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Worm Loves Worm
by J. J. Austrian
A simply told celebration of love in all its splendid forms finds the insect community preparing to attend the wedding of two apparently identical worms and wondering which will wear the tux and which the gown before deciding it does not matter. Illustrated by the artist of the Little Elliot series.
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10,000 Dresses
by Marcus Ewert
Bailey longs to wear the beautiful dresses of her dreams but is ridiculed by her unsympathetic family which rejects her true perception of herself.
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King & King
by Linda de Haan
When the queen insists that the prince get married and take over as king, the search for a suitable mate does not turn out as expected.
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Red: A Crayon's Story
by Michael Hall
Red's factory-applied label clearly says that he is red, but despite the best efforts of his teacher, fellow crayons and art supplies, and family members, he cannot seem to do what's expected of him until a new friend offers a fresh perspective.
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When Aidan Became a Brother
by Kyle Lukoff
Aidan, a transgender boy, experiences complicated emotions as he and his parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby.
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It's Okay to Be Different
by Todd Parr
Illustrations and brief text describe all kinds of differences that are "okay," such as "It's okay to be a different color," "It's okay to need some help," "It's okay to be adopted," and "It's okay to have a different nose."
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This Day in June
by Gayle E. Pitman
A picture book illustrating a Pride parade. The endmatter serves as a primer on LGBT history and culture and explains the references made in the story.
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And Tango Makes Three
by Justin Richardson
When male penguins Silo and Roy attempt to hatch an egg-shaped rock and find no success in their efforts, the zookeepers decide to place a fertilized penguin egg in their cage and end up with little baby Tango, in an amusing tale based on a true story from the Central Park Zoo.
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Pride Colors
by Robin Stevenson
In this photographic concept book, babies and toddlers are introduced to the PRIDE flag and the meaning behind each color.
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Pride Puppy!
by Robin Stevenson
A rhyming alphabet book featuring a family who have lost their dog at a Pride parade.
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Piggy Bunny
by Rachel Vail
Liam is a piglet who wants to be the Easter Bunny when he grows up, but no one believes he can do it until, with a lot of practice and some help from his grandparents, he shows them all.
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Love, Violet
by Charlotte Sullivan Wild
Of all the kids in Violet's class, only one leaves her speechless: Mira, the girl with the cheery laugh who races like the wind, and as Valentine's Day approaches, shy Violet musters the courage to tell Mira just how special she is.
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Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring
by Matthew Burgess
Truly devoted to the idea of public art, Haring created murals wherever he went. Often seen drawing in white chalk on the matte black paper of unused advertising space in the subway, Haring's iconic pop art and graffiti-like style transformed the New York City underground in the 1980s. Illustrated in paint by Josh Cochran, himself a specialist in bright, dense, conceptual drawings, this honest, celebratory book honors Haring's life and art, along with his very special connection with kids.
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I am Jazz!
by Jessica Herthel
Based on the young co-author's real-life experiences, the story of a transgender child traces her early awareness that she is a girl in spite of male anatomy and the acceptance she finds through a wise doctor who explains her natural transgender status.
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Our Subway Baby
by Peter Mercurio
This gentle and incredibly poignant picture book tells the true story of how one baby found his home. "Some babies are born into their families. Some are adopted. This is the story of how one baby found his family in the New York City subway." So beginsthe true story of Kevin and how he found his Daddy Danny and Papa Pete. Written in a direct address to his son, Pete's moving and emotional text tells how his partner, Danny, found a baby tucked away in the corner of a subway station on his way home fromwork one day. Pete and Danny ended up adopting the baby together. Although neither of them had prepared for the prospect of parenthood, they are reminded, "Where there is love, anything is possible.
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The Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets
by Gayle E. Pitman
A chronicle of gay history in America draws on news clippings, firsthand testimonies and other period sources, in a 5th anniversary account of the Stonewall Riots and other pivotal events that shaped the beginning of the LGBTQ+ movement.
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Families
by Shelley Rotner
Provides a look at all types of families, intending to help young readers understand familial situations different from their own.
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Sex Is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, Feelings, and YOU
by Cory Silverberg
A comic book for kids that includes children and families of all makeups, orientations, and gender identies, Sex Is a Funny Word is an essential resource about bodies, gender, and sexuality for children ages 8 to 10 as well as their parents and caregivers. Much more than the "facts of life" or "the birds and the bees," Sex Is a Funny Word opens up conversations between young people and their caregivers in a way that allows adults to convey their values and beliefs while providing information about boundaries, safety, and joy. The eagerly anticipated follow up to Lambda-nominated What Makes a Baby, from sex educator Cory Silverberg and artist Fiona Smyth, Sex Is a Funny Word reimagines "sex talk" for the twenty-first century.
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Pride: Celebrating Diversity & Community
by Robin Stevenson
Looks at the Pride events of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities from around the world, exploring the history of Pride celebrations and the multifaceted meanings and purposes of the events.
