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CHILDREN’S BOOK TITLES

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99% Chance of magic: Stories of strength and hope for transgender kids

Curated by Amy Eleanor Heart & Abbey Darling. Copy edited by Eyota Wak'ishwit & Luna Merbruja. Produced by Luna Merbruja.  Jan 2020.  (US)

“Join Heartspark Press on an adventure of the heart in 99% Chance of Magic, the world's first literary collection for transgender children, all written & illustrated by trans women and (C)AMAB non-binary creatives. Our stories explore a variety of wonderous worlds, but one goal connects them all:  to cast a protection spell of hope and strength for transgender and non-binary kids everywhere."

"The twelve spells featured in our anthology are the following:

1.    A Shapeshifting Spell - written by Misha Lynn Moon & illustrated by Angel Sera
2.    99% Chance of Magic -- written by Alys S. Brooks & illustrated by Jeanelle Tabaranza
3.    A Rightful Queen - written by Vivien Al-Miqdam & illustrated by Aria Villafranca
4.    The Sisters from the Stars -- written by Amy Heart & illustrated by Wriply M. Bennet
5.    Valara and the Magic Eater -- written by A.K. Blue & illustrated by Caterina Gerbasi
6.    Can't Stop the Princess -- written & illustrated by Anya L. Archer
7.    My Story, Wolf -- written by Abbey Darling & illustrated by Sybil Lamb
8.    Night Light -- written by Duna Haller & illustrated by Clara Mejías
9.    From a Seed Grew a Girl -- written by Michelle Gannon & illustrated by Anya L. Archer
10.  Neshnaj, the Gentle Grey Giant - written by Xemiyulu Tapepechul & illustrated by Ariki Arts
11.  Melody Song & The Hymns of the Infinite Sadness - written by Amy Eleanor Heart & illustrated by Wriply M. Bennet
12.   The Unicorn of the Sea and Me -- written by Jun Almar'a & illustrated by Clara Emiliana "

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10,000 dresses
By Marcus Ewert. 2008
“Every night, Bailey dreams about magical dresses: dresses made of crystals and rainbows, dresses made of flowers, dresses made of windows. . . . Unfortunately, when Bailey’s awake, no one wants to hear about these beautiful dreams. Quite the contrary. “You’re a BOY!” Mother and Father tell Bailey. “You shouldn’t be thinking about dresses at all.”

   Then Bailey meets Laurel, an older girl who is touched and inspired by Bailey’s imagination and courage. In friendship, the two of them begin making dresses together. And Bailey’s dreams come true!
   This gorgeous picture book—a modern fairy tale about becoming the person you feel you are inside—will delight people of all ages.”

 

The adventures of Tulip, birthday wish fairy
By S. Bear Bergman. 2012.
“Have you ever wondered what happens to your birthday wishes? Funny or serious, sad or wonderful, every wish gets read by a Birthday Wish Fairy. This year, David wishes for something his Wish Fairy has never heard of before – to turn into a girl.”

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Are you a boy or are you a girl?

By Sarah Savage.  2017.   (UK)

" Tiny loves costumes! Tiny likes to dress up as an animal, or a doctor, or a butterfly. Tiny also prefers not to tell other children whether they are a boy or a girl. Tiny's friends don't mind, but when Tiny starts a new school their new friends can't help asking one question:   "Tiny, are you a boy or are you a girl?"
   This brightly illustrated book will open a dialogue with children aged 3+ about gender diversity in a fun and creative way. Featuring a gender neutral protagonist, the book imparts an important message about identity and being who you want to be. Tiny's story will assist parents, family and teachers in giving children the space to express themselves fully, explore different identities and have fun at the same time.

   Sarah Savage is a trans-rights campaigner and co-founder of Trans Pride Brighton. She is the co-author of  He's My Mom! and She's My Dad! and lives in Brighton with her family.

"A lovely, sensitive, much-needed book that helps all children ask the big questions about identity and gender.''   - Juno Dawson, author of  This Book is Gay

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Backwards day
By S. Bear Bergman. 2019.
“Backwards day, set on the planet Tenalp, introduces us to a world where there are seventeen seasons, including one where bubblegum falls from the sky for three days and a single day when everything―everything everywhere―is backwards. Andrea looks eagerly forward to Backwards Day every year, so she can turn into a boy for the day. But one year she doesn’t turn along with everyone else. She’s miserable. The very next day, however, she turns into a boy―and stays that way! He’s delighted, but his parents are distressed, and take him to the big city to consult with Backwardsologists. When they finally figure out what’s happened, the miracles of Backwards Day are fully revealed.”

