Something Great … is simply great! A nonbinary child stars in this story of STEM thinking, creativity, and friendship that refreshingly is not “about” their queer identity. Author/illustrator Jeanette Bradley was kind enough to share a little about her inspiration and influences.
Out & About Bookshop, a mobile bookstore offering LGBTQ children’s books, story times, youth book clubs, and community events, is launching this Saturday in San Francisco. One of the two queer educators behind its creation shared some insight about the project with me.
LGBTQ+ kids, those with LGBTQ+ parents, and allies, in grades K through 5, are invited to a free, virtual program tomorrow to “meet new friends, discover LGBTQ+ books, enjoy activities and special guests, and discuss gender and identity issues in a safe space.” The monthly program, hosted by a library in Pennsylvania, is open to children anywhere!
Non-profit Pride and Less Prejudice, which has donated over 7,500 LGBTQ-inclusive picture books to elementary school classrooms in the U.S. and Canada since its founding in 2019, is holding a virtual auction through this weekend so they can send 800 more. Check out some of the amazing offerings!
This week marks Banned Books Week, the American Library Association’s (ALA’s) annual celebration of the freedom to read—but this year feels more like a call to action than a celebration. Book bans and other attempts at censorship, largely targeting the LGBTQ and other marginalized communities, are raging across the country. Here’s what’s happening, how others are fighting back, and how you can help.
It’s Banned Books Week, during a year that has seen record numbers of bans and challenges. Let’s kick things off by looking at some of the picture books that have been targeted recently for being LGBTQ inclusive.
I am thrilled to be sharing the exclusive cover reveal for “A Child’s Introduction to Pride: The Inspirational History and Culture of the LGBTQIA+ Community,” by Sarah Prager, one of the most talented authors writing about LGBTQ history for kids. I am so looking forward to this book!
Many parents I know have loved the diversity of families and other aspects of identity in All Are Welcome, by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman. The duo has recently released their second follow-up book, in which the same community welcomes a new family. It’s another joyous (and queer-inclusive) delight!
Today brings us a treasure trove of new LGBTQ-inclusive family books for kids and grown-ups, including a picture-book biography of Laverne Cox; a sequel to one of my favorite magical middle-grade series; a graphic novel with an autistic protagonist; an early chapter book sequel; a memoir by a gay foster dad of his own difficult childhood; and a stunning memoir by the mother of a transgender girl.
A joyous new book is filled with photos and testimonials of real children across a variety of gender identities and expressions. It’s an extraordinary celebration of ordinary kids, and a must-have for any collection of diverse books.
