Even as our community grapples with tragedy, I think it is important–perhaps more important than ever–to remind young people that there is also queer joy. The books here, some of the year’s best, cover a range of identities and themes and emphasize love, inspiration, and celebration.
It’s Transgender Awareness Week, so I’m rounding up some of this year’s great books featuring trans people—picture and board books, middle grade titles, and books for parents!
As a red-headed, queer, former fencer with a graduate degree in medieval history, I knew I was probably going to like the new sword-swinging, redhead- and queer-led middle grade fantasy novel from Esme Symes-Smith. This joyous, nuanced story with a nonbinary protagonist exceeded even my expectations.
Today is Transgender Parent Day, a time to celebrate and honor transgender parents! For today and any day, here are some great picture books and middle grade titles that star kids with trans parents. I wish all transgender parents a day full of love and happiness, and many more to come.
Four new LGBTQ-inclusive picture books stand out for their art as much as their stories. Bring some beauty—and some uplifting, inspiring stories—into your homes, schools, and libraries with these books.
An exuberant new picture book brings us a young protagonist confident enough to insist on the short fade haircut she desires.
Sometimes, a picture book will just put a smile on my face. This week, two new titles have done that, one bouncy and energetic, one whimsical and soothing.
The classic children’s novel Anne of Green Gables, about a spunky orphan, her foster parents, best friend Diana, and friend Gilbert, has been beloved by generations of readers. Three adaptations this year have reimagined the story with a very queer Anne.
It’s a great time to love both queer families and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Not one but two queer scientists (both parents) won Nobel Prizes this year—and there has also been a recent surge in LGBTQ-inclusive children’s books with STEM themes, which could help future Nobel laureates envision their dreams.
Put a little (kid-friendly) spookiness in your season with these terrific LGBTQ-inclusive picture books and middle grade titles filled with ghosts, spirits, witches, and even queer vampire and werewolf moms!