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Be who you are

By Todd Parr.  2016.   (US)

"In a brand-new companion to his beloved classic It's Okay to Be Different, New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr encourages kids to be proud of who they are inside.
   Be who you are!
  Be proud of where you're from.
  Be a different color. Speak your language.
  Wear everything you need to be you.
Who better than Todd Parr to remind kids that their unique traits are what make them so special? With his signature silly and accessible style, Parr encourages readers to embrace all their unique qualities."

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The best of Assigned Male

By Sophie Labelle, author and illustrator. May 2021.

"Follow young trans girl, Stephie, and her group of queer friends as they navigate school, family and relationships, and experiences of being trans.
  Humorous and acerbic, this ground-breaking graphic narrative brilliantly explores the journey of discovering and embracing your evolving gender identity, and promotes a sense of community and empowerment through artfully illustrated stories.
  Based on the hugely successful and influential webcomic Assigned Male, and in print for the first time, this expanded collection contains exclusive content as well as familiar, well-loved characters."

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Born ready: The true story of a boy named Penelope

By Jodie Patterson. Apr 2021.  Sweden.

“Jodie Patterson, activist and Chair of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Board, shares her transgender son's experience in this important picture book about identity and acceptance.
Penelope knows that he's a boy. (And a ninja.) The problem is getting everyone else to realize it.
  In this exuberant companion to Jodie Patterson's adult memoir, The Bold World, Patterson shares her son Penelope's frustrations and triumphs on his journey to share himself with the world. Penelope's experiences show children that it always makes you stronger when you are true to yourself and who you really are.”

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The boy & the bindi
By Vivek Shraya. 2016. Ages 4 to 8.
“In this beautiful children’s picture book by Vivek Shraya, author of the acclaimed God Loves Hair, a five-year-old boy becomes fascinated with his mother’s bindi, the red dot commonly worn by South Asian women to indicate the point at which creation begins, and wishes to have one of his own. Rather than chastise her son, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.
  Beautifully illustrated with hand paintings by Rajni Perera, The Boy & the Bindi is a joyful celebration of gender and cultural difference.“

*** Click to watch VIDEO of the book being read ***

The boy in the dress
by David Walliams. 2008
“Dennis was different. Why was he different, you ask? Well, a small clue might be in the title of this book. Charming, surprising and hilarious – The Boy in the Dress is everything you would expect from the co-creator of Little Britain. David Walliams’s beautiful first novel will touch the hearts (and funny bones) of children and adults alike.”
 

The boy with the pink hair
By Perez Hilton. 2011. Ages 3-5.
“He was born that way - The Boy with Pink Hair. He had a cotton candy colored mop that no one had ever seen before . . . Life is not easy being pink. Adults stare at you, little children giggle behind your back and some kids are just mean. But when you have a best friend who appreciates your uniqueness and parents who are loving and supportive, you can do just about anything.”
 

Call me Max
By Kyle Lukoff. 2019
“When Max starts school, the teacher hesitates to call out the name on the attendance sheet. Something doesn’t seem to fit. Max lets her know the name he wants to be called by – a boy’s name. This begins Max’s journey as he makes new friends and reveals his feelings about his identity to his parents. Written with warmth and sensitivity by trans writer Kyle Lukoff, this book is a sweet and age-appropriate introduction to what it means to be transgender.”

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Calvin
By JR Ford and Vanessa Ford. Release date November 9, 2021.
"In this joyful and impactful picture book, a transgender boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time.
Calvin has always been a boy, even if the world sees him as a girl. He knows who he is in his heart and in his mind but he hasn't yet told his family. Finally, he can wait no longer: 'I'm not a girl," he tells his family. 'I'm a boy--a boy in my heart and in my brain.'

