The celebration of
PRIDE is one which should stretch from day to day and month to month. The legacy of those who came before are important to remember and pass down to our young ones. As a parent, an educator and an ally for the LGBT2QIA+ community, I want to make sure kids are not only seeing themselves in literature, but are exposed to different types of *everything* and love others regardless. Moreover, creating and showing our kiddos a world filled with love, all types of love, is an action to build more empathetic, compassionate, and thoughtful members occupying our Humanity today and tomorrow. In the community around us, and in texts we can show our children not only the importance of acceptance but to boldly be who their are. They don't have to be silent, invisible, shrink, or hide from their truth.
In no particular order, here are my current favorite recommendations:
*note, some pictures may appear more than once because...technology*
This story is oh-so-beautiful! It's also lovely to find a book with a main character of color and an LGBT2QIA+ book at that. The story centers around Aidan, a transgender kid, who is preparing for his new sibling to arrive and he wants to get everything "just right." Part of the mission to get everything just right is because when Aidan was a baby, everyone thought he was a girl or at least a different kind of girl. Aidan wants to make sure his new sibling feels understood right away. Explore this book to discover how during Aidan's journey preparing for the new baby he learns the most important lesson of being a big brother. ❤️
The message in this story is absolutely heart-melting! A story about a child named Miu Lan who creatively can be whoever they imagine. However, the kids at school are not so accepting. Miu Lan's mother offers these loving words of comfort, "whatever you dream of, I believe you can be, from the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea." A story about love. A story about identity. A story about acceptance regardless of differences. A must read! 💛
A captivating and inspiring story about Casey who loves blocks, puzzles, and dump trucks but also everything that sparkles! Even though the adults in Casey's life are understanding, Casey's sister isn't so convinced. "Sparkle Boy" examines the celebration and respect of all types of gender expressions. A deliciously heartfelt read! 💚
I love that this book brings up all of the usual stereotypes and then...crushes them. Sure, girls like ballet and boys like football...except when they don't. This book does a lovely job of encouraging children to like what they like regardless of what society tells them they should like or how they should play. 💙
Vibrant, sweet and almost ethereal illustrations! The tangerine color throughout powerfully stands out in all of the beautiful ways. Dear Morris loves to live his life and embrace all the things that give him joy. Maybe it's the apple juice at snack time or singing the loudest at circle time. Or maybe it's wearing a tangerine dress and putting on shoes which go "click click click." Morris is thus teased at school for defying alleged gender norms and stereotypes. The kids at school just don't get it. All of this meanness makes Morris' tummy ache. Check out this book to see how Morris goes through his vulnerability and comes out triumphant on the other side. 💜
A gorgeous story about a blue crayon labeled as "red." An important narrative for children to hear about persevering to be yourself no matter what others have to say (and finding your allies along the way)!
Bonus! Also available in Spanish! ❤️
I love, love, love this book. It's not a new story, but I couldn't NOT put it on this list. I also love that we can regularly go visit these sweet, sweet penguins in our hometown of NYC at the Central Park Zoo. I highly enjoy sharing this heartwarming story with my daughter each time we go. "And Tango Makes Three" is the true story based on two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who fostered and successfully hatched a motherless egg. The joy this story brings while celebrating the love of this same-sex family is one that won't soon be forgotten. 💛
What I love about this book is that it is told from the perspective of Stonewall, the building. With Stonewall as the main character it makes it very child-friendly and gives a sweet and nurturing feel to the overall book. Even though it is more history based that story based, the narrative is not only accessible but also an important one for children of all ages to know. 💚
This book jumps right into Jamie playing with all sorts of different toys and different children at Jamie's new preschool. Each child is mesmerized at Jamie's skills to not only care for a baby doll, dance ballet but also to fix cars and fight villains. The kids all want to know, is Jamie a boy or a girl. Best response ever, "I'm Jamie!" The next day sees each child following Jamie's example and playing with the toys they want to play defying the stereotypes that boys and girls should only like and play with certain objects.
Bonus! This book comes with a section for caregivers and teachers on playtime = learning time tips! 💙
The illustrations in this book are stunning and breathtaking. Everything about this book just gives me warm feelings. The narrative is very gentle and no part of Julián's love of mermaids is made a big deal of. It's just who Julián is. The relationship between Julián and his Abuela will give you all the feels. 💜
❤️💛💚💙💜
I can give honorable mentions right? There are far too many amazing books to include in this post, but here are some titles that were super close to making the list:
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
I am Jazz by Jessica Pearlman
Princess Puffybottom and Darryl by Susin Nielsen
Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman
Love is Love by Dr. Michael Genhart
The Family Book by Todd Parr
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