Picture Books

The Wishing Flower by A. J. Irving and Kip Alizadeh

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2023

Birdie and Sunny discover a wonderful friendship, with hints of a crush between the two girls. 32 pages; ages 4-8.

Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

Published by Candlewick, 2022

A girl misses Mommy when she goes on a business trip, but Mama plans fun activities that help the week pass by quickly until the family can have a happy reunion. 32 pages; ages 3-7.

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff

Published by Lee and Low Books, 2019

When Aidan was born, his parents thought he was a girl, and it took a few years to convince them that he was a boy. Now the family is about to welcome a new baby, and Aidan’s worried they won’t know his sibling’s gender. His parents assure him that they have learned a lot from him, and they will all love the baby exactly as they are. 32 pages; ages 4-8.

Over the Shop by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Qin Leng

Published by Candlewick, 2021

A wordless picture book about a girl and her grandmother who rent the apartment over their shop to a young couple. Transgender and nonbinary characters, the rainbow flag, and the dedication “For trans activists of all ages” make this an excellent addition to any LGBTQ+ collection. 48 pages; ages 4-8.

What Are Your Words? A Book About Prounouns by Katherine Locke, illustrated by Anne Passchier

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2021

Ari is excited that Uncle Lior (they/them) is visiting but is struggling to come up with the right words for today. Sometimes he/him sounds right, sometimes she/her, but today they/them ends up feeling right. 40 pages; ages 4-8.

The Rainbow Parade by Emily Neilson

Published by Dial Books, 2022

Emily’s trip to the “rainbow parade” with her two moms instills in her a pride that she intends to practice all year long. 32 pages, ages 4-8.

The Good Hair Day by Christian Trimmer

Published by Harry N. Abrams, 2023

Noah’s biggest birthday wish–for long hair–is fulfilled in a unique way by his understanding parents. Teddy’s New Toy is another great book by Christian Trimmer that turns some gender stereotypes upside-down. 40 pages; ages 4-8.

Grandad’s Camper and Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate

Published by little bee books, 2021 and 2023

Grandad has been sad since Gramps passed away, but the narrator helps him rediscover the camper he and Gramps traveled in and the Pride activities that were always a source of joy for the two of them. 32 pages; ages 4-8.

Nonfiction

Pink, Blue, and You! Questions for Kids About Gender Stereotypes by Elise Gravel with Mykaell Blais

Published by Anne Schwartz Books, 2022

Raises a lot of questions about stereotypes, portraying different families and gender roles with an emphasis treating others with respect and love. 40 pages; ages 4-8.

If You’re a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist by Gavin Grimm and Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by J Yang

Published by Katherine Tegen Books, 2022

When Gavin began high school as a trans boy, he experienced discrimination and bullying. He chose to believe in himself and fight for his rights. 40 pages; grades 2-5.

Strong by Rob Kearney and Eric Rosswood, illustrated by Nidhi Chanani

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2022

Rob Kearney worked hard to compete in the Strongman competition but often felt like he couldn’t be his true self. When he fell in love with Joey, he began to feel confident enough to wear colorful clothes and a rainbow mohawk–and strong enough to win the North American Strongman championship. 40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno

Published by Random House Books for Young Readers, 2018

Shortly before his murder, Harvey Milk asked artist Gilbert Blake to design a flag to promote hope and equality. The rainbow flag was born, and it has become a symbol of the LGBTQ+ movement. The story concludes in June of 2015, when the White House was lit up like the rainbow flag to celebrate the legalization of gay marriage across the U.S. 48 pages; grades 1-4.

Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution. by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Jamey Christoph

Published by Random House, 2019

The building that became Stonewall narrates its history starting in the 1840’s and continuing until June 28, 1969, when the uprising began that was an important milestone in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. 40 pages; grades K-5.

It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn, illustrated by Noah Grigni

Published by Henry Holt and Co., 2019

This picture book defines the terms transgender, cisgender, and non-binary, giving examples of kids who describe themselves in each of these ways, while encouraging readers to listen to their hearts about their gender identities and be accepting of themselves and others exactly as they are. 40 pages; ages 4-8.