LGBTQ+

Daddy’s Roommate: written and illustrated by Michael Willhoite; Gay parents. A young boy describes his new family dynamics since his parent’s divorce and his father’s partner moves in to his apartment. The boy learns that: “Being gay is just one more kind of love.” He describes that he is loved by all his parents. Preschool and older.

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea: by Kai Cheng Thom, illustrated by Wai-Yant Li and Kai Yun Ching; non-binary. Miu Lan was born with both the sun and moon in the sky and doesn’t know what they are: boy? Girl? Bird? Fish? They are who they are and that can change day to day. Their mother loves them, no matter what. Pre-K and older.

Heather Has Two Mommies: by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Diana Souza; Gay parents. Heather has two mommies. Some of her preschool friends have a daddy and she wonders why she doesn’t. Then her teacher explains that families can look different and that’s okay. The most important thing about families is love. Preschool and older.

Red: A Crayon’s Story: written and illustrated by Michael Hall; Identity. Red is a blue crayon in a red label. Red tries to be red, but can only seem to color blue, despite well meaning parents, friends and teachers who try to help. Then a new friend comes along and helps Red see things from a different perspective. Preschool and older.

Snapdragon: written and illustrated by Kat Leyh; GN, normalized LGBTQ+. Snapdragon’s dog goes missing and is found by an old woman who lives outside of town. Little do the two know how connected they are, but friendships can be found in some unusual places. Middle school and older.

Available on MelCat:

I Am Jazz: by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNichols; Transgender child. The true story of Jazz Jennings and her journey of self-discovery as a transgender girl, starting at the age of 2, and taking readers through the process of becoming who she is today with the support of her family. Pre-K and older.

It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn, illustrated by Noah Grigni; Gender identity. Ruthie, Xavier, Alex and JJ all have different gender identities, and that’s ok! This book explores the wide spectrum of gender identity in simple, yet effective terms and examples. Pre-K and older.

Phoenix Goes to School: A Story to Support Transgender and Gender Diverse Children: by Michelle and Phoenix Finch. Phoenix is a transgender girl and today is her first day of school going as herself: a girl. She shares her fears and uncertainty of being accepted as a girl, and gives permission for others to ask if she is a boy or a girl without feelings of shame or being insulting to either person: “It’s okay to ask!” Discussion questions at the end for children and adults. Elementary and older.

When Aidan Became a Brother: by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita; Transgender child. Aidan is a transgender boy who wants to make sure his new sibling feels welcomed and understood for who they are from the moment they are born. Elementary and older.

Who Are You? by Brook Pessin-Whedbee, illustrated by Naomi Bardoff; Gender Identity. A book for continuing the conversation of gender with children. This should be read with a supporting adult to ask and answer questions. Notes before the story as well as a guide for grown-ups and resources following the story. Elementary and older.