June is Pride Month. We’ve put together a list of great books that pay homage to the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re looking to give your child a broader world view or are wanting your child to read a book with identifiable characters, this list is worth checking out. Also take a peek at this book list featuring LGBTQ+ children’s books for all kids.
Pride Month has its roots in commemorating the historical Stonewall Uprising that occurred in June 1969. Ever since, parades and festivals are held annually across the world to honor the equal rights movement and celebrate the great strides in diversity and inclusion that continue to occur. This playful and animated video gives a brief and easy-to-understand history of Pride for children.
We’ve chosen a small selection of books geared mostly to younger children, as LGBTQ+ characters and storylines are more commonly included in books, TV shows, and movies that cater to the middle and high school crowd. The storylines mostly feature varying family types and gender expressions, as well as the subjects of kindness, compassion, and love. Many of these books are available at our local libraries.
Books for younger kids (alphabetically by author)
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino, illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant (ages 4 – 7)
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer (ages 0 – 3)
Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie Lewis (ages 4 – 8)
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall (ages 4 – 8)
Otter and Odder by James Howe, illustrated by Chris Raschka (ages 6 – 9)
Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (ages 4 – 8)
Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman (ages 5 – 8)
The Family Book by Todd Parr (ages 3 – 6)
Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman, illustrated by Eda Kaban (ages 4 – 8)
All Are Welcome Here by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman (ages 4 – 8)
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole (ages 2 – 5)
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Steven Salerno (ages 5 – 8)
Do you have any Pride Month favorites? Please share them in the comments!
