Two New LGBT History Books for Kids
Two new books help fill the long-sparse landscape of LGBTQ histories for teen and tween readers—but one has some problems beneath the surface.
children’s books
Musical Cat Stars in New Book by “Heather” Author
Ketzel, a real-life cat who gained brief fame in 1997 for winning a piano competition, is the charming subject of an absolutely adorable new picture book by Lesléa Newman, author of Heather Has Two Mommies.
7th Grader Creates Spanish Edition of LGBTQ-Inclusive Picture Book
The Different Dragon features a child with two moms but isn’t “about” them being a two-mom family—and is now available in a Spanish translation by an inspired seventh-grade student!
More Diversity than Ever in LGBTQ-Inclusive Picture Books
Recent LGBTQ-inclusive picture books have been increasingly diverse in terms of family structure, race/ethnicity, and gender identity. They offer us stories that address specific LGBTQ concerns along with ones that simply include LGBTQ characters.
LGBTQ-Inclusive Sex Ed Book for Kids Affirms and Empowers
Sex is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU (Seven Stories Press) continues a groundbreaking, LGBTQ-inclusive series for young people on human sexuality—and should have many cheering at its thoughtful, empowering, and accurate approach. The book does not merely include all LGBTQ identities, but celebrates them as equal parts of the human spectrum.
Mike Huckabee Thinks Our Kids Are Guinea Pigs: He Should Read This Book
BuzzFeed recently reminded us that Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee once called the children of same-sex parents “little guinea pigs.” Gay guinea pigs are a thing, though—and he should learn from them.
2nd Project Aims to Send LGBTQ Books to Schools, Libraries, and Shelters
A new project aims to connect LGBTQ-inclusive books with young readers at schools, libraries, and homeless shelters—but it’s not the first to do so.
8 Pride Books for Kids
Pride Month is the highlight of the LGBTQ calendar, so here are a few children’s books to help our kids better understand what all the fuss is about. I’ve chosen works specifically about Pride as well as ones that explore other aspects of the LGBTQ rights movement and its history.
Let Neil Patrick Harris Read Your Kids “And Tango Makes Three”
Actor Neil Patrick Harris has lent his voice to a brand-new audio recording of And Tango Makes Three, the children’s book based on the true story of two male penguins who raise a chick together. Listen to a clip after the jump. The book also celebrates its 10th anniversary with two new editions, including a board book!
New Edition Enlivens “Heather Has Two Mommies” for Families Today
A 25th anniversary edition of Lesléa Newman’s children’s book “Heather Has Two Mommies,” with brand-new illustrations and updated text, has given the classic new life for families today. And Newman is amazed that some of the children who read Heather when it first came out could now be reading it to their own children, she told me in an interview.