LGBTQ+ Books for Kids and Families
The experiences of LGBTQ+ kids and families are captured in this list comprised of picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels. Informational books are also included and span a variety of topics that include gender identity and the LGBTQ+ rights movement. (Updated June 2022)
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Almost Flying
Chapter book: In this Stonewall Honor book, a week-long amusement park road trip becomes a true roller coaster of emotion when Dalia realizes she has more-than-friend feelings for her new bestie.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea
Chapter book: Hazel’s mum died two years ago and ever since she has been moving around with her other mother, mama, and her sister Peach. They have settled in Rose Harbor, ME for the summer where Hazel learns about a mythical mermaid, meets her new neighbor Lemon, and makes a special connection with her nonbinary friend Jules. Through her new friends and community, Hazel starts to reclaim herself and heal from the loss of her mum.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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King and the Dragonflies
Chapter book: When King’s brother Khalid dies unexpectedly, he’s left reeling with Khalid’s final advice to end his friendship with his best friend over rumors that he’s gay.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Pronoun Book
Nonfiction: A fun and beautifully illustrated book that celebrates gender diversity through educating young children on pronouns. The book teaches pronoun etiquette, why it is important, and how it relates to us. It covers they/them pronouns, trans and non-binary identities, and neo-pronouns with a dedicated section for adults.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Sharice's Big Voice
Easy Nonfiction: This picture book autobiography tells the remarkable story of Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Real Riley Mayes
Graphic Novel: Fifth grader and budding cartoonist Riley Mayes isn't feeling fifth grade. Riley goes through a series of ups and downs with kids at school but slowly finds her footing as she builds loving relationships and community that allow her to start understanding her identity.
Format: Graphic Novel
Availability: Available
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Sylvia and Marsha Start A Revolution!
Nonfiction: Shares with young readers the crucial story of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, the two trans women of color who helped kickstart the Stonewall Riots and dedicated their lives to fighting for LGBTQ+ equality.
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Bodies Are Cool
Easy nonfiction: Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text celebrate bodies of all shapes, sizes, ages, and colors, with different kinds of hair, eyes, spots, scars, and more.
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Calvin
Picture book: Written by the parents of a transgender child, this story is informed by best practices about how to support your child as they come out as transgender. Beautiful depiction of being loved and accepted by family, friends, and community.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Alice Austen Lived Here
Chapter book: Sam and TJ are both nonbinary middle school students who are working on a history project together. They are writing a proposal for a new historical statue honoring Alice Austen, a lesbian photographer who lived in their Staten Island community. They have to convince their teacher that Alice is an important historical figure even though she wasn't a straight male.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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