5 Magical New LGBTQ-Inclusive Middle-Grade Books
Magic and the real world blend in creative ways in four of these excellent recent LGBTQ-inclusive middle grade books, while the fifth involves drag—and isn’t that a kind of magic in itself?
Books for Kids
Celebrate International Pronouns Day With Kids’ Books, Music, and Games
For International Pronouns Day, here’s my latest roundup of kids’ books, music, and games all about pronouns. Correct pronoun use is both a sign of good grammar and a sign of respect, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun learning about them!
6 New LGBTQ-Inclusive Picture Books
Yes, LGBTQ-inclusive picture books, like LGBTQ people, just keep coming out. Some of the latest: a lift-the-flap board book, an ode to parents who perform (and working parents of all types), two tales of self-acceptance and self-growth, and two biographies of queer musicians, one contemporary and one historical.
Book Bans in Public Schools Rise to Record Numbers
Nearly 12,000 books were banned in public schools during the 2025-2026 school year, according to PEN America, the highest number since the organization began tracking bans in 2021. That was sadly not the only book banning record broken, however.
Resources and Tips for Fighting Book Bans
This week marks Banned Books Week, which seems a good time to recap some things we all can do to fight book banning and censorship as they continue to run rampant. Here are my tips and resources.
10 LGBTQ-Inclusive Picture Books You May Have Missed
These LGBTQ-inclusive picture books aren’t “about” being LGBTQ, but simply feature LGBTQ people and families experiencing a variety of joys and challenges. The LGBTQ inclusion isn’t always obvious from the covers, so make sure you don’t miss these beautifully told and illustrated tales.
Author Disinvited from School Visit Over Gender-Nonconforming Character
Melinda Beatty’s delightful new picture book, What Is a Pirate? isn’t even out until next week, but the elementary school she herself attended has already rescinded an invitation for an author visit because of concerns that some people might take offense to the story’s gender-nonconforming protagonist.
6 Beautiful LGBTQ-Inclusive Kids’ Books About Seasons, Cycles, and Change
Happy fall! Celebrate the change of season with these beautiful picture books and a chapter book about seasons, cycles, and change. All have incidental queer representation, and one is a rare and welcome story about becoming a blended queer family!
2 Kids’ Books (and More) About LGBTQ Canadians
Today I’m featuring a picture book and a middle grade title that tell true stories of LGBTQ Canadians—my small attempt as an American to help spread goodwill and understanding across our borders. Whether you’re Canadian, American, or otherwise, read on for reviews (plus some bonus LGBTQ-inclusive Canadian fiction titles for kids)!
Magic, Mystery, and Monsters in 3 New LGBTQ-Inclusive Middle Grade Books
This week’s new LGBTQ-inclusive middle grade novels are tales of magic, mystery, monsters, and combinations thereof—perfect warm-ups for the upcoming spooky season. And two of the three have bi representation!