This month we are celebrating Pride with stories you can use in your classroom or read to your own family to help children understand and celebrate all people, no matter their differences. Check out this list of 20 stories that represent LGBTQIA+ families and children.
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Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick
"On the night before Pride, families everywhere are preparing to partake. As one family packs snacks and makes signs, an older sibling shares the importance of the march with the newest member of the family. Reflecting on the day, the siblings agree that the best thing about Pride is getting to be yourself. " Ages 4-8
This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman
"In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBT community, This Day In June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united." Ages 4-8
What Are Your Words? by Katherine Locke
"Follow Ari through their neighborhood as they try to find their words in this sweet, accessible introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns that is perfect for readers of all ages." Ages 4-8
Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution by Rob Sanders
Celebrate Pride every day with the very first picture book to tell of its historic and inspiring role in the gay civil rights movement, from the author of the acclaimed Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag. Ages 5-8
Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall
A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis in this picture book by the New York Times–bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo. This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone. Watch Teachstone's StoryTime Live reading and download our interactive reading guide for this book.
Worm Loves Worm by Mike Curato
When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next. They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? Ages 4-8
When Aiden Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff
When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl’s room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn’t fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life. Ages 4-8
A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary
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. Ages 4-7
From Archie to Zack by Vicent X. Kirsch
Archie tries to express his feelings toward his best friend, Zack, in handwritten letters addressed from “A” to “Z." The boys have a crush on each other but are too nervous to admit it. Ages 4-8
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
This multiple-award winning book tells the heartwarming true story of two male penguins who decide to create a nontraditional family. Ages 2-5
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer
When Stella's class has a Mother's Day party, she's unsure what to do. She has two dads. Fortunately, Stella finds a unique solution to her party problem in this sweet story about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family. Ages 5-8
Best Best Colors: Los Mejores by Eric Hoffman
Nate loves colors, but he can't decide which is his favorite. With the help of his two mammas, Nate learns he can have more than one best color—and more than one best friend. Text in Spanish and English. Ages 4-8
The Boy with the Rainbow Heart by William Mason
If you are looking for a children's book that teaches acceptance to any child who may be feeling different, this book is for you! This is a children's story about a young boy with a rainbow heart who turns the town of Gray into the town of Shine - through love, kindness, and by being himself. This book teaches love and acceptance for all people - no matter what color your heart may shine! Ages 4-8
Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Julián Is a Mermaid is an American children's picture book by Jessica Love that tells the story of a boy who wants to become a mermaid and participate in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Ages 2-6
Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman
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"? Ages 4-8
Mommy, Mama, and Me by Leslea Newman
A heartwarming board books about gay parents! A great purchase for new parents and new babies alike, and the perfect gift to show your love for mommy, mama and more! Ages 3-7
The Boy and the Bindi by Vivek Shraya
The Boy & The Bindi is a playful picture book about a young boy’s fascination with the dot on his mother’s forehead. With his mom’s help, the boy discovers that wearing a bindi allows him to joyfully explore and express his difference—and that even a little “spot” can be meaningful and magical. Ages 4-8
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what’s most important in each family’s life is the love the family members share. Ages 0-4
What Riley Wore by Elana K. Arnold
Gender-creative Riley knows just what to wear for every occasion during a busy week with family and friends in this sweet and timely picture book from Elana K. Arnold and Linda Davick. Ages 4-8
Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman
Casey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump truck, and he also loves things that shimmer, glitter, and sparkle. Casey’s older sister, Jessie, thinks this is weird. Shimmery, glittery, sparkly things are only for girls. Right? Ages 5-8
What other books would you add to this list?
