National Diversity Book Month for Children

February is getting busy. In addition to being Black History Month and primary season, it is also National Diversity Book Month, as declared by the Family Equality Council. They have a page full of resources on LGBT-inclusive children’s books, including an extensive book list.

The list isn’t perfect; it only lists three books from Todd Parr’s extensive oeuvre; for example, his recent book on adoption, We Belong Together, is missing. Heather Jopling’s Ryan’s Mom is Tall, Monika’s Papa Is Tall, and The Not-So-Only Child, the first two of which made the American Library Association’s Rainbow List, are absent. Leslea Newman’s sweet book about adoption, Felicia’s Favorite Story, is mis-categorized under “Children’s Books about AIDS,” and put in the nine- to thirteen-years age group, whereas I (and Amazon.com) would aim it at elementary-school children. The list also does not cover young adult books, an admittedly separate genre, but one that some parents may seek. (See the ALA Rainbow List for a number of excellent LGBT-themed teen books published in 2005-7.)

Still, this is one of the most comprehensive single lists of LGBT-inclusive books for children and is a great resource for LGBT parents as well as allies hoping to expand their libraries.

Question: How many copies of Heather Has Two Mommies did you get from straight friends at your baby shower?