LGBTQ children’s books honoring love and identity in all their beautiful forms are vital lifelines for so many kids and important window books for others. With these important books becoming more and more plentiful, we have curated a list of our favorites. Check it out!
- The importance of LGBTQ children’s books in our modern society
- LGBTQ children’s books are vital mirrors for many children
- Frequently Asked Questions
- LGBTQ children’s books about pride
- LGBTQ children’s books about relationships
- LGBTQ children’s books about gender identity and self-expression
- LGBT children’s books about diverse Families
- LGBT children’s anthology
The importance of LGBTQ children’s books in our modern society
A psychologist friend spoke about the dangers of sexting to a middle school classroom packed with adolescent boys. The discussion was met with a healthy of dose of snickering, some good old fashion blushing… and, surprisingly, a remarkable amount of maturity.
The message was simple: do not ask a girl to send you a nude picture of herself. And do not send a nude picture of yourself to her. My friend discussed the dangers and legalities of sexting, and the boys, naturally, were a bit horrified. But then one of the kids raised his hand.
“What if a guy sends a naked pic to another guy?”
Silence.
“Same rules apply,” my friend said, not skipping a beat.
She waited for the taunts, the snarky comments, the laughter.
But they never came.
You could hear a pin drop, Lauren, she said.
These middle school kids didn’t flinch at the prospect of two young males in a romantic relationship. And my friend left the room both astounded and amazed.
We’ve come so far, she said. Yet we have so much more work to do.
I couldn’t agree more.
And this is where books come in.
LGBTQ children’s books are vital mirrors for many children
I’ll lose readers with this post.
I always do, whenever I post about Pride, LGBTQ children’s books, and the importance of respecting the many beautiful forms of love and identity. But even though there continues to be a lack of respect for the way some people live and identify, our team here at Happily Ever Elephants will never stop sharing diverse books for children that celebrate all people.
LGBTQ children’s books are critically important for children, for a myriad of reasons:
- For kids that are grappling with how they identify and who they have feelings for, seeing characters like them in stories is like finding a trusted confidante. Books provide safe spaces for children, allowing them to exhale freely knowing they aren’t alone with their feelings.
- For kids who may struggle because their families look different from the “norm,” books help children recognize that love makes a family. If love is the foundation of a home, nothing else should ever matter — especially not how parents and siblings identify.
- For LGBTQ youth who are met with disapproval at home, books may be the only resource to help them feel supported through a challenging time. This may in turn help prevent serious harm to a child’s mental health and self esteem.
Books are powerful, life-changing tools. When a struggling child reads a story and finds himself within the pages, the effects are profound. Worlds open, walls come down, and a floundering child may suddenly feel a ray of light shining just for him. We cannot underestimate the value of LGBTQ children’s books that so proudly celebrate all people. There are children that need to see their realities reflected in stories so that they don’t just feel less alone, but valued and important, too.
LGBTQ children’s books are windows through which we build empathy and community
Yet, LGBTQ children’s books are more than just mirrors. They are important windows through which we build empathy and community.
So what? you say. This isn’t the way I live, you say. I don’t support this and my children won’t either, you say.
May I counter those thoughts?
Even if you don’t identify as part of the LGBTQ community, it is critically important to support the notion that love is love.
By turning your head in the opposite direction, you’ll miss a key opportunity to teach your children the fundamental notion of respecting others.
We fear the things we do not know and understand. Yet, when we expose our children to all kinds of experiences and lifestyles, even those we may not personally adopt or comprehend, we teach them to treat all people with dignity.
This is what each and every one of us deserves. When we teach our children respect for all humans, we lead the way toward bridging divides.
We — you and I — can singlehandedly do our parts to help rid communities of fear and create instead a nurturing, welcoming home where all people are honored and celebrated.
Isn’t this the world we want to leave for our children?
Honor all forms of love and identity with LGBTQ children’s books
I wish our world was a bit more like the class my friend led, one where tweens and young teens don’t flinch at the idea of same-sex relationships, where a child grappling with his identity or sexual orientation feels safe and supported at home, school and in her community.
We may not be there yet, but by being intentional about the books we read to our children and by having the important conversations those books spark, we can all do our part to get there.
The LGBT children’s books we’ve compiled below are those we hope will help you teach your kids and students that love is love, and that each and every one of us is unique and so very special. These are books we hope will not only eradicate stigma but empower children to stay true to who they are.
For more information on supporting LGBTQ children at home or in your classrooms and communities, I encourage you to check out the Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union on LGBT Youth.
