Books for Children to Learn About LGBT+ Issues, History & Culture
It’s LGBT+ History Month so we thought put together lists of book recommendations suitable for toddlers to pre-teens.
This list is Books for Children to Learn About LGBT+ Issues, History & Culture aimed mainly at older children though a couple of titles are suitable for little ones too.
You can order any of these titles directly from us or purchase them through our bookshop.org store and we’ll get commission on your purchase.
Books for Children to Learn About LGBT+ Issues, History & Culture
This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman (Author) and Kristyna Litten (Illustrator)
Paperback RRP £10.95
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.
Also included is a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBT history and culture, as well as a Note to Parents and Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways.
This Day In June is an excellent tool for teaching respect, acceptance, and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders (Author) and Steven Salerno (Author)
Hardback RRP £13.99
Celebrate the story of the Rainbow Pride Flag with the very first picture book to tell its remarkable and inspiring history!
In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world. Award-winning author Rob Sanders’s stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno’s evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable – and undertold – story. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride.
The Every Body Book: The Lgbtq+ Inclusive Guide for Kids About Sex, Gender, Bodies, and Families by Rachel E. Simon (Author) and Noah Grigni (Illustrator)
Hardback RRP £14.99
This vibrant and beautifully illustrated book teaches children sex, gender and relationships education in a way that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Covering puberty, hormones, pregnancy, consent, sex, babies, relationships and families, it uses gender-neutral language throughout and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including race, ethnicity, faith, bodies, gender and sexuality. For use with children aged 8-12, it will help answer their questions and spark open discussion with parents, carers and teachers.
With informative illustrations and further resources and a guide for adults, The Every Body Book is the ultimate sex, gender and relationships education resource for children.
Rainbow Revolutionaries: Fifty LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by Sarah Prager (Author) and Sarah Papworth (Illustrator)
Hardback RRP £12.99
Rainbow Revolutionaries brings to life the vibrant histories of fifty pioneering LGBTQ+ people from around the world. Through Sarah Prager's ( Queer, There, and Everywhere ) short, engaging bios, and Sarah Papworth's bold, dynamic art, readers can delve into the lives of Wen of Han, a Chinese emperor who loved his boyfriend as much as his people, Martine Rothblatt, a trans woman who's helping engineer the robots of tomorrow, and so many more!
This book is a celebration of the many ways these heroes have made a difference and will inspire young readers to make a difference, too. Featuring an introduction, map, timeline, and glossary, this must-have biography collection is the perfect read during Pride month and all year round.
Pride 1 2 3 by Michael Joosten (Author) and Wednesday Holmes (Illustrator)
Board Book RRP £5.99
Teach your little ones about the Pride Parade with this colorful, energetic counting book! Featuring a diverse cast of characters and families, this board book highlights and celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, love, and standing up for who you are while counting to ten. Perfect for all families, this counting board book should be shared and read with pride!
What is Gender? How Does It Define Us? And Other Big Questions for Kids by Juno Dawson
Paperback RRP £9.99
What's the difference between sex and gender? What does it mean to be defined by your gender? Are there only two genders? This informative book helps kids to explore these questions and many more. It explains how your gender can have an impact on your life, what it means to choose your own gender identity and the importance of gender equality. Topics covered include gender stereotypes, why there are different toys for boys and girls, being intersex and transgender, cross-dressing and gender around the world.
You will also hear from a range of people who share their personal gender philosophies. Poet Anthony Anaxagorou discusses his masculinity, author Holly Bourne writes about the importance of feminism, Krishna Istha explains what it means to be genderqueer and Juno shares her experiences of being transgender. Other contributors and celebrities featured include Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Jack Monroe, Caitlyn Jenner, RuPaul, Laura Dockrill, Conchita Wurst, Andrew McMillan and Emma Watson.
Aimed at young people aged 10 and upwards.
The Big Book of LGBTQ+ Activities: Teaching Children About Gender Identity, Sexuality, Relationships and Different Families by Amie Taylor (Author) and Liza Stevens (Illustrator)
Paperback RRP £6.99
With 5 fun tales featuring merpeople, a rainbow wedding and a back-to-front horse, this captivating guide to LGBTQ+ identities takes you on a journey through Clear Sky Castle to promote inclusion for children aged 6 to 9.
The interactive stories and games - including drawing, sculpting, word searches and quizzes - raise awareness of different kinds of families, as well as identities such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and non-binary, and teach acceptance for all. The resourceful 'Guide for Adults' at the end of the book offers advice, answers to activities throughout, and signposts to helpful organisations for the adult reading the book with the child.
From Prejudice to Pride: A History of LGBTQ+ Movement by Amy Lame
Paperback RRP £9.99
A rare and inspiring retelling of the LGBTQ+ movement's struggle for civil rights.
From Prejudice to Pride looks at the rise and achievements of the LGBTQ+ movement and the different communities, pioneers and stories of heartbreak and courage that have marched alongside it.
Perfect for readers aged 11 and upwards, this book will inspire courage and pride in young LGBTQ+ people and help answer questions for all readers interested in gender and identity.
Follow LGBTQ+ history from ancient civilisations to the present-day, and learn about key events including the trial of Oscar Wilde, the Stonewall riots, the AIDS crisis, same-sex marriage and changing laws that have impacted on LGBTQ+ life. Gain insight into the shifting attitudes that have challenged lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and the experiences that help us understand what it means to be LGBTQ+ today.
Filled with photographs documenting LGBTQ+ life from the past and present, and from around the world.
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