These affirming new picture books celebrate children of many gender identities and expressions. Please read my reviews, then contact your senators and ask them to vote “No” on H.R.2616, which just passed the U.S. House and would ban these books and others from schools across the country.
Click titles or images for full reviews, which often include my suggestions for points that adults may wish to expand on or clarify when reading these with young people.
Like these books? Have other LGBTQ-inclusive favorites? Mention them on social media (or post any message in support of LGBTQ families) on June 1, 2026, the 21st Annual LGBTQ Families Day. Use the hashtag #LGBTQFamiliesDay and be part of the celebration!
The Most Magnificent Me, by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Sophie Bass (Candlewick): A cheery rhyming ode to being oneself and letting others be their selves, too. One of the children who shows up throughout the book has short hair and wears a puffy pink skirt and a blue bow, and seems intended to be a gender creative boy or nonbinary child.
Be True to You! by Maggie Hutchings, illustrated by Hayley Wells (Affirm Kids): A rhyming picture book that encourages each reader to listen to their heart: “It’s singing …/’This is YOU!'” While the book is not exclusively about gender identity, it shows a transgender boy or gender creative child (who could be read either way) as an example of when inner selves may not match what the world sees. The story concludes with a spread of many children playing and expressing themselves, and one final reminder to “Be proud and tell the universe …/Hello, this is ME!”
Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants, by Chris Paul Farias (Rebel Goose): With silly, bouncing rhymes and bold illustrations, this delightful book celebrates self-expression and ability regardless of gender. “Guinea pigs don’t wear pants. It would slow their hurried scurry,” it tells us. Other animals, too, are limited in what they can wear or do, as we see across the hilariously imagined pages—but human children aren’t, and can wear and do a whole host of things, “No matter if you’re a boy or girl, other or in-between.”
Princess Pete, by Zoey Allen, illustrated by Frenci Sanna (Candlewick): The imaginative Pete lives in a “castle” on a hill with mom and dad. Pete doesn’t always feel like a boy, but sometimes feels like a girl and sometimes in between. “Sometimes I feel a bit like you,” Pete tells readers. “But mostly, I just feel like me.” The slice-of-life book has a cheery vibe and helpful modeling of self-awareness and parental support.
Mac Wears a Hat, by Vicki Johnson, illustrated by Gillian Reid (Little Bee): Mac loves hats! Whether they’re for sunny days, drizzly ones, wearing to the Pride parade, or playing with friends, Mac has a hat for every occasion and mood. When someone complains about her style, she feels down, but when someone praises it, she feels energized to make new friends, share her dreams, and be herself. With kindness, the book concludes, “we can do anything!” This is an absolutely delightful story that not only celebrates individual flair, but also showcases the communal power of being kind and letting everyone express their personal style.
Their Name Is Alex, by Paloma O’Toole (Little, Brown): This sweet story about a nonbinary child on a class field trip shows that gender fluidity exists in nature, emphasizes the importance of seeing such examples, and shows how easy it is for children to welcome genderfluid peers. The book has a clear message, but it’s conveyed without anyone questioning or challenging Alex’s identity, including Alex themself. There’s a lovely modeling of easy inclusion here. O’Toole goes further, too, by showing other children in the class also connecting with traditionally gender atypical things.
A Kids Book About Gender Affirming Care, by Lindz Amer (A Kids Co): This nonfiction title reads like a conversation with author Lindz Amer, creator of the Queer Kid Stuff video series. Amer introduces themself and shares how gender affirming care helped them in their own journey of self-discovery; in fact, they say, “Gender affirming care is for everyone,” since “It’s all about figuring out how you feel on the INSIDE, and how that can show up on the OUTSIDE.” I love this positioning, which correctly shows that gender affirming care isn’t just something that trans and nonbinary people receive (or have foisted upon them, as some would incorrectly have you believe). It’s not just medical care, either, but rather a whole range of ways in which people’s genders are supported and affirmed. At the same time, the book also shows readers what it means to be transgender and/or queer, what transitioning can look like, and the positive impact of supportive care.