   Quick to support him, his loving family takes Calvin shopping for the swim trunks he's always wanted and back-to-school clothes and a new haircut that helps him look and feel like the boy he's always known himself to be. As the first day of school approaches, he's nervous and the 'what-ifs' gather up inside him. But as his friends and teachers rally around him and he tells them his name, all his 'what-ifs' begin to melt away.
   Inspired by the authors' own transgender child and accompanied by warm and triumphant illustrations, this authentic and personal text promotes kindness and empathy, offering a poignant and inclusive back-to-school message: all should feel safe, respected, and welcomed."
“Calvin is a perfect book to help readers understand and comprehend the perspective of a transgender child. It’s heartwarming, honest, filled with beautiful illustrations and provides a comforting tool for any child who may be nervous about presenting their true selves to the world that surrounds them.” —Jeanette Jennings, “I am Jazz” TV series and President of the Transkids Purple Rainbow Foundation
“Calvin is an absolute delight. I couldn’t even get through the first few pages without crying happy tears. What a heartfelt, beautiful book—one that I hope every kid, parent, and educator reads. Chances are there’s a Calvin somewhere in your life, and I hope you take the time to hear their story.” —Robbie Couch, author of The Sky Blues
"Calvin is the heartwarming and affirming story all trans children deserve. Everyone can learn what acceptance looks like from this book." —Amanda Jetté Knox, author of Love Lives Here and LGBTQ advocate
 

Charlie’s best work yet

By Ris iRAWniQ Anderson. Feb 2021. (US)

“Charlie is a fluid 5th grader whom absolutely loves art! As the school talent show approaches, she navigates bullying, newfound friendship, and self-empowerment all while preparing for her best creation yet.”

"Ris iRAWniQ Anderson (RAW), is the author of Charlie’s Best Work Yet, a beautifully illustrated children’s book about an artistic, androgynous grade school girl, who thanks to a fellow student, discovers and then finds strength in her newfound hero, Grace Jones. RAW is a non-binary masculine-identified author, alternative musician, voice over artist and actor and 'momma to my 12 year old shy, yet brilliant boy.' They are based in Los Angeles. More about iRAWniQ here. @irawniq "

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Cheeky Charlie learns about gender

By Charlie Lowthian-Rickert, Anne Lowthian-Rickert and Sonja Martin. Ontario, Canada. Oct 18, 2023.

"Charlie is a three-year-old kid with big green eyes, blond curly hair and long eyelashes. When not playing with cats, cars, or singing and dancing, Charlie asks A LOT of questions. People think Charlie is very cheeky, but Charlie just wants answers. Charlie feels different from the other kids. After a class trip to a butterfly exhibit, Charlie learns how being authentic and curious are good parts of themself."

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Don’t mess with Edgar’s tutu
By Tania N. Newell. 2020
“Edgar is a trailblazer in his own right. Through this playful rhyming text and lively illustrations, this inspiring picture book shows a little boy embracing and supporting his choice to be himself unapologetically. Parents and caregivers of young children should pay attention to the critical role that Edgar’s teacher/adult played in this fun yet thought-provoking story about confidence and self-expression.“
 

Except when they don’t
By Laura Gehl. 2019
“This rhyming picture book encourages children to celebrate their individuality and lets them know that it’s okay to play with whatever toys they want to!
     Girls perform to fairy songs.
    Boys play football all day long.
    Boys yell, “Boo!” and run away.
    Girls like kittens and ballet.
    Except when they don’t.
Children are often told by many different people about what toys they’re supposed to play with, what interests they should have, and who they should be simply because of their gender. This stereotype-breaking book invites children to examine what they’re told “boy” and “girl” activities are and encourages them to play with whatever they want to and to be exactly who they are! This book is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance.”

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A family is a family is a family

By Sara O'Leary. 2016.
"When a teacher asks the children in her class to think about what makes their families special, the answers are all different in many ways - but the same in the one way that matters most of all.

    One child is worried that her family is just too different to explain, but listens as her classmates talk about what makes their families special. One is raised by a grandmother, and another has two dads. One has many stepsiblings, and another has a new baby in the family.

    As her classmates describe who they live with and who loves them - family of every shape, size and every kind of relation - the child realizes that as long as her family is full of caring people, it is special.

    A warm and whimsical look at many types of families, written by award-winning author Sara O''Leary, with quirky and sweet illustrations by Qin Leng."

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From the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea
By Kai Cheng Thom. 2017
“A magical gender variant child brings transformation and change to the world around them thanks to their mother’s enduring love.
    In the magical time between night and day, when both the sun and the moon are in the sky, a child is born in a little blue house on a hill. And Miu Lan is not just any child, but one who can change into any shape they can imagine. The only problem is they can’t decide what to be: a boy or a girl? A bird or a fish? A flower or a shooting star? At school, though, they must endure inquisitive looks and difficult questions from the other children, and have trouble finding friends who will accept them for who they are.
    But they find comfort in the loving arms of their mother, who always offers them the same loving refrain: “whatever you dream of / i believe you can be / from the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea.
    In this captivating, beautifully imagined picture book about gender, identity, and the acceptance of the differences between us, Miu Lan faces many questions about who they are and who they may be. But one thing’s for sure: no matter who this child becomes, their mother will love them just the same”.
 