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Longer Fiction & Graphic Novels
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The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James
by Ashley Herring Blake
Twelve-year-old Sunny St. James must navigate heart surgery, reconnections with a lost mother, the betrayal of a former best friend, first kisses, and emerging feelings for another girl.
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Felix Yz
by Lisa Bunker
Accidentally connected most of his life to a fourth-dimensional being whose presence would prevent him from reaching adulthood, 13-year-old Felix records in his secret blog their last shared month before a procedure that will separate or kill them. A first novel.
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Hurricane Child
by Kacen Callender
Born on Water Island in the Virgin Islands during a hurricane, which is considered bad luck, twelve-year-old Caroline falls in love with another girl--and together they set out in a hurricane to find Caroline's missing mother.
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King and the Dragonflies
by Kacen Callender
A 12-year-old boy spends days in the mystical Louisiana bayou to come to terms with a sibling's sudden death, his grief-stricken family and the disappearance of his former best friend amid whispers about the latter's sexual orientation. By the award-winning author of Hurricane Child. Illustrations.
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The Pants Project
by Cat Clarke
A transgender teen who knows he is meant to be a boy struggles with his new private school's strict dress code that requires him to wear a skirt, a ruling that prompts his campaign to change the school's policies. By the award-winning author of Undone.
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Star-Crossed
by Barbara Dee
Star student Mattie is chosen to play Romeo opposite her crush, a newcomer named Gemma, in an eighth-grade production of Romeo and Juliet, a situation that makes her question her orientation about whether she can be attracted to both boys and girls.
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Better Nate Than Ever
by Tim Federle
An eighth-grader who dreams of performing in a Broadway musical devises a plan to run away to New York and audition for the role of Elliot in the musical version of E.T.
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Lily and Dunkin
by Donna Gephart
In a poignant tale by an award-winning author, a transgender girl and a boy struggling with bipolar disorder forge a friendship based on their respective experiences as outsiders trying to fit in. By the author of As If Being 12 3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!
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Melissa: Previously Published As George
by Alex Gino
Knowing herself to be a girl despite her outwardly male appearance, George is denied a female role in the class play before teaming up with a friend to reveal her true self.
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Rick
by Alex Gino
Privately struggling with his best friend's bullying personality and his father's jokes about hot girls, a middle school student joins his new school's Rainbow Spectrum club, where other kids of diverse gender identities help him find understanding and a sense of himself. By the award-winning author of George.
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The Other Boy
by M. G. Hennessey
Hiding his transgender identity behind a veneer of an everyday student who loves baseball and working on his graphic novel, 12-year-old Shane is threatened with exposure by a classmate and begins a painful journey toward acceptance and empathy.
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Redwood and Ponytail
by K. A Holt
A novel in verse about self-acceptance and discovering bonds follows the experiences of two teen girls, an athlete and a cheerleader, who must overcome social barriers that stand in the way of their growing relationship. By the author of Knockout.
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Too Bright to See
by Kyle Lukoff
In the summer before middle school, eleven-year-old Bug must contend with best friend Moira suddenly caring about clothes, makeup, and boys; a ghost haunting; and the truth about Bug's gender identity.
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Princess Princess Ever After
by Katie O'Neill
When the heroic princess Amira rescues the kind-hearted princess Sadie from her tower prison, the two band together to defeat a jealous sorceress with a dire grudge against Sadie.
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The Tea Dragon Society
by Kay O'Neill
After discovering a lost Tea Dragon in the marketplace, apprentice blacksmith Greta learns about the dying art form of Tea Dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners.
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The Witch Boy
by Molly Ostertag
When a boy goes missing during a night of shapeshifting, thirteen-year-old Astor risks going against family tradition by using his magic to help locate him.
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The Best At It
by Maulik Pancholy
Advised by his grandfather to find and master his purpose in life, an Indian American youth living in a small Indiana town struggles to identify his purpose while dodging a bully and learning about his sexual identity. A first novel.
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First Test
by Tamora Pierce
Ten-year-old Keladry of Mindalen, daughter of nobles, serves as a page but must prove herself to the males around her if she is ever to fulfill her dream of becoming a knight.
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Gracefully Grayson
by Ami Polonsky
Hiding the truth about her awareness that she is a girl trapped inside a male body, Grayson finds new strength to embrace her true identity from an unexpected friendship and a supportive teacher. A first novel.
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The Hammer of Thor
by Rick Riordan
When Thor's hammer goes missing once again, Magnus Chase and his companions are challenged to retrieve the weapon from enemy forces that are threatening the Nine Worlds with an army of giants, an effort that requires an agreement with the demanding Loki.
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Goldie Vance: The Hotel Whodunit
by Lilliam Rivera
Complemented by 16 full-color comic pages that contain essential clues, a series debut inspired by the popular comic introduces teen sleuth Goldie Vance, who investigates the theft of a jeweled cap when her mother is wrongly accused.
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The Moon Within
by Aida Salazar
When her mother wants to celebrate her approaching period, Celi Rivera, who is uncomfortable with all the changes happening to her body, is horrified, until she learns what her best friend Magda is contemplating.
