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Age 0-3
Pink is for Boys, Robb Pearlman *New*
A simple story packing a powerful punch, this education picture book proves colours are for everyone, whatever their gender.
Everywhere babies, Susan Meyers
This gorgeous board book follows all sorts of babies – 'small babies, tall babies, winter and spring babies' – over the course of a year. Read along as they are cuddled and carried, make friends and learn to crawl or walk. It's a true celebration of babies and the joy and giggles they bring.
Introducing Teddy, Jessica Walton
One sunny day, Errol finds that Thomas the Teddy is sad, and Errol can't figure out why. Then Thomas the Teddy finally tells Errol what Teddy has been afraid to say: 'In my heart, I've always known that I'm a girl teddy, not a boy teddy. I wish my name was Tilly.' And Errol says, 'I don't care if you're a girl teddy or a boy teddy! What matters is that you are my friend.' A sweet and gentle story about being true to yourself and being a good friend, Introducing Teddy can also help children understand gender identity.
The Story of Ferdinand, Munro Leaf
Ferdinand is the world’s most peaceful—and beloved—little bull. While all of the other bulls snort, leap, and butt their heads, Ferdinand is content to just sit and smell the flowers under his favorite cork tree. Leaf’s simple storytelling paired with Lawson’s pen-and-ink drawings make The Story of Ferdinand a true classic.
Bunnybear, Andrea J. Loney
Although Bunnybear was born a bear, he feels more like a bunny. He prefers bouncing in the thicket to tramping in the forest, and in his heart he's fluffy and tiny, like a rabbit, instead of burly and loud, like a bear. The other bears don't understand him, and neither do the bunnies. Will Bunnybear ever find a friend who likes him just the way he is?
Red: A Crayon's Story, Michael Hall
Blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis. Almost everyone tries to “help” him be red until a friend offers a new perspective. He’s blue! About finding the courage to be true to your inner self. This can be read on multiple levels.
They, She , He easy as ABC, Maya and Matthew Smith-Gonzalez
Inclusive pronouns are featured alongside the alphabet. An introduction to the many different ways people identify and use pronouns. Shows that including everyone is all part of the dance. “No one left out and everyone free.”
What Makes a Baby, Cory Silverberg
Takes the gender out of making a baby.
Who Are You? A Kids' Guide to Gender Identity, Brook Pessin-Whedbee
This brightly illustrated children's book provides a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 3+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. This is a one-of-a-kind resource for understanding and celebrating the gender diversity that surrounds us.
The Boy & the Bindi, Vivek Shraya
In this beautiful children's picture book by Vivek Shraya, author of the acclaimed God Loves Hair, a five-year-old South Asian boy becomes fascinated with his mother's bindi, the red dot commonly worn by Hindu women to indicate the point at which creation begins, and wishes to have one of his own. Rather than chastise her son, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.
Jacob's New Dress, Sarah and Ian Hoffman
This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don’t identify with traditional gender roles.
Julián Is a Mermaid, Jessica Love
While in the subway with his abuela, Julián sees three women spectacularly dressed up and he wants to dress up just like them. But what will his Abuela think? A story about the power of being seen and affirmed.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself, Theresa Thorn
Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between. This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, It Feels Good to Be Yourself provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity.
Age 3-5
The Problem with Pierre, C.K. Smouha, Suzanna Hubbard *New*
Alan and Bertram are next-door neighbours. They are also best friends. They are also very, very different to one another. Bertram is extremely neat, and Alan is messy. When Bertram gets a cat, called Pierre, he is dismayed to find that Pierre prefers it at Alan’s house.
Prince & Knight, Daniel Haack
A modern fairy tale about a Prince and Knight. This book is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance. Described as a: "Victorious . . . the premier queer-friendly fairy tale."
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress, Christine Baldacchino
Morris is a little boy who loves using his imagination. But most of all, Morris loves wearing the tangerine dress in his classroom’s dress-up center. The children in Morris’s class don’t understand. One day when Morris feels all alone and sick from their taunts, his mother lets him stay home from school. Morris dreams of a fantastic space adventure with his cat, Moo.
My Princess Boy, Cheryl Kilodavis
Dyson loves pink, sparkly things. Sometimes he wears dresses. Sometimes he wears jeans. He likes to wear his princess tiara, even when climbing trees. He’s a Princess Boy.
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, Marlon Bundo
A story about a boy bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny. With its message of tolerance and advocacy, this charming children's book explores issues of same sex marriage and democracy. Sweet, funny, and beautifully illustrated, this book is dedicated to every bunny who has ever felt different.
Be Who You Are, Jennifer Carr
Written by a mother who tells of her own experience of raising and supporting her transgender child, and how she helped the school to support her as well.
I am Jazz, Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transgender kids everywhere.
Annie's Plaid Shirt, Stacy B. Davids
Themes of gender norms, identity, individuality, tolerance and self-esteem. Annie’s mom tells her that she must wear a dress to her uncle's wedding. Annie protests, but her mom buys her a fancy new dress anyway. Annie is miserable. Why can't her mom understand? Then, Annie has an idea. But will her mom agree?
Sissy Duckling, Harvey Fierstein
Elmer is not like the other boy ducklings. While they like to build forts, he loves to bake cakes. While they like to play baseball, he wants to put on the halftime show. But when his father is wounded by a hunter’s shot, Elmer proves that the biggest sissy can also be the greatest hero.