The Gender Cool bundle

By Hunter Chinn-Raicht. The Gender Cool Project, Portland OR. Coming June 2021. Ages 5+.

Includes "A kids book about being inclusive", "A kids book about being non-binary", and "A kids book about being transgender."

The gender fairy
By Jo Hirst. Age 4+.
“The Gender Fairy is a simple story about two children who find relief in finally being heard. It is a tale of two children who are taking their first joyful steps toward living as their true selves. It is an educational resource for all children and adults to understand what it might feel like to be a transgender child. For children aged four and up, The Gender Fairy is designed to be read aloud in the classroom or at home. It includes notes for parents and teachers to aid discussion and learning, completed in collaboration with Roz Ward (La Trobe University).”
 

Gracefully Grayson
By Ami Polonsky. 2016
“What if who you are on the outside doesn’t match who you are on the inside?
Grayson Sender has been holding onto a secret for what seems like forever:  'he' is a girl on the inside, stuck in the wrong gender’s body. The weight of this secret is crushing, but sharing it would mean facing ridicule, scorn, rejection, or worse. Despite the risks, Grayson’s true self itches to break free. Will new strength from an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher’s wisdom be enough to help Grayson step into the spotlight she was born to inhabit?
    Debut author Ami Polonsky's moving, beautifully-written novel about identity, self-esteem, and friendship shines with the strength of a young person's spirit and the enduring power of acceptance.”

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He's my mom! A story for children who have a transgender parent or relative

By Sarah Savage. Sept 2021.    (UK)

"My mom's name is David. He used to be a she but now he is a he! Last year he did this thing called transition. He took some medicine which made his voice deeper and he started wearing different clothes."

    "When Benjamin's uncle accidentally misgenders his dad David, Benjamin explains why misgendering is hurtful and why we need to treat trans people with respect. Benjamin speaks with confidence about transitioning and gender identity, and helps to educate and empower others with trans relatives or friends.
  This brightly illustrated book for children aged 3 - 7 will aid discussion with children about a loved one transitioning or about trans people in general. Featuring a child with a mom who has transitioned, this book passes on an important message about acceptance and respect, and covers pronouns, dysphoria, family diversity and misgendering.

    Sarah Savage is a trans-rights campaigner and co-founder of Trans Pride Brighton. She is the co-author of Are You A Boy Or Are You A Girl? and She's My Dad! and lives in Brighton with her family.

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The hidden witch

By Molly Knox Ostertag. 2018.

“From the creator of the acclaimed graphic novel The Witch Boy comes a new adventure set in the world of magic and shapeshifting -- and ordinary kids just trying to make friends.

Aster and his family are adjusting to his unconventional talent for witchery; unlike the other boys in his family, he isn't a shapeshifter. He's taking classes with his grandmother and helping to keep an eye on his great-uncle whose corrupted magic wreaked havoc on the family. Meanwhile, Aster's friend from the non-magical part of town, Charlie, is having problems of her own -- a curse has tried to attach itself to her. She runs to Aster and escapes it, but now the friends must find the source of the curse before more people -- normal and magical alike -- get hurt.”

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His, hers, them & theirs: Learning pronouns with the bears

By Nick North (he/him). Kraft Heinz Canada.

Kraft Peanut Butter presents. "It’s storytime with Crunchy and Smoothie! Join them on their journey as they meet Nick North, friendly neighbourhood Transdad, and learn all about the importance of normalizing pronoun use.

   This book also includes a special section for parents to start the conversation with their kids about gender identity and pronoun use. Because creating an inclusive world is the best way to Stick Together."

"For Trans Awareness Week, we want to make the world more inclusive, so we’re releasing a book with our friend @wethenorths about the importance of using pronouns. Available on November 20th with proceeds going to @rainbowrailroad "

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A house for everyone: A story to help children learn about gender identity and gender expression
By Jo Hirst. 2018.
“At lunchtime, all of Tom’s friends gather at school to work together building their house. Each one of them has a special job to do, and each one of them has a different way of expressing their gender identity.
Jackson is a boy who likes to wear dresses. Ivy is a girl who likes her hair cut really short. Alex doesn’t feel like ‘just’ a boy, or ‘just’ a girl. They are all the same, they are all different – but they are all friends.
A very simple story that challenges gender stereotypes and shows 4 to 8 year olds that it is OK to be yourself. An engaging story that is more than just an educational tool; this book will assist parents and teachers in giving children the space to explore the full spectrum of gender diversity and will show children the many ways they can express their gender in a truly positive light.“
 

I am Jazz
By Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings. 2014.
“The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere
“From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn’t feel like herself in boys’ clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz’s story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers.”

