It’s PRIDE month and even though we love and support our 2SLGBTQIA+ friends, family, and community members all year round, we also want to show some extra love and attention this month. To start off we are going to share some of our favourite children’s books that introduce same-sex families, gender identity and gender expression diversity, the history of the LGBTQ+ community, and more!
We believe that teaching kids about diversity right from the very start is how we make this world a better place, and list has some of our favourite books, grouped by age! Do you have any favourites we missed? Hop on over to social media and let us know what your favourite 2SLGBTQIA+ books for kids!
Kids 0-3
Board Book Time! We love board books (even if they turn into snacks for teething toddlers half the time) and these are some of our favourites.
1. Love Makes a Family by Sophia Beer
This book is just full of representation and diversity and we are here for it! Showing a variety of families, from single parents to LGBTQ parents, and interracial families, this book is a great introduction to the many wonderful ways families can be.
2. Anything by Leslea Newman
Leslea Newman is one of our favourite children’s authors with her many books representing LGBTQ+ families. From Heather Has Two Mommies (available as a board book and a picture book), to Mommy, Mama, and Me and Daddy, Papa, and Me, kids with same-sex parents will see themselves represented on these beautifully illustrated pages.
3. Pride Colors by Robin Stevenson
A great introduction to the meaning behind the colours of Pride. Easy rhymes, beautiful colours, and a reminder that everyone deserves to be loved for exactly who they are. What else could you ask for?
Kids 4-7
Okay, as much as we love board books, there is only so many times we can read the same 10 sentences over and over again before we lose our minds! That’s why it is so nice when kids are ready for longer and more complex picture books. Plus, there is so much more variety!
1. Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution by Rob Sanders
In an age of corporate sponsored Pride parades and rainbows everywhere, it can be easy to lose sight of the origins, and importance of Pride. The first Pride was a protest, a riot, and led by Trans women of colour. This story can help set the foundation for children to learn the history of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.
2. Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian
Gender stereotypes in relationships? Who needs them?! Not Worm and Worm! We love this heartwarming story for the message it sends – everyone is loveable, everyone is worthy of love, and there is someone out there who will love you for YOU.
3. I Am Jazz
Although there are many more books available about gender identiy and being trans that are now available for kids, that wasn’t true when Jazz Jennings came out and her family entered the public spotlight. We love this book because there are many different versions, aimed at different age groups, that detail Jazz’s journey. And kids can catch up with Jazz through her show or social media if they want to see where she is now!
Kids 7-10
1. It Feels Good to be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn
Believe it or not, a child’s perception of their own gender is often established at this age, which means that trans and non-binary children may already be exploring their gender identity or expression. Medical experts and LGBTQ+ advocates are very clear that supporting and affirming trans and non-binary children is vital to their long-term mental health and well-being. We love this book because it can introduce the idea to kids who are not aware, while also validating and empowering kids who have already expressed their gender identity.
2. The Every Body Book by Rachel E. Simon
Okay, so this book is less about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community but we needed to include it because it is SO GOOD. This age group is often starting to whisper about sex, puberty, and relationships on the playground and it is vital for parents and caregivers to get ahead of the misinformation spread by schoolground broken telephone. We love this book in particular because it approaches anatomy, puberty, bodies, and sex in a gender neutral and affirming way, making it perfect for EVERY body.
3. A High Five for Glenn Burke by Phil Bildner
This book tells the story of both Glenn Burke (a gay Black baseball player from the 1970’s who invented the high five) and Silas Wade, a 6th grader doing an assignment who finds connection and inspiration for his own coming out. Although his coming out isn’t easy, the message is that there is a place for everyone.
For Everyone!
You didn’t think we’d stop with just nine books, did you? We like nice, round numbers here! So our tenth book is Queer Heroes: Meet 53 LGBTQ Heroes From The Past And Present. After all, LGBTQ+ folks have existed as long as people have, but their history is often lost due to discrimination or “straight-washing”. This book is amazing because it shows both history and present, helping 2SLGBTQIA+ children feel connected to a long, storied, and beautiful community and tradition.
