Mahmoud v. Taylor
In this very important upcoming case, the Supreme Court will rule on 5 children’s books with LGBTQIA+ content. Here are the books for your reading pleasure. Let’s keep these on shelves everywhere!
Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, by Jodie Patterson; illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Random House Children’s Books / Crown Books for Young Readers) — LGBTQIA+, Biography / Memoir, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, Family / Community, ages 4-6.
Jodie Patterson, activist and Chair of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Board, shares her transgender son’s experience in this important picture book about identity and acceptance.
Penelope knows that he’s a boy. (And a ninja.) The problem is getting everyone else to realize it.
In this exuberant companion to Jodie Patterson’s adult memoir, The Bold World, Patterson shares her son Penelope’s frustrations and triumphs on his journey to share himself with the world. Penelope’s experiences show children that it always makes you stronger when you are true to yourself and who you really are.
IntersectionAllies: We Make Room For All, by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi; forward by Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw; illustrated by Ashley Seil Smith (Dottir Press) — Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, LGBTQIA+, Disabilities, Family / Community, ages 7-12.
IntersectionAllies isn’t just a book. It’s a mirror in which kids of all genders, races, sexualities, abilities, cultures, and origins can see their whole selves reflected, respected, and celebrated. In a world increasingly fractured by xenophobia, racism, ableism, homophobia, and transphobia, and other forms of injustice, IntersectionAllies teaches the meaning of “community” to kids and parents alike, along with rhyming strategies to support and celebrate each other’s differences.
In poetic stanzas, IntersectionAllies introduces the stories of nine kids from diverse backgrounds. Authors Carolyn Choi, LaToya Council, and Chelsea Johnson use each character’s story to explain how children’s safety concerns are shaped by their intersecting identities, such as class, sexuality, dis/ability, race, religion, and citizenship—what is known in academic and activist circles as “intersectionality.”
Love, Violet, by Charlotte Sullivan Wild; illustrated by Charlene Chua (Macmillan Publishers / Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)) — LGBTQIA+, Social Emotional Learning, Romance, Friendships, ages 4-6.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild and Charlene Chua is a touching picture book about friendship and the courage it takes to share your feelings.
Only one person
makes Violet’s heart skip
Of all the kids in Violet’s class, only one leaves her speechless: Mira, the girl with the cheery laugh who races like the wind. If only they could adventure together! But every time Violet tries to tell Mira how she feels, Violet goes shy. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Violet is determined to tell Mira just how special she is.
Prince & Knight, by Daniel Haack; illustrated by Stevie Lewis (Little Bee Books) — LGBTQIA+, Folklore / Fairytales / Myths, Romance, Action / Adventure, ages 4-6.
In this modern fairy tale, published in partnership with GLAAD, a noble prince and a brave knight come together to defeat a terrible monster and in the process find true love in a most unexpected place.
“Thank you,” he told his parents.
“I appreciate that you tried,
But I’m looking for something special
In a partner by my side.”
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far from here, there was a prince in line to take the throne, so his parents set out to find him a kind and worthy bride. The three of them traveled the land far and wide, but the prince didn’t quite find what he was looking for in the princesses they met.
While they were away, a terrible dragon threatened their land, and all the soldiers fled. The prince rushed back to save his kingdom from the perilous beast and was met by a brave knight in a suit of brightly shining armor. Together, they fought the dragon and discovered that special something the prince was looking for all along.
Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, by Sarah S. Brannen; illustrated by Lucia Soto (Little Bee Books) — LGBTQIA+, Family / Community, Social Emotional Learning, Holidays / Seasons / Celebrations, ages 4-6.
Chloe’s favorite uncle is getting married, and she’s not happy about it. But after a magical day with Uncle Bobby and his boyfriend, Jamie, Chloe realizes she’s not losing an uncle, but gaining one.
When Chloe’s favorite uncle announces that he’s getting married, everyone is excited. Everyone except Chloe, that is. What if Uncle Bobby no longer has time for picnics, swimming, or flying kites? Chloe just wants to keep having fun with her favorite uncle, but she’s afraid everything is going to change. Can Uncle Bobby and his boyfriend Jamie show Chloe that, when it comes to family, the more the merrier? In this inspiring, love-filled story, Chloe learns just what family means.
Produced in coordination with GLAAD, this adorable picture book is a positive example of same-sex marriage and a celebration of family.
Check out more Diversity booklists and resources, and our Inclusivity Resources.