I love my purse
By Belle DeMont. 2020
“Charlie loves his bright red purse, so why does everyone else have a problem with it?
    Charlie loves the bright red purse that his grandmother let him have. One day, he decides to take it to school. First his father, then his friends, and even the crossing guard question him about his “strange” choice. After all, boys don’t carry purses. But Charlie isn’t deterred. Before long, his unselfconscious determination starts to affect those around him. His father puts on his favorite Hawaiian shirt to go to work, his friend Charlotte paints her face, and the crossing guard wears a pair of sparkly shoes. Thanks to Charlie, everyone around him realizes that it isn’t always necessary to conform to societal norms. It’s more important to be true to yourself.

    With its humorous, energetic illustrations, this book is sure to entertain young readers. It can also be used to open a discussion on gender roles.”

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Introducing Teddy: A gentle story about gender and friendship
By Jessica Walton. 2016. US
“Introducing Teddy introduces the youngest readers to understanding gender identity and transition in an accessible and heart-warming story about being true to yourself and being a good friend. Errol and his teddy, Thomas, are best friends who do everything together. Whether it’s riding a bike, playing in the tree house, having a tea party, or all of the above, every day holds something fun to do. One sunny day, Errol finds that Thomas is sad, even when they are playing in their favorite ways. Errol can’t figure out why, until Thomas finally tells Errol what the teddy has been afraid to say: 'In my heart, I’ve always known that I’m a girl teddy, not a boy teddy. I wish my name was Tilly, not Thomas'. And Errol says, 'I don’t care if you’re a girl teddy or a boy teddy! What matters is that you are my friend'."
 

It feels good to be yourself: A book about gender identity
By Theresa Thorn. 2019
“A picture book that introduces the concept of gender identity to the youngest reader from writer Theresa Thorn and illustrator Noah Grigni.

Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between. This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, It Feels Good to Be Yourself provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity.”

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It's okay to sparkle

By Avery Jackson.  2017.   (US)

Avery was 9 years old when she published her book with help from her mom.

“It’s Okay To Sparkle is the inspirational story of 7-year-old Avery Jackson, told in her own words. Avery was assigned male at birth, but has now transitioned into a young girl. Her book tells the story of how she realized she was a girl and how she helped her parents and friends to understand her transition. This heart-warming story covers themes of friendship, bullying and self-esteem. Whether you’re into dolls, ninja warriors or teddy bears, climbing trees, tae kwon do or ballet, this book lets readers know that it’s okay to be who you want to be. Avery’s words are incredibly wise and articulate for such a young person and she will undoubtably provide support and inspiration to other families in similar situations.

   The book is illustrated by Jessica Udischas, who offers her own perspective of life as a trans woman in her web comic Manic Pixie Nightmare Girls.

   It’s Okay To Sparkle was selected for the 2018 Rainbow Book List created by the American Library Association. The Rainbow Book List Committee evaluated 260 books highlighting stories with significant gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning content. Avery is proud to have her story receive this honor."

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Jack (not Jackie)
By Erica Silverman. In partnership with GLAAD. 2018
“In this heartwarming picture book, a big sister realizes that her little sister, Jackie, doesn’t like dresses or fairies-she likes ties and bugs! Will she and her family be able to accept that Jackie identifies more as 'Jack'? Susan thinks her little sister Jackie has the best giggle! She can’t wait for Jackie to get older so they can do all sorts of things like play forest fairies and be explorers together. But as Jackie grows, she doesn’t want to play those games. She wants to play with mud and be a super bug! Jackie also doesn’t like dresses or her long hair, and she would rather be called Jack.

    Readers will love this sweet story about change and acceptance. This book is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance.”
 

Jacob’s new dress
By Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman. 2020
“Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can’t wear 'girl' clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by children who don’t identify with traditional gender roles.’
 

Jacob’s room to choose
By Sarah & Ian Hoffman. 2019
“…the beloved lead character from Jacob’s New Dress, which is one of The American Library Association’s top 100 banned books of the last decade, is back in an encouraging story about gender expression. When Jacob goes to the boys’ bathroom he is chased out because the boys think he looks like a girl because of the way he is dressed. His classmate, Sophie, has a similar experience when she tries to go to the girls’ bathroom.

