Once again there has been a significant increase in the number of LGBTQ people who experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It is paramount that we fight back with inclusion by celebrating the best Kid Lit for Pride Month.
These new titles will promote awareness of children’s books that uplift LGBTQIA+ voices, history, and culture. Let's make the first week in June unforgettable as we stand up and speak out for equality for all.
Comment below with other new titles to help our readers
find new favorites for their bookshelves at home
and in the classroom!
• Award-Winning Kid Lit for Pride Month •
I AM A RAINBOW
I AM A RAINBOW
Written by Mark Kanemura and Steve Foxe and Illustrated by Richard Merritt
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
MARLEY'S PRIDE
MARLEY'S PRIDE
Written by Joëlle Retener and Illustrated by Deann Wiley
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
THE BRAVEST KNIGHT
Knights, dragons, and princesses are the things all good fairytales are made of, but what happens when the tale has an LGBTQ ending?
- Follow Cedric on his journey from his days on a humble pumpkin farm to the adventures that lead him to become a full-fledged knight.
- Once he becomes a knight, he uses his cleverness and courage to vanquish a fire-breathing dragon and rescue a beautiful prince and princess.
- It is only then does Sir Cedric face his most difficult challenge.
- Will he follow his heart and prove that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is choose for yourself how your fairy tale ends?
An early elementary LGBTQ family-friendly book that shows according to the author “there is a bravery and beauty in being true to yourself. I believe it's important to show kids different forms of love in a positive light instead of just one. Alternatively, avoidance could potentially put kids at a disadvantage towards understanding and acceptance later on in life.” Includes a message from the United Nations Human Rights Office.
THE BRAVEST KNIGHT
Written by Daniel Errico and Illustrated by Shiloh Penfield
Published by Schiffer Kids
GRANDAD'S CAMPER
Gramps and Grandad were adventurers. They would surf, climb mountains, and tour the country in their amazing camper. Gramps just made everything extra special. But after Gramps died, granddad hasn't felt like traveling anymore. So, their amazing granddaughter comes up with a clever plan to fix up the old camper and get Grandad excited to explore again.
This beautiful picture book honors love and reminds us not only to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate them.
GRANDAD'S CAMPER
Written by and Illustrated by
Published by Simon and Schuster
PRINCE & KNIGHT
Young readers will love going beyond the average fairy tale story where not every prince would like to marry a princess. This queer-friendly fairy tale will be very popular with kids as they dive into the story of the PRINCE & KNIGHT who fall in love while defeating a terrifying dragon.
PRINCE & KNIGHT weaves the tale of a lovely friendship that blossoms into love. The artwork by Stevie Lewis is so absolutely gorgeous that kids will spend hours pouring over the pages time and time again while preparing to celebrate Pride Month. P.S. To answer your question; yes, the MAIDEN AND THE PRINCESS is also available.
PRINCE AND KNIGHT
Written by Daniel Haack and Illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Published by Little Bee Books
JULIAN IS A MERMAID
The most brilliant part of the book is the theme: all kids have secret dreams. IN JULIAN IS A MERMAID, Julián shares his secret dream (and identity) with his abuela. However, when he first tries dressing as a mermaid, he is alone as he doesn't know exactly how his Abuela will react.
We read on to see an outpouring of support as his abuela reacts by bringing Julián to the Coney Island parade where everyone's dressed in similar costumes, The illustrations of the parade depicts the vibrant community where everyone is brown-skinned. The story is told mostly through the art of a critically needed story about the real history of one of New York City's best traditions at Coney Island.
JULIAN IS A MERMAID
Written and Illustrated by Jessica Love
Published by Candlewick Press
SEWING THE RAINBOW:
A Story About Gilbert Baker
In SEWING THE RAINBOW, children will not only get to see the creativity behind the LGBT rainbow flag, but also what life was like for artist and craftsman Gilbert Baker. SEWING THE RAINBOW reveals the journey from Gilbert's small, gray, flat Kansas hometown where he helped his grandma sew and created his own art whenever he could.
Kids will appreciate the risk-taking Gilbert had to do after being drafted into the army and moving to San Francisco, a place he could finally be himself and feel free. Gilbert's love of design and fashion inspired him to take action during the gay rights movement of the 1970s. Gilbert's story “unfolds just like the flag he created: in a riot of color, joy, and pride.”
Teachers can also use this book as a mentor text as it includes a Reader Note that provides 3 pages of in-depth historical context and origins of the flag and further exploration of Gilbert Baker's life. A perfect kick off book to celebrating kid lit for Pride Month.
SEWING THE RAINBOW: A Story About Gilbert Baker
Written by Gayle E. Pitman and Illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown
Published by Magination Press
Middle Grade Books for Pride Week
HURRICANE CHILD
In HURRICANE CHILD, 12-year-old Caroline's mother disappears after a hurricane rips through her home in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Left with a dad who resents her and a school full of bullies, Caroline sets her mind on finding her mother. Her luck changes when the new girl at school becomes her best friend. Together Caroline and Kalinda set out to uncover the truth about Caroline’s family and eventually friendship blossoms into love.
This is a story about love without boundaries. It highlights the reality of complicated love; love that doesn’t follow your expectations. The author does a masterful job of revealing love honestly to young readers while developing two rich and complex girl characters who are strong, smart, independent, and patient.
HURRICANE CHILD
Written by Kacen Calendar
Published by Scholastic Press
ELLE OF THE BALL
Stories of girl athletes are still sorely lacking in children's literature so ELLE OF THE BALL is a welcome addition to the middle grade literary canon.
Author Elena Donne is a professional WNBA player, and who better than to write on the ups and downs of life as a female athlete. The story is a mix of practice drills and game play and a plot that many girls who participate in competitive sports will connect with.
The charming main character Elle has loved basketball her entire life. However, a particularly big growth spurt wreaks havoc with her usually high level of coordination and stellar shooting skills. Elle struggles to keep her #1 spot on the team. Meanwhile, she is navigating having to buy a cotillion dress. This is a problem since she can't find a dressmaker who designed anything remotely fashionable for girl who is 6-feet-tall. Furthermore, the boys in her class whom she towers over aren't lining up to escort her either.
ELLE OF THE BALL
Written by Elena Delle Donne
Published by Simon & Schuster
MODERN HERSTORY:
Stories of Women and Nonbinary People Rewriting History
MODERN HERSTORY is a compilation of 60 incredible girls, women & nonbinary people (predominately of color) who should be highlighted in our history books, however whom most will unfortunately be passed over. These girls and womxn who have made an impact on the world, both past and present, are each profiled with a beautiful comic-style illustration that gives each a superhero vibe.
This is a jam packed book, so it will be best enjoyed as a coffee table book for adults to peruse one story at a time. As for kids, they can read sections at bedtime or in a classroom as a history/language arts group project for kids to choose one icon from the book to research more about. Moreover, young will love learning about change makers their own age such as Taylor Richardson.
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MODERN HERSTORY: Stories of Women and Non-Binary People Rewriting History
Written by Blair Imani and Illustrated by Monique Le
Published by Ten Speed Press
Pride Month Book List
The Rainbow Book List, sponsored by the American Library Association, is a curated bibliography highlighting books with significant gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning content, for children and youth. Find your new favorite book on this list in honor of Pride Month.
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Bethany Edwards is an elementary educator as well as a reading and literacy specialist. On Biracial Bookworms, she focuses on multiracial and multicultural resources for teaching literacy skills using reading, travel, and learning multiple languages. Additionally, she offers online and self-paced courses for parents and caregivers on Biracial Bookworms Academy.
Connect with Bethany on Biracial Bookworms
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