Haunted Locales, Strange Powers, and Queer Characters in New Middle Grade Books
Four new middle-grade books are full of haunted locales, strange powers, and queer characters of various identities. Supernatural adventures await!
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6 LGBTQ-Inclusive Books for Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Today is Multicultural Children’s Book Day, so I’m showcasing 6 recent children’s books with LGBTQ or gender creative characters that also celebrate a diversity of cultures!
“The Advocate Educator”: An Invaluable Guide to Supporting Trans and Nonbinary Students
A new, action-oriented guide for educators and others wanting to create supportive school environments for trans and nonbinary youth is set to be one of the most important LGBTQ-related books of the year. The authors spoke with me about their work.
Award-Winning Children’s Magazine “Kazoo” Features Queer Experts
Meet the queer experts in the latest issue of Kazoo Magazine! They’re part of the lesbian-mom-led publication’s ongoing queer inclusion. (And there’s positive representation of neurodivergence here, too!)
Picture Book About Gender Nonconforming Mexican Revolutionary Earns Caldecott Honor
A book about a gender nonconforming Mexican revolutionary has received a prestigious Caldecott Honor, while other LGBTQ-inclusive children’s and young adult books also won recognition at the American Library Association’s annual Youth Media Awards.
Mombian Nominated for “Outstanding Blog” GLAAD Media Award
I’m honored that Mombian has again been nominated for “Outstanding Blog” at the GLAAD Media Awards. I won the award in 2023 and 2012, and am humbled to again be among an amazing group of nominees. Here’s more on them and on the rapidly growing children’s and family categories.
Book Bans Up 33% Between Last Two School Years
The past two school years have seen “a mounting crisis of book bans,” according to a report released recently from PEN America. While the record number of bans is worrying in itself, just as concerning are the trends in how the bans are spreading.
New Edition of “It’s So Amazing” Is More LGBTQ-Inclusive Than Ever—But How Much So?
Robie H. Harris’ It’s So Amazing has long been a bestselling (and frequently challenged/banned) book on human reproduction and families for children 7 to 10 years old. A new edition is more LGBTQ-inclusive than ever—but how much so? Here’s my deep dive.
Listen: Kids’ Music Album Inspired by Banned Books Includes LGBTQ Favorites
The latest kids’ music album from Grammy Award winner Joanie Leeds takes a stand against book bans via songs inspired by banned books—and half of them are LGBTQ-inclusive titles you probably know! Listen here and watch the music video for “Tango,” inspired by the two-dad penguin tale.
4 New LGBTQ-Inclusive Kids’ Books to Start 2024
2024 is starting off right, with some great LGBTQ-inclusive picture books and middle-grade titles. Here are a few of my early favorites.