Frequently Asked Questions
LGBTQ children’s books are critically important for children. They are vital lifelines for children grappling with how they identify and who they have feelings for, for kids who struggle because their families look different from the “norm,” and for LGBTQ youth who are met with disapproval at home. These stories help children feel seen, safe, and less alone. These books are also important windows, even if you don’t identify as part of the LGBT community. It is critically important to support the notion that love is love. When we expose our children to all kinds of experiences and lifestyles, even those we may not personally adopt or comprehend, we teach them to treat all people with dignity.
We will forever adore Worm Loves Worm, featured below, for the way it so beautifully alludes to marriage equality in a perfectly age appropriate way. It is a fabulous picture book, and our full review of Worm Loves Worm can be found here!
Of course! We have a great list of our favorite LGBT books for middle schoolers right here!
LGBTQ children’s books about pride
Did you know that each color of the pride flag stands for something special and meaningful? This beautiful board book is a celebration of the love parents have for their children, told through gentle rhyme and colorful photographs that also convey the meaning of the flag’s many colors. It contains a powerful message, too: be true to you, and you will always be loved. If you want to teach your kids their colors while imparting a great lesson, too, this preschool color book, this rocks!
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We love this vibrant Pride counting book! If you love board books and have a toddler at home, this is such a fun way to teach them about pride while they learn their numbers, too.
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This sweet book is an ode to LGBTQ families and pride. It also reveals the meaning and symbolism behind each stripe on the rainbow flag. This is a beautiful testament to a parent’s unwavering love for her children and a lovely way to show kids that just as there are many colors of a rainbow, families come in all different colors, too.
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There is a rich history surrounding New York City’s Stonewall Inn, and its role in the LGBTQ movement is unparalleled. Narrated by the Stonewall Inn itself, this is the story of the police raid on the Inn on June 28, 1969, and how the empowered members of the LGBTQ community in and around the Inn began to demand equal rights as United States citizens. Powerful, poignant, and dynamic, this LGBTQ children’s book belongs in every library and classroom around the country!
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Harvey Milk had a dream to create a global symbol of unity and inclusion, one that would allow LGBTQ people to be proud of not just who they are, but also who they love. This beautiful book tells the story of the Gay Pride Flag from its inception in 1978 thanks to Milk’s activism, all the way to the present day, describing how it became an important symbol worldwide. This is a wonderful LGBTQ children’s book that speaks to love, hope, and equality that has an important place on every bookshelf!
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This is a whimsical, lively and energetic celebration of pride. Taking place at a joyful parade, all are invited, all are excited, and all are united! Winner of the Stonewall Book Award, this is a fabulous portrayal of pride that also contains excellent resources for parents and caregivers to speak with children about sexual orientation and gender identity in sensitive, age-appropriate manners.
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On a special day in June, Emily and her moms ride the train and head into the city for the Rainbow Parade. Emily loves discovering the three things all the people in the parade have in common. They are loud, proud, and extraordinarily colorful! But when she has an opportunity to walk in the parade, Emily is nervous. Is she proud enough to join the others? With hope and heart, Emily realizes the parade was just a start, and she can’t wait to practice pride all year round.
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LGBTQ children’s books about relationships
Sweet Violet feels her heart flutter every time she sees one girl in her class. Mira, the girl with a laugh like wind chimes, is so special to Violet, and the only one she wants to give a Valentine to. There’s just one problem – every time Violet tries to share her feelings with Mira, she gets tongue-tied! This is a sweet, sweet story about love and courage, and we love how it normalizes same-sex crushes for children! This story will help so many kids feel seen and is one of our favorite LGBTQ children’s books.
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This fabulous story is, without a doubt, Happily Ever Elephants’ favorite book about love. What happens when two worms fall in love and want to get married? Which worm will wear the dress and which will wear the tuxedo? On second thought, if worm loves worm — why should anything else matter? For our full review of Worm Loves Worm, click here! We will forever cherish this phenomenal LGBTQ children’s book!
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What happens when a strong, warrior maiden reluctantly attends the prince’s royal ball, only to fall in love with the prince’s sister? We absolutely adore this affirming, empowering book that showcases so beautifully for all children that same-sex marriages are not just normal, but healthy and beautiful too. We love the way the maiden stands up for herself, stays true to who she is, and falls in love so naturally, without anyone trying to change who she is or what she wants for herself. A wonderful, LGBTQ twist on a classic fairy tale! We also adore Prince & Knight and Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King by the same author!