    When their teacher finds out what happened, Jacob and Sophie, with the support administration, lead change at their school as everyone discovers the many forms of gender expression and how to treat each other with respect. The companion book, Jacob’s School Play Starring She, He, and They  is coming in 2021.”

2020 ALA Rainbow Book List Selection

2020 NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Selection
 

Jacob’s school play: Starring he, she, and they!
By Sarah & Ian Hoffman. May 2021.
“Jacob — star of one of the most banned books of the decade—is back, and ready to put on a school play! While learning their lines and making their costumes, Jacob’s class finds itself unexpectedly struggling with who is 'he', 'she', or 'they'. Jacob’s School Play is an engaging way to introduce young readers to non-binary people and the pronoun options available to us all. Learning that individuals are more nuanced than how others see them is a developmentally important milestone, and helps foster respect of one’s self and one’s peers.”

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Jamie is Jamie: A book about being yourself and playing your way
By Afsaneh Moradian. 2018.
"When free-spirited Jamie arrives at a new preschool, all the children learn that gender expression doesn't determine which toys to play with. There are so many fun things to play with at Jamie’s new preschool—baby dolls to care for, toy cars to drive—and Jamie wants to play with them all! But the other children are confused by Jamie’s gender expression . . . is Jamie a boy or a girl? Some toys are just for girls and others are just for boys, aren’t they? Not according to Jamie!  
  Join Jamie’s new friends as they learn the importance of cooperation, creativity, and empathy. Jamie Is Jamie is a great way to start a conversation with children about gender expression by: challenging gender stereotypes; showing readers that playing is fundamental to learning; reinforcing the idea that all children need the freedom to play unencumbered.
    A special section for teachers, parents, and caregivers provides tips on how to make children’s playtime learning time."

Julián Is a Mermaid
By Jessica Love. 2019. (US)
“In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself?

     Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality."

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A kids book about being inclusive

By Ashton Mota & Rebekah Bruesehoff. The Gender Cool Project, Portland OR.  Jun 2021. Ages 5+.

"What does it mean to be inclusive? Being inclusive is a choice we can make every day! Being inclusive means reaching out to and welcoming all people and everything that makes them who they are. When we learn to see the beauty in our differences, we can embrace the rich, diverse, and amazing world we live in together!"

 

A kids book about being non-binary

By Hunter Chinn-Raicht. The Gender Cool Project, Portland OR. Jun 2021. Ages 5+.

"What does being non-binary mean? For some people, the question and its answer may be new or a little confusing. It’s okay to not know what it means! That’s where all good conversations start. The journey to understanding starts with an open mind and an open heart."

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A kids book about being transgender

By Gia Parr. The Gender Cool Project, Portland OR.  Jun 2021. Ages 5+.

"People often ask, what does it mean to be transgender? The truth is there isn't one answer. Gender is uniquely beautiful, and each person's experience is individual to them. But at its core, it’s all about knowing who you are and having the courage, freedom, and support to live life being your truest self."

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Let me out!

by Omid Razavi.  Pop-up book. Ages 3-5.  2019.    (Toronto/Canada)

LGBTQ+"...children's pop-up book celebrating the coming out journey. This fun and interactive 26-page pop-up book embraces the messaging of diversity, acceptance, and embracing your truths, especially within the LGBTQ+ community."

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The Lotterys plus one

By Emma Donoghu.  2017.  Grades 4-6.

“Sumac Lottery has a pretty sweet life. Four parents (in two loving couples), six siblings, five pets, and a big old house in Toronto. Her world is turned upside down when Grumps, an estranged grandparent, comes to stay. Grumps, who has dementia and is often disoriented, doesn't approve of anything he sees at the Lotterys' house, and Sumac doesn't approve of him one bit. Grumps is, well, grumpy and set in his somewhat bigoted ways, and the Lotterys are a lot to take in.

    Donoghue is the author of many acclaimed books for adults, and her first title for young readers is a kind of realistic fantasy, a warmhearted, deeply improbable, emotionally alert jumble of ancient Sumerian, lottery winnings, elaborate family rituals, gelato, and acceptance.

    Many issues are touched upon in this novel, including homeschooling, gender fluidity, and diverse cultural traditions; in Donoghue's capable hands, they are treated with a cheerful self-awareness that lends itself to a timely and funny reading experience.”

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