical, sweet, and entertaining. A variety of queer identities are represented.
Middle Grade Fiction
The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy
A Stonewall Honor Book, The Best at It features a diverse cast of characters and exposes readers to different cultures and identities. Rahul is a very relatable and likable character who has set out to figure out just one thing he can be the best at. Motivated by his grandfather’s advice, he is determined to meet his goal, while trying to also stay true to himself.
Jack and her brother Birdie are dealing with the aftermath of their mother’s death. Their uncles share the responsibility of caring for the kids, but when they go to live with Uncle Patrick, things begin to change. Uncle Patrick doesn’t accept Birdie’s love for gender-noncomforming clothing, and when Birdie begins being bullied at school, Jack steps into the role of protective big sister.
Ash is nonbinary. Daniel often feels overwhelmed by his emotions. Somehow they both end up working together to save a dog, but Daniel doesn’t realize who Ash truly is. Their friendship evolves, and they have to figure out how to accept each other - and themselves.
Young Adult
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
We typically try to recommend newer books, but this classic just cannot be left off the list. A sweet story of two teenage boys who meet and become fast friends. Over time, their relationship shifts, although it takes them each different amounts of time to recognize and acknowledge their feelings. They go through tragedies together, navigate major life changes, and depend upon their supportive families as they find their way.
A graphic novel that takes classic selkie folklore but makes it queer-friendly. Morgan meets Keltie, and her whole life begins to change. She faces family upset, environmental problems, and a first love she never anticipated.
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
This book fills two much-needed niches: Indigenous experiences and asexual experiences. Blending fantasy and reality, this book is well-loved by teens.