It’s never too early to teach your kids about love and acceptance. This Pride Month is the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to the wide variety of children’s books that are LGBTQ+ inclusive. We’ve selected 10 books for young readers that highlight the many ways that people and families can identify.
“Love Makes a Family”
by Sophie Beer
Through celebrating all different kinds of families, this board book makes it clear that love is what always matters most. Ages 9 months-3 years.
“Pride 1 2 3”
by Michael Joosten and illustrated by Wednesday Holmes
This colorful, counting board book is the perfect way to introduce young children to the spirit of Pride, LGBTQIA+ identities and a diverse array of families. Ages 1-5 years.
“They She He Me: Free to Be!”
by Maya and Matthew Gonzalez
For anyone trying to explain pronouns to their children, this book is the perfect introduction. The beautiful watercolor illustrations and informative texts celebrate and explain the many ways that people identify. Ages 3+ years.
“Ritu Weds Chandni”
by Ameya Narvankar
Ayesha is excited to attend her cousin’s wedding, but not everyone else at the ceremony is happy that she is marrying a woman. This book explores love and the power of young people to stand up to prejudice. Ages 4-7 years.
“Julián Is a Mermaid”
by Jessica Love
Through gorgeous illustrations and thoughtful storytelling, Love tells the story of a gender nonconforming child in this award-winning book. Ages 4-8 years.
“I Am Jazz”
by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings and illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
This much-lauded book tells the true story of Jazz Jennings, a transgender girl. It is a straightforward, accessible story about what it means to be transgender. Ages 4-8 years.
“My Rainbow”
by DeShanna and Trinity Neal and illustrated by Art Twink
Mother-daughter advocate duo DeShanna and Trinity Neal tell the true story of Trinity, a transgender girl, searching for a wig to express herself and her mother’s determination to create it for her.
“Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag”
by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno
Kids will learn about the history behind the rainbow pride flag through this true story of social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker. Ages 5-8 years.
“Stella Brings the Family”
by Miriam B. Schiffer and illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown
Stella has to figure out what to do when her class has a Mother’s Day celebration since she has two dads. This book is about love, acceptance and family. Ages 5-8 years.
“When We Love Someone We Sing to Them / Cuando Amanos Cantamos“
by Ernesto Javier Martínez and illustrated by Maya Gonzalez
A touching tale of music and young love, this lyrical, bilingual book told in Spanish and English follows the story of a boy searching for a traditional Mexican song to sing for his crush, another boy. His father helps him write and perform one. Ages 7-10.
