Celebrating Families
As Springfield gears up for the Greater Ozarks Pridefest, a group of our librarians have created a booklist for children and families who want to explore books focused on the LGBTQ community. These titles celebrate families of all shapes and sizes, and can introduce some to what makes each family unique and special.
Children's Picture Books for All Ages
Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian and Mike Curato
Two worms in love decide to get married, and with help from friends they have everything they need and more, but which one will be the bride and which the groom?
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino
A young boy faces adversity from classmates when he wears an orange dress at school.
King & King by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland
When the queen insists that the prince get married and take over as king, the search for a suitable mate does not turn out as expected.
Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall
Despite the best efforts of his teacher, fellow crayons and art supplies, and family members, Red cannot seem to do anything right until a new friend offers a fresh perspective.
Familes, Familes, Familes! by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang
A host of animals portrays all kinds of non-traditional families.
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
When Heather learns that there are lots of different kinds of families and the most important thing is that all the people love each other.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, some big and some small, some with only one parent and some with two moms or dads, but all alike in some ways and special no matter what.
This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman
A picture book illustrating a Pride parade.
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer
Stella brings her two fathers to school to celebrate Mother’s Day.
In this story that introduces numbered groups from one to ten, we realize that families can be many things.
Children's Fiction for Ages Nine and Up
My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer by Jennifer Gennari
Twelve-year-old June Farrell spends the summer at her Vermont home getting used to the woman her mother is planning to marry and practicing her pie-baking skills, as she hopes to win the blue ribbon at the fair.
The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy
The funny and frantic adventures of a family with two fathers, four adopted boys, and a variety of pets.
Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
An eighth-grader who dreams of performing in a Broadway musical concocts a plan to run away to New York and audition for the role of Elliot in the musical version of "E.T."
Nonfiction
I Am Jazz! by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
The story of a transgender child who traces her early awareness that she is a girl in spite of male anatomy and the acceptance she finds through a wise doctor who explains her natural transgender status.
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