9 Picture Book Biographies for International Lesbian Day and LGBTQ History Month
It’s International Lesbian Day and LGBTQ History Month, so here are some picture book biographies of lesbians you should know!
Remembering (LGBTQ History)
Exclusive Cover Reveal: Sarah Prager’s “A Child’s Introduction to Pride”
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!
New Picture Book Tells Story of the Mom Who Founded PFLAG
Jeanne Manford, whose love for her gay son in the 1970s led to the founding of PFLAG, is the subject of a moving new picture-book biography by Rob Sanders, one of the leading authors of children’s books about LGBTQ history and historical figures.
We’re Here, We’re Queer, and We Are Family
It’s a tough time to be an LGBTQ parent in the United States. Between legislation that threatens our ability to form and protect our families, attacks on books and media that reflect them, and concerns that impact all parents, like school shootings and pandemics, we may feel stressed and overwhelmed. Without denying those ills or our need to address them (which I have covered before and will again), I want to focus here on a few positive things to keep in mind.
Teach Kids to Be “Kind Like Marsha” With Picture Book of LGBTQ Leaders
A new picture book has the perfect age-appropriate approach for introducing younger readers to LGBTQ+ leaders.
Did You Know? Author of “America the Beautiful” Was Queer
Many of us may hear “America the Beautiful” played this July 4th. But did you know that its author, Katharine Lee Bates, was also a scholar, suffragist, and social activist, and lived for 25 years in a loving relationship with fellow professor Katharine Coman?
2 New Middle Grade Novels Celebrate Queer History and Community
Two new middle-grade novels, one by the lauded Alex Gino and one by debut author Michael Leali, focus on queer youth exploring queer history within the context of queer communities. These joyous, empowering, inspirational books are great reads for Pride or any time of year!
26 Years Ago, a Children’s Book Asked, “Grandma, What’s a Lesbian?”
Happy Lesbian Visibility Day! “The benefit of being a lesbian is one of the best kept secrets ever,” said this earnest 1996 children’s book, written by two lesbian grandmothers. It feels rather dated now—but reminds us of our long history, so I’m sharing about it once again. Read on for more about the book (and see where you can read a free copy online).
Did You Know: The Queen of Lesbian Pulp Fiction from the 1950s Is Also a Mom and Grandmother?
Here’s a fun historical tidbit to brighten your day: Ann Bannon, whose 1950s and 60s novels of lesbian life have earned her the title “the Queen of Lesbian Pulp Fiction,” is not only a mom, but also a grandmother.
Two Memoirs Offer Two Looks at Children of Gay Dads in the 1970s
Two memoirs published this year by grown children of gay dads both start just a few years after the Stonewall Riots. In one, the author’s parents divorced after her dad came out; in the other, her parents stayed together for decades more. Each shows us the pervasive blight of homophobia and reminds us of the many ways that queer parents and our children have navigated what it means to be a family.