LGBTQ+ Children & Young Teenager Books

This children's picture book helps adults to explain gender identity and expression to 4 to 8 year olds using simple language and engaging, diverse characters, covering the entire spectrum of gender. Includes a guide for parents and professionals and a lesson plan at the end of the book.

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.

'In this era of gender revolution, A House for Everyone reminds us that gender isn't two boxes but a rainbow with room for children of every gender. Jo Hirst's brilliant book teaches all our children about gender identity and gender expressions while celebrating gender acceptance--let's bring it to every classroom and household.'
- Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D. Author of The Gender Creative Child and Gender Born, Gender Made, Director of Mental Health of the Child and Adolescent Gender Center

'A vibrant, up-beat story about inclusion and acceptance, looking past stereotypes and embracing human differences. It's a much-needed resource in the Gender Identity category.'
- Rebecca Seymour, Little Parachutes

Author: Jo Hirst, illustrated by Naomi Bardoff
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781785924484

Tiny prefers not to tell other children whether they are a boy or girl. Tiny also loves to play fancy dress, sometimes as a fairy and sometimes as a knight in shining armour. Tiny's family don't seem to mind but when they start a new school some of their new classmates struggle to understand.

'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

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.

'Books on gender identity for young children are still very few and far between. Children who do not identify as boys or girls will find Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl? immensely reassuring. It will be extremely valuable too in schools, in families, and in other settings - for helping young children understand gender diversity and question gender stereotypes. At the end there are a number of useful discussion starters, for example 'Does it matter if Tiny is a boy or a girl?' and 'What would you ask Tiny if you met them?', followed by information about organisations that provide support on gender identity issues. A sensitive and important book, written by campaigners for transgender rights.'
- Anne Harding

'The real value for children and parents in this book stems from its simplicity, it puts the story across in a grounded manner and invites open discussion. The authors, Fox Fisher and Sarah Savage have collaborated to produce what I feel is an amazing book.'
- Sophie Smallman

Author: Sarah Savage and Fox Fisher, illustrated by Fox Fisher
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781785922671

Kit, a 12 year old who identifies as a boy, explains all about gender variance, the experience of medical transition and how his family, friends and school can support him. This illustrated introduction to gender diversity will be a helpful guide and discussion starter for children 11+, as well as for older readers.

Meet Kit - a 12 year old undergoing medical transition - as he talks about gender and the different ways it can be explored. He explains what it is like to transition and how his friends, family and teachers can help through talking, listening and being proactive.

With illustrations throughout, this is an ideal way to start conversations about gender diversity in the classroom or at home and suitable for those working in professional services and settings. The book also includes a useful list of recommended reading, organisations and websites for further information and support.

'A much needed piece of work! The pedagogies outlined in this book have made a positive, significant difference to the lives of young trans people in our schools. By following the practical strategies we can together begin the journey to inclusion. This guide will help you take the first steps to educate and then support you to create an environment that actively celebrates gender diversity! A definite go-to-guide for all schools.'
- Dr Elly Barnes MBE, CEO of Educate & Celebrate

Author: Sarah Savage and Fox Fisher, illustrated by Fox Fisher
Format: Paperback
Pages: 64
ISBN: 9781785921056

Meet Alan Turing, the genius code cracker and father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.

Alan grew up in England, where his best friends were numbers and a little boy called Christopher. When his young friend died, Alan retreated to the world of numbers and codes, where he discovered how to crack the code of the Nazi Enigma machine.

This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant mathematician's life.

Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by: Ashling Lindsay
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780711246775

Meet Billie Jean King, the openly gay tennis star who has dedicated her life to breaking barriers both on and off the tennis court.

Billie Jean began playing tennis at the age of 11. After one of her first tennis lessons, she told her mother, "I'm going to be No. 1 in the world," a title she would come to hold five times between 1966 and 1972. Twenty years later, she is still today considered one of the most successful women in sports history.

This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the amazing sportswoman's life.

Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by: Miranda Sofroniou
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780711246928

Meet David Bowie, the starman who dazzled audiences with his music.

As a child, young David had a head full of songs and ideas. He was inspired by the pop and mod scenes in Britain to pick up the saxophone. After earning his stripes in some of the coolest bands in London, David splashed onto the solo scene.

His songwriting talent and musical skill made him one of rock and roll's all-time greatest artists. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the musician's life.

Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by: Ana Albero
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781786038036

Meet Elton John, the piano wizard who rocketed to stardom with his music.

As a child, Elton started playing his grandmother's piano in Harrow, London. He could pick tunes out by ear and was soon attending lessons at the Royal Academy. After answering an advertisement in a newspaper, Elton teamed up with a lyric-writing buddy: Bernie Taupin. The rest was history.

Elton's songwriting talent, musical skill, and dazzling outfits have made him one of the all-time greats. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the musician's life.

Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by: Sophie Beer
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780711258389

Meet Emmeline Pankhurst, an inspiring women’s rights activist who changed the world for future generations of women.

As a child, Emmeline Pankhurst was inspired by books about heroes who fought for others. She dedicated her life to fighting for women’s voting rights and, with hard work and great bravery, led a remarkable movement that changed the world.

This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the activist’s life.

Author: Lisbeth Kaiser
Illustrated by: Ana Sanfelippo
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781786030191

Meet Frida Kahlo, the world-renowned painter.

When Frida was a teenager, a terrible road accident changed her life forever. Unable to walk, she began painting from her bed. Her self-portraits, which show her pain and grief, but also her passion for life and instinct for survival, have made her one of the most famous artists of the twentieth century.

This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the artist's life.

Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrated by: Gee Fan Eng
Format: Hardback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781847807700

A comic style children's book that tells the story of Stephie, a 7-year-old transgender girl, whose Dad is still struggling to recognise and accept her gender. It portrays a powerful message for children aged 6-9, that no one else other than ourselves gets to decide who we are.

'My Dad thinks I'm a boy named Stephen who likes wrestling and fishing. But that's what my Dad likes.'

Stephie is 7 years old. She likes bugs, books and spaghetti. Also, she's a girl... which should be pretty easy to understand, right? Well, not for her Dad! He's been mistaking her for a boy since she was born and struggles to see her for who she is.

This powerful and uplifting book for children aged 6 - 9 and their families humorously portrays a situation that is often too common, where a trans child is forced to negotiate between their true self and their parents' love.

With amusing illustrations, and a useful guide for adults, it's the perfect book to help show children that no one else other than ourselves gets to decide who we are.

'Sophie Labelle's My Dad Thinks I'm A Boy is a hilarious, tender, zany, and thoughtful story about growing up with a parent who doesn't always understand you. Readers will laugh, cry, and learn along with Stephie as she tries to help her dad see her for who she truly is.'
- Kai Cheng Thom, award-winning author of From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea

'A powerful, authentic and engaging story that shifts our understanding of trans kids to a new and a more real level. This book is a breath of fresh air, that allows the reader to get to know trans people from their own perspective. Often our stories are told from people from the outside looking in, but Sophie cleverly manages to shift that focus to the trans person and their experiences, which gives the story more authenticity, realness and power.'
- Owl (Ugla Stefanía Kristjönudóttir Jónsdóttir), writer, film maker and campaigner.

Author: Sophie Labelle
Format: Hardback
Pages: 48
ISBN: 9781787752214

My Shadow is Pink is the new children's book making grown-ups cry. Dannii Minogue interviewed the author Scott Stuart on Instagram and she said - I've almost cried 3 times!

Inspired by the best selling Melbourne author's own son, My Shadow is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story of love and self-acceptance that touches on the subjects of gender identity, equality and diversity.

The reader follows the journey of a young boy who has been born into a family with a long history of blue shadows. He wants to be just like his father, who is big and strong, with a defined blue shadow. However, the boy has an irrepressible pink shadow, and loves ponies and books and pink toys, princesses, fairies, and things 'not for boys'. With the love and acceptance of his father, he learns that everyone at times, has a shadow they wish was different ... and he must embrace his shadow just the way it is. My Shadow is Pink is a labour of fatherly love.