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Archie loves Zack, and Zack loves Archie, but the two boys haven’t told each other yet. Nonetheless, they spend all their time together. Over the months, Archie tries to share his feelings with Zack in a letter, telling Zack how he feels from A to Z. The letters never seem perfect though, and each time, Archie hides them away. Eventually, the boys’ friends find the letters and know just the person meant to receive them. What follows a heartwarming discovery of affection, first crushes, and community. One of my very favorite LGBTQ children’s books!
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A young boy named Raphael feels deep affection for his good friend, Jerome. The boys share everything, talk constantly, and plan fun adventures. Though his parents get frustrated with his constant talk about Jerome, Raphael knows that when he is with Jerome he feels happy, special, and understood. Undeterred by his parents, Raphael remains firm in his conviction: “Raphael loves Jerome. I can say it. It’s easy.” Insightful and poignant, this one is so very special.
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LGBTQ children’s books about gender identity and self-expression
Oh, how we love this important LGBTQ children’s book! When Aidan was born, she had a beautiful name, a beautiful room, and beautiful dresses. But even though there is no one way to be a girl, Aidan knew she wasn’t a girl at all. When she realized she was a trans boy, Aidan’s parents helped him settle into a new life. But then his parents tell them they are expecting a baby – and Aidan wants to do whatever he can to make things right for his brother or sister. But what does that even mean? And does anything else matter besides loving his new sibling with his whole heart? A new about gender identity we absolutely love!
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Casey loves “boy” things — but he also loves things that sparkle. When his sister has glittery nails, Casey wants them too. When she has a shimmery skirt, he wants one too. When Abuelita has an armful of sparkly bracelets, Casey wears one too. Though some of the adults around Casey embrace his expression and allow him to be true to himself, Casey’s big sister isn’t so sure. Will it take a bully to help big sis embrace her brother’s interests? We love this story of acceptance!
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This is a wonderful, straightforward book to explain to children that some people are boys, some people are girls, some are both, neither, or somewhere in between. In this exploration of gender identity, children will gain a greater understanding of themselves and others, as well as the vocabulary to sensitively discuss the notion of gender identity.
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While Julian, a young boy, rides the subway one day, he is dazzled by a glorious sight: three women dressed up as beautiful mermaids. Julian can think of nothing better than dressing up just like them, with his own tail and a magical headdress, so he attempts to do just that. But what will Abuela think about the way Julian sees himself? Such an important book, so perfectly executed!
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Jacob gets chased out of the boy’s bathroom because the other kids say he looks like a girl. Sophie has a similar experience – she goes to use the girls bathroom, but the other kids don’t want her in there, either. Upon learning about these incidents, their teacher helps these children pave the way for change, and with the support of the administration, the students learn to respect everyone, no matter their chosen form of gender expression. This is a tremendously important LGBTQ children’s book.
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I love books that authentically capture a child’s self-expression and the freedom with which they go about their days and routines. Here, Riley knows just what to wear each day. Whether it’s a superhero cape when Riley needs to be brave at the dentist, construction gear to help Dad at the hardware store, or a fancy ball gown to dine at a fancy restaurant, Riley always wears the clothing that feels exactly right. When another child on the playground questions whether Riley is a girl or a boy, Riley’s answer is simple: Riley is a firefighter, a dancer, a monster hunter, a pilot, and a dinosaur. LOVE this one!
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If your kids have questions about gender and pronouns, this is the perfect LGBTQ children’s book to use as a springboard for discussion! This tender little book depicts many gender presentations under each pronoun, doing it gently and beautifully while allowing children to expand upon what they know about gender. I love the way this unique book celebrates all forms of personal expression.
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When she was just two years old, Jazz Jennings knew she had a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. This is Jazz’s story, based on her real-life experiences as a transgender child. Simple, honest and essential, Jazz’s story will resonate with many. It is a perfect tool to help children grappling with gender identity questions, while at the same time helping other children understand the experience of a transgender child.
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This is the story of Red, a red crayon. Or is it? It seems the crayon is having an identity crisis, for though he is wrapped in a red label, there is no debating that every time he colors, he is not red but blue. His parents, his teacher and even his friends try to help him be Red, but no matter how hard he tries, he simply cannot be what everyone else thinks he should be. Then one day, something magical happens. The frustrated crayon meets a new friend who tells Red what he really needs to hear: Red isn’t Red at all… he’s actually blue! And so it is that this was just what Red needed: a gentle nudge to look inward and listen to what he likely knew all along. He was blue! He was really blue! For our full review of Red: A Crayon’s Story, click here!