Gender Now Coloring Book, Maya Gonzalez
A coloring book meant to provide reflection and support unity by showing multiple genders standing together. Inside you’ll find stories, pictures, games and more to encourage and remind you that you are free to be!
When Aidan Became a Big Brother, Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita
When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl, but as he grew older, he realized he was a trans boy. When he finds out he is going to be a big brother, he learns the most important thing about being an older sibling: how to love with his whole self.
Fabulous Families, Francesco Maddaloni and Guido Radaelli
An illustrated children's book about love that goes beyond gender and color through the stories of 7 unconventional animal families.
Age 5-7
Meet Polkadot, Talcott Broadhead
Polkadot as well as Polkadot’s big sister Gladiola and best friend Norma Alicia, introduce readers to the challenges and beauty that are experienced by Polkadot as a non-binary, transgender kid.
Pinky and Rex and the Bully, James Howe
Pinky’s favorite color is pink, and his best friend, Rex, is a girl. Kevin, the third-grade bully, says that makes Pinky a sissy. Deep down, Pinky thinks Kevin is wrong, but he’s still worried. Does Pinky have to give up his favorite things, and worse, does he have to give up his best friend?
Pugdog, Andrea U'Ren
Mike and his pup are great friends. But Mike doesn’t know very much about dogs. Not only is Pugdog not a pug—Pugdog is not even a he, as Mike had thought all along, but a she! Mike feels obliged to give Pugdog a crash course on how to look and act the way a girl dog should. The only problem is Mike doesn’t know much about this subject either.
Steven Universe, Rebecca Sugar
Many books and graphic novels are set in the “Steven Universe”, an Emmy award winning animated series on Cartoon Network. Follow the adventures of Steven and the Gems. This series Includes LGBTQ, non-binary characters, and an intersex character.
Age 7-11
George, Alex Gino
When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George really wants to play Charlotte in Charlotte's Web. Will she be able to?
The Pants Project, Cat Clarke
Liv knows he was always meant to be a boy but he hasn’t told anyone – even his two moms yet. Now, his new school has a terrible dress code, he can't even wear pants. Only skirts. The only way for Liv to get what he wants is to go after it himself. But to Liv, this isn't just a mission to change the policy―it's a mission to change his life.
Riding Freedom, Pam Muñoz Ryan
A fictionalized account of the true story of Charley (Charlotte) Parkhurst who ran away from an orphanage, lived as a boy, moved to California, and became a stagecoach driver.
Roller Girl, Victoria Jamieson
An inspiring coming-of-age story about friendship, perseverance, and girl power! And so begins the most difficult summer of Astrid's life as she struggles to keep up with the older girls at camp, hang on to the friend she feels slipping away, and cautiously embark on a new friendship. Graphic novel.
The Moon WIthin, Aida Salazar
Celi Rivera’s life swirls with questions. About her changing body. Her first attraction to a boy. And her best friend’s exploration of what it means to be genderfluid. But most of all, her mother’s insistence she have a moon ceremony, an ancestral Mexica ritual, when her first period arrives.
Better Nate Than Ever, Tim Federle
Nate plans an overnight escape to New York for an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical, knowing this could be the difference between small-town blues and big-time stardom. Note two other books: Five, Six, Seven, Nate! and Nate Expectations
Age 11-14
The Henna Wars, Adiba Jaigirdar *New*
As one of the few brown girls in her Dublin Catholic school, Nishat holds her Bengali heritage dear. When Nishat sets up a business at school offering henna designs, she runs into competition from Flávia. Her outrage at Flávia’s appropriation of her culture is mingled with an increasing attraction.
Lizard Radio, Pat Schmatz
In a futuristic society, Kivali is a Bender - not quite boy or girl. Sent to CropCamp, a commune meant to steer teens toward a lifetime of good citizenship and “proper” gender roles, Kivali, called Lizard, wrestles with friendship, love, and the price of being true to oneself.
Gracefully Grayson, Ami Polonsky
Grayson has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever: "he" is a girl on the inside. Will new strength from an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher's wisdom be enough to help Grayson?
Felix Yz, Lisa Bunker
When Felix Yz was three he is accidentally fused with a fourth-dimensional being. Now he’s on the brink of a risky procedure that will free him. With an awkward crush on a boy at school, a gender fluid grandparent and a Bi mom, family, bullying and identity are woven into the story.
Not Your Sidekick, C.B. Lee
Welcome to Andover, where superpowers are common, but internships are complicated. On the upside, Jessica gets to work with her longtime secret crush, Abby. With a sudden and dangerous turn, she uncovers a plot larger than heroes and villains altogether. Also see: Not Your Villain.
Zenobia July, Lisa Bunker
Zenobia July is starting a new life in Maine with her aunts. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she's able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was. When someone anonymously posts hateful memes on her school's website, Zenobia knows she's the one with the hacking skills to solve the mystery.
The New Queer Conscience, Adam Eli
In this very short book with big ideas, LGBTQIA activist Adam Eli offers a candid and compassionate introduction to queer responsibility. Eli calls on his Jewish faith to underline how kindness and support within the queer community can lead to a stronger global consciousness.
Age 14-16
If You Believe in Mermaids...Don't Tell, A. A. Phillips
Todd Winslow has just finished seventh grade. He has always struggled with his own identity and what it means to be a boy, being perpetually measured against what his father views as the ‘perfect son.’ Philips presents a difficult gender issue to readers in a delicate manner.