Children's Books with LGBTQ Characters for Pride Month
LGBT Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for LGBTQ Americans. Here is a list of children's books featuring LGBTQ characters or families that you can find in the library's collection.
And Tango makes three / Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell ; illustrated by Henry Cole
At New York City's Central Park Zoo, two male penguins fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches.
In our mothers' house / Patricia Polacco
Three young children experience the joys and challenges of being raised by two mothers.
Families, families, families! / by Suzanne Lang & Max Lang
Moms, dads, sisters, brothers -- and even Great Aunt Sue -- appear in dozens of combinations, demonstrating all kinds of nontraditional families! Silly animals are cleverly depicted in framed portraits, and offer a warm celebration of family love.
This day in June / by Gayle E. Pitman ; illustrated by Kristyna Litten
This 2015 winner of the Stonewall Book Award captures the exuberance of a Pride Parade from a child’s perspective. The Reading Guide at the end of the book gives context to the struggle for LGBT rights while the whimsical illustrations make this a joyful tribute to gender diversity and expression.
I am Jazz! / by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings ; pictures by Shelagh McNicholas
Presents 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.
In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today''s world. Award-winning author Rob Sanders's stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno's evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable story.
Stella brings the family / by Miriam B. Schiffer ; illustrations by Holly Clifton-Brown
Stella's class is having a Mother's Day celebration, but what's a girl with two daddies to do? It's not that she doesn't have someone who helps her with her homework, or tucks her in at night. Stella has her Papa and Daddy who take care of her, and a whole gaggle of other loved ones who make her feel special and supported every day. She just doesn't have amom to invite to the party. Fortunately, Stella finds a unique solution to her party problem in this sweet story about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family.
A bright, bold debut about a girl who was born a boy, but refuses to let that stand in the way of her dream. More than anything else, George wants to play Charlotte in her fourth-grade class's production of Charlotte's Web. The problem is, her teacher won't let her, because George is a boy. But George isn't about to let that squash her dream. With the help of her best friend, George must learn to stand up for her wish - and brave a few bullies along the way. Transcending all categories and genres,George is a pertinent and poignant middle-grade read for kids of all backgrounds.
Drama / Raina Telgemeier ; with color by Gurihiru
Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she's a terrible singer. Instead she's the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together?
As the crow flies / by Melanie Gillman
Charlie Lamonte is thirteen years old, queer, black, and questioning what was once a firm belief in God. So naturally, she's spending a week of her summer vacation stuck at an all-white Christian youth backpacking camp. As the journey wears on and the rhetoric wears thin, she can't help but poke holes in the pious obliviousness of this storied sanctuary with little regard for people like herself . . . or her fellow camper, Sydney.
Donovan's big day / by Lesléa Newman ; illustrations by Mike Dutton Donovan's two moms are getting married, and he can't wait for the celebration to begin. After all, as ringbearer, he has a very important job to do. Any boy or girl with same-sex parents--or who knows a same-sex couple--will appreciate this picture book about love, family, and marriage. The story captures the joy and excitement of a wedding day while the illustrations show the happy occasion from a child's point of view.
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