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LGBT children’s books about diverse Families
We simply adore this story about a young girl with two daddies! Stella is distraught when she learns her class will soon have a Mother’s Day celebration at school. After all, Stella has no mothers, so who on earth will she bring to the party? With the help of her classmates, Stella realizes she’s got a whole crew of people who love and support her — and she might just have to bring them all! This is a terrific LGBTQ children’s book about family!
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What’s a little girl to do when Mommy leaves for a work trip and she’s home alone with Mama? After all, things feel so different when she can’t sit right between Mama and Mommy, and she misses Mommy as deep as the ocean. This LGBTQ children’s book is perfect for any child who longs for a parent when they go out of town, and we adore the way it depicts an inclusive family that just overflows with love!
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This is one of those books for the way it so beautifully showcases a same-sex relationship without making it a central focus of the story. In this tender book, Lou visits Grandad and Pops every Saturday and they walk to the library, hand in hand. But one day, Pops has a fall, and he will be wheelchair-bound for good. Pops becomes withdrawn, but with help from Grandad, Lou comes up with a plan for Pops, one Lou hopes will bring the smile back to Pops’ face.
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A perfect LGBTQ board book for a modern, millennial family! Featuring a diverse array of dads with their children, this sweet book showcases dads and their kids as they go about their busy days. Stylish, smart, and savvy, this is going to be a winner among new parents. And don’t worry, there is a mom version too — My Two Moms and Me!
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We love this board book that highlights special mothers and family diversity, namely, a toddler with two moms. Though their family may look different on the outside, this trio goes about their day just like any other family — playing games and eating together and snuggling and going to sleep. Such a sweet one! There is also a dad version, Daddy, Papa and Me!
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Oh, how I adore this book! Gramps and Grandad were amazing adventurers, touring the country in their awesome camper. But upon Gramps’s death, Grandad doesn’t feel much like traveling. Leave it to their special granddaughter to get Grandad excited about exploring again. The spunky child decides to fix up the camper, getting it ready to take them, too, on great adventures. I love the way this LGBTQ children’s book features a same-sex marriage without making it the focus of the story. it is a beautiful celebration of love, loss and finding hope and fulfillment in new beginnings.
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This is the true story of two penguins living at the Central Park Zoo. The male penguins, Roy and Silo were inseparable. Though they were both males and had a different relationship from the other penguins in their habitat, they had a clear desire for a family. The zookeepers recognized the penguins’ yearning for a baby and thus gave the two a motherless egg. What happened next was surprising, stunning and so incredibly sweet — the two male penguins successfully hatched baby Tango! A beautiful, poignant nonfiction animal book to show that a family is a family, no matter what it looks like.
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Harriet loves costumes, so much so that when she runs out to get party hats for her upcoming birthday party, she dons her beloved penguin costume. But what happens when a real flock of penguins carry her away? Will she find her way back to her dads before her big party? The beauty of this cute book is that Harriet’s two dads are not a central plot point of the story, which helps normalize same-sex relationships. I love seeing diverse families becoming more common in children’s literature!
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Heather loves the number two, especially because she has two mommies! When she is at school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy, but Heather doesn’t have a dad. When Heather and her classmates are asked to draw pictures of their families, each picture the children draw is different. Does it matter who makes up a family? As long as there is love, their teachers explains, it does not. This one has become a modern classic!
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We love inclusive, diverse board books that showcase so fabulously that the most important part of a family is love. It doesn’t matter what your family looks like, or who or how many people live in your home. Instead, family is where the heart is, sharing happy activities together, lending a helping hand, and, our favorite, reading just one more book together before bed. A gem!
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LGBT children’s anthology
This fabulous anthology introduces children to fifty pioneering LGBTQ individuals who have made lasting marks around the world. Here, we celebrate their lives, their accomplishments, and their relationships, and it will inspire young readers to not just believe in themselves but to love who they are, too. From Alexander the Great to Alvin Ailey, kids young and old will feel empowered as they learn more about figures they have heard of repeatedly as well as those who have been left out of textbooks. A wonderful and important LGBTQ children’s book!
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Great article! I love your points about mirrors and windows – very important elements for helping kids feel validated and for building empathy. Wonderful books too! Definitely some ones we need to check out. I’d like to throw out our very favorite book about diverse families – A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary. It’s really amazing.
This is wonderful! Thank you so much for this list of books honoring all forms of love and identity. We are members of PFLAG (in Texas), and we thank you for making this list available. Our daughter and her wife of 15+ years have 2 delightful children, and we are proud parents and grandparents. We love them all!
We will pass along this list to other PFLAG members who will appreciate your input as much as do we!
You are so welcome! Always here for specific recs if you need them. Sending well wishes to you and your family from Florida.