18 Books Celebrating Pride Month! LGBTQ+ - Love - Gender - Identity - Inclusion
June is Pride Month. We are celebrating by sharing some of our favourite books (and some new books we are excited for) about the LGBTQ+ community, love, gender, identity, and inclusion. It is never too early to start reading about these important topics.
No matter what your family looks like, books about pride, diverse families and gender identities, and inclusion can teach kids positive messages about embracing difference, overcoming adversity, and just unconditional love and acceptance. So hold that rainbow flag up high and let’s celebrate love! Enjoy our list of books that specifically celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.
Here are 18 books on our Pride Month faves list:
BE AMAZING: A HISTORY OF PRIDE
by Desmond Napoles
Illustrated by Dylan Glynn
By fourteen year old drag kid ‘Desmond is Amazing’ walks us through the history of the LGBTQ community, all while encouraging you to embrace your own uniqueness and ignore the haters. This book is super cute and do yourself a favour, and youtube Desmond’s read aloud.
BORN READY: THE TRUE STORY OF A BOY NAMED PENELOPE
by Jodie Patterson
Illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Penelope knows that he’s a boy (…and a ninja!) The problem is getting everyone else to realize it. Written by a mother about her child. We love the message of this book - it always makes you stronger when you are true to yourself and who you really are. A really important book about identity and acceptance.
Pride Puppy!
by Robin Stevenson
Illustrated by Julie McLaughlin
A lively rhyming alphabet book where a vibrant community helps a young child find their lost dog in the Pride parade! A joyful glimpse of a Pride parade. This book is great for young readers.
Fred Gets Dressed
by Peter Brown
This charming and humorous story highlights nontraditional gender roles and self-expression when a little boy discovers his mothers closet.
THE HIPS ON THE DRAG QUEEN GO SWISH, SWISH, SWISH
by Lil Miss Hot Mess
Illustrated by Olga De Dios Ruiz
The fact that there is a Drag Queen version of "The Wheels on the Bus" makes us just so happy. This book encourages readers to boldly be exactly who they are - a celebration of being your most fabulous self!
Pink Is For Boys and Girls
Robb Pearlman
Illustrated by Eda Kaban
Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! A sweet story that proves colours are for everyone, regardless of gender and empowers us to express ourselves in every colour of the rainbow.
Love Makes A Family
by Sophie Beer
A celebration of what makes a family a family . . . LOVE! A simple preschool board book that demonstrates what is most important in each family's life (through a variety of different family types) is the love the family members share.
Being You: A First Conversation About Gender
by Megan Madison + Jessica Ralli
Illustrated by: Anne/Andy Passchier
Research shows that talking about issues like gender from a young age (as early as two) not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice. This book is simple and interactive with stunning art, great for the youngest readers. At the back of the book there is additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion. We can’t wait for this book to come out next month!
The GAYBCS
by M. L. Webb
The GayBCs is a fun and accessible ABC book that celebrates every person - a joyful celebration of friendship, love, and identity. A bonus glossary offers opportunities for further discussion of complete terms, communities, and inclusive identities.
WHAT ARE YOUR WORDS?: A BOOK ABOUT PRONOUNS
by Katherine Locke
illustrated by Anne Passchier
A bright, simple and accessible story about finding yourself is the perfect introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns for readers of all ages.
JULIÁN IS A MERMAID
by Jessica Love
All Julián can think about is dressing up just like the ladies he saw earlier. A beautiful story of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.
When Aiden Became a Brother
by Kyle Lukoff
Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
This story is a heartwarming book that will resonate with transgender children, reassure any child concerned about becoming an older sibling, and celebrate the many transitions a family can experience.
Rupaul
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated Wednesday Holmes
We’ve been waiting so long for this book and it’s finally here! Playing dress-up was Rupaul’s favourite game, and that’s where he felt most comfortable. Later, drag was a way to express himself as an artist. He found success for himself, then wanted to help others find theirs. He inspires us to do what feels right and love ourselves. Another fabulous book from one of our favourite series: Little People, BIG DREAMS.
Plenty of Hugs
by Fran Manushkin
Illustrated by Kate Alizadeh
Two mommies spend a sunny day with their toddler in this cozy, rhyming picture book that is a loving celebration of family.
My Rainbow
by Deshanna Neal + Trinity Neal
Illustrated by Art Twink
A loving and dedicated mom puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-coloured wig for her transgender daughter, based on the real-life experience of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal.
HAPPY PRIDE! What are some of your faves?
#TMLbookclub
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