Pride Month, honored throughout the month of June in the United States, is a time for commemorating the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement and recognizing the LGBTQ+ community. It is a joyful celebration and a serious reminder that all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, deserve the same rights as everyone else. 

Children develop concepts of gender, families, and love well before the age of five. When adults at home and school are able to cultivate inclusive environments that welcome all children as they are, regardless of gender or family structure, it helps children feel safe, seen, and valued. 

The selection of books below offer two entry points for conversation with young children: gender and diverse families. The team at Rainbow Kids has created this resource highlighting some simple strategies for discussing these topics with young children. It is our hope that you will use these books and strategies—and that the book-sharing experiences they spark will help us build the language, understanding, and empathy that’s foundational for a world where everyone can be free.

We are Little Feminists: Families

Written by Archaa Shrivastav

The first ever board book to win the American Library Association medal, this identity-affirming title includes stunning photographs that highlight all the wonderful forms of family, gender, and sexuality while poetic text builds empathy, vocabulary, and phonological awareness.

Age level: 1 – 3

Talking Tip: Compare one (or more) of the photographs in this book with a photograph of your family doing something similar. How is the family in the photograph(s) like yours? How is this family different?

Extra Credit: Gather your family photos to make your own book using either printed photos, paper, and glue or digital photos and the notes app on your phone. Caption the photos with your child using rhyming text for an extra challenge.

Pride 123

Written by Michael Joosten
Illustrated by Wednesday Holmes

Teach your little ones about the Pride Parade with this colorful, energetic counting book! This board book celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, love, and standing up for who you are – all while counting to ten. 

Age level: 1 – 5

Talking Tip: Let’s count! Talk with your child about what they see on every page – from two DJs spinning fabulous tunes to four activists fighting the good fight. Explain what colors you see. What emotions are the people experiencing in these illustrations?

The Pronoun Book

Written by  Chris Ayala-Kronos
Illustrated by Melita Tirado

This board book features eye-catching illustrations of a diverse cast of people and simple text that introduces their pronouns. Engaging and educational for readers of all ages, The Pronoun Book is a helpful reminder to ask, not assume, how someone wants to be addressed.

Age level: 1 – adult

Talking Tip: How do you know what someone wants to be called? Ask! She, he, they, her, him, them, hers, his, theirs. All together, US! Talk about the importance of pronouns with your child.

Bye, Bye, Binary!

Written by Eric Geron
Illustrated by Charlene Chua

A joyful baby refuses to conform to the gender binary and instead chooses toys, colors, and clothes that make them happy. This board book is a perfect tool for encouraging children to love what they love, and for families to love their children just as they are and for who they are.

Age level: 0 – 4

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about how the baby is learning and experiencing the world around them. Are bow ties only for boys? Are hair bows only for girls? What are some ways we can say “bye bye” to gender norms?

Adventures with my Daddies

Written by Gareth Peter
Illustrated by Garry Parsons

A young pigtailed protagonist and their two fathers are the stars of this picture book that details their family’s evening routine (storytime, tub time, and bedtime), lifting up the ideas that families are diverse and unconditional love is universal. The family dog included in every scene makes for a delightful easter egg!

Age level: 3 – 7

Talking Tip: Families come in all shapes and sizes. What makes your family amazing? What are some of your favorite things to do as a family?

The Hips on the Drag Queens Go Swish, Swish, Swish

Written by Lil Miss Hot Mess
Illustrated by Olga de Dios Ruiz

A play on “The Wheels on the Bus,” this playful picture book follows a drag queen who performs her routine in front of an awestruck audience. Written by a founding member of the Drag Queen Story Hour, it is a call to action to readers to boldy be exactly who they are.

Age level: 3 – 8

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about what it means to be a drag queen. There are different ways to be a drag queen. What differences do they see? Don’t forget to dance and sing together!

You Come from Love

Written by Adam Motz
Illustrated by Jordan Aspiras

Written as a parent’s personal answer to his twin daughters’ questions about their origin, You Come from Love delivers an important and universal message to children of all ages and backgrounds.

Age level: 4 – 9

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about what love means in your family. What are some ways you show love to one another? What does love mean to your child?

When Aidan Became a Brother

Written by Kyle Lukoff
Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

This heartwarming book will resonate with transgender children, reassure any child concerned about becoming an older sibling, and celebrate the many transitions a family can experience.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about Aidan at the beginning and the end of the book. How was Aidan feeling when the story began? How did his feelings change? 

What Are Your Words?

Written by Katherine Locke
Illustrated by Anne Passchier

Some days Ari uses she/her pronouns. Other days, Ari uses he/him. But on the day of the neighborhood’s big summer bash, Ari doesn’t know what words to use. On the way to the party, Ari meets many neighbors and learns the words they use to describe themselves. As Ari tries on different pronouns, they discover that it’s okay to not know your words right away – sometimes you have to wait for your words to find you.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: This book is all about expressing who you are with your words. What are some words you and your child use to express who you are as individuals? Like our friend Ari, it’s okay if you don’t always know what words to use to express who you are. Once you talk through those words and figure them out, remember to celebrate them!

My Rainbow

Written by DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal
Illustrated by Art Twink

Based on the real-life experince of mother-daughter duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal, this book tells the story of a dedicated mom who creates a rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about a time when someone did something special (it could be a small, everyday thing) for you that made you feel loved, seen, and valued. Ask your child if they’ve had a similar experience. How are your examples like that of Trinity’s?

Strong

Written by  Rob Kearney and Eric Rosswood
Illustrated by Nidhi Chanani

Rob dreams of becoming the strongest man in the world, but he worries he can’t fit in with his bright leggings, unicorn T-shirts, and rainbow-dyed hair. Strong introduces readers to Rob Kearney and his journey from an athletic kid trying to find his place, to the world’s first openly gay professional strongman.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Rob followed his dream and got the strength he needed by being proud of who he is. Talk with your little one about their hopes and dreams. Talk about times when they feel proud of being who they are. How do they show it?

The Big Book of Pride Flags

Written by  Jessica Kingsley
Illustrated by Jem Milton

Featuring all the colors of the rainbow, this book teaches children about LGBTQIA+ identities through 17 different Pride flags. With fun facts, simple explanations, and a short description of each flag accompanying beautiful illustrations, children will uncover the history of Pride and be introduced to different genders and sexual orientations.

Age level: 4 – 8

Talking Tip: Talk with your child about all the different Pride flags and what they represent. Are there flags you already knew about and have seen before? Any new flags you learned about?