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So Hard to Say
by Alex Sanchez
When Frederick moves from Wisconsin to California he quickly makes friends with an outgoing girl named Xio, who wants to be more than just friends, but Frederick finds himself more attracted to Victor, the popular captain of the soccer team.
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Ana on the Edge
by A. J. Sass
Twelve-year-old figure skater Ana strives to win competitions while learning about gender identity--Ana's own and that of a new friend--and how to navigate the best path forward.
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The Marvels
by Brian Selznick
Two stories, one told in pictures tracing the experiences of a mid-18th-century shipwreck survivor, and a prose tale about a 1990s youth who investigates mysteries at a relative's London house, become connected in unexpected ways. By the Caldecott Award-winning creator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret.
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The Deep & Dark Blue
by Niki Smith
When a political coup usurps their noble house, Hawke and Grayson flee for their lives and assume new identities before joining an order of magical women before their quest for vengeance is compromised by Grayson's longing to remain behind and finally live as a girl.
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Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy
by Noelle Stevenson
Best friends Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley spend a fun summer at Lumberjane scout camp where they encounter yetis, three-eyed wolves, and giant falcons while solving a mystery that holds the fate of the world in the balance.
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Drama
by Raina Telgemeier
Designing sets for her middle school's play, Callie tries to overcome limited carpentry skills, low ticket sales and squabbling crew members only to find her efforts further complicated by the arrival of two cute brothers. By the award-winning author of Smile.
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Bonus section #1: Picture Books About Gender Expression That Aren’t Specifically LGBTQIA |
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Jacob's New Dress
by Sarah Hoffman
A heartwarming tale that speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who do not identify with traditional gender roles follows the experiences of young Jacob, who loves playing dress-up but who is told by his peers and parents that he cannot wear a dress to school.
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Big Bob, Little Bob
by James Howe
Possessing dissimilar personalities and preferences despite sharing the same name, Big Bob and Little Bob work diligently to overcome their differences and forge a deep bond based on mutual respect. By the author of the Bunnicula series.
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Julián Is a Mermaid
by Jessica Love
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, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume.
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Bonus section #2: Kids with LGBTQIA Adults in Their Lives: Picture Books |
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Uncle Bobby's Wedding
by Sarah S Brannen
Fearing that her favorite uncle's upcoming marriage to his boyfriend will make him less available, little Chloe enjoys a magically reassuring family visit, in a story produced in cooperation with GLAAD. By the award-winning author of Feathers: Not Just for Flying.
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Antonio's Card
by Rigoberto Gonzâalez
With Mother's Day coming, Antonio finds he has to decide about what is important to him when his classmates make fun of the unusual appearance of his mother's partner, Leslie.
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Mini Mia and Her Darling Uncle
by Pija Lindenbaum
Always happy to spend time with her beloved Uncle Tommy at his special cafe, Mini Mia gets jealous when his new boyfriend, Fergus, arrives and takes up too much of their precious time, causing Mini Mia to wish the unwanted Fergus would just go back to Scotland where he belongs!
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Daddy, Papa, and Me
by Lesléa Newman
A baby makes paper airplanes, bakes a pie, and has a tea party with his two loving fathers. On board pages.
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Heather Has Two Mommies
by Lesléa Newman
A modern classic for this generation is being relaunched with an all-new, beautifully illustrated edition that follows Heather as she goes to playgroup and feels badly at first because she has two mothers and no father, but then she learns that there are lots of different kinds of families and the most important thing is that all the people love each other.
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Mommy, Mama, and Me
by Lesléa Newman
A baby drinks juice, plays in the park, reads, and gets put to bed by her two loving mothers. On board pages.
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The Family Book
by Todd Parr
Celebrates the diversity of families everywhere while revealing how families reflect many different lifestyles and highlighting the reasons why all members are loved, in a volume complemented by teaching and curriculum tips.
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One Family
by George Shannon
A family can be many things, in this story that introduces numbered groups from one to ten.
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Home at Last
by Vera B Williams
Unable to fall asleep in his new bed after being adopted by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, young Lester crawls into his parents' bed every night, challenging the family dog to help him adjust. By the Caldecott Honor-winning author of A Chair for My Mother and the Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator of The Hello, Goodbye Window.
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Bonus section #2: Kids with LGBTQIA Adults in Their Lives: Chapter Books: |
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Ashes to Asheville
by Sarah Dooley
Embarking on a wild road trip to fulfill their late mother's dying wish, two sisters separated by court rulings against their surviving adoptive gay parent share one calamity after another while rediscovering the bonds that make them a family. By the author of Free Verse.
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The Best Man
by Richard Peck
On the cusp of puberty, sixth-grader Archer Magill finds his life filled with change and startling revelations, including his role as best man for two of his role models.
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The Greatest Superpower
by Alex Sanchez
Thirteen-year-old Jorge Fuerte struggles to deal with his father coming out as transgender, his twin brother's anger, and trying to keep the secret from his comic-loving friends and cool, confident, quirky new neighbor Zoey.
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