When Scott's son Colin was three, he fell in love with Frozen's Queen Elsa. He wanted every available toy and costume; his most prized possession was an Elsa doll, which he took absolutely everywhere and proudly showed anyone and everyone. One day he came home from preschool completely distraught. Someone had told him that Elsa was - a girl's toy and not for boys. That day Scott resolved to always support his son and the things he loves, even if they challenge his - or society's - expectations. Scott started working on My Shadow is Pink that same night.

He hopes by sharing this story that readers will be encouraged to accept and love their true selves, and help break down some gender stereotypes along the way.

Author: Scott Stuart
Format: Paperback
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780648728764

Phoenix wants to wear her favourite purple dress to express her gender, but she is scared of being bullied on her first day of school. Follow Phoenix's journey as she arrives at school, makes some friends, stands up for herself, and helps us learn to be true to who we really are.

'With her handstands, towers and lavender flowers, Phoenix inspires brave young people to share their stories and be proud of who they are. She also shows us what can happen when communities come together to celebrate diversity.'
- Brook Pessin-Whedbee, author of Who Are You? The Kids Guide to Gender Identity

'Someday we'll live in a world where any child can wear a dress with freedom and delight, but until then, Phoenix Goes to School is a brilliant must-read for every child who either is a gender creative or transgender child or wants to be their ally.'
- Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D. author of The Gender Creative Child and Gender Born, Gender Made, director of Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Gender Center

'This book is not only a delightful tale about being yourself straight from the mouth of a child living her truth, but it is also a critical tool for trans children, their families, educators, and anyone else who seeks to better understand the lives and realities of transgender youth. An essential to any affirming bookshelf.'
- Gavin Grimm, youth activist

Author: Michelle and Phoenix Finch, illustrated by Sharon Davey
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781785928215

Teen life is hard enough with all of the pressures kids face, but for teens who are LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender), it's even harder. When do you decide to come out? To whom? Will your friends accept you? And how on earth do you meet people to date?

Updated in 2018, Queer is a humorous, engaging, and honest guide that helps LGBT teens come out to friends and family, navigate their new LGBT social life, figure out if a crush is also queer, and rise up against bigotry and homophobia.
Queer also includes personal stories from the authors and sidebars on queer history.

This updated and revised edition is a must-read for any teen who thinks they might be queer - or knows someone who is.

Author: Kathy Belge & Marke Bieschke
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
ISBN: 9781942186489

The prince no longer kisses the princess, Cinderella helps her new husband to pick a new dress and the relationship between Mr Wolf and the three little pigs is a bit more complicated than you might have thought.

In this collection of delightful, empowering and often magical tales, Kevin Walker creates and adapts a host of stories for the LGBTQ+ community. These sometimes traditional and sometimes modern tales show queer people that they belong not only in today’s world, but also in a storytelling tradition going back centuries, if not millennia.

This is a wonderful collection for LGBTQ+ readers of all ages to enjoy and continue to tell for years to come, introducing characters who are romantic, brave, mysterious or fantastical – but always authentic.

Author: Kevin Walker
Format: Hardback
Pages: 176
ISBN: 9780750993807

In this delightful story, a kind stranger helps a whole village celebrate its inhabitants' differences. Beautifully illustrated and peopled with funny characters of many shapes, colours and customs, it includes guidance for adults on helping children aged 3+ understand the importance of diversity.

In a land faraway, there is a village where nobody likes to mix with anyone who is different from them. Until an unexpected visitor comes along, and shows the villagers how much stronger they are when they all come together...

This vibrantly illustrated story helps children aged 3+ celebrate diversity and be kind to others. In the face of adversity, a stranger helps creatures of different shapes, colours and habits to unite, and transform their village into a harmonious rainbow. At the back is a support section for adults, written by Diversity Role Models, to help children talk about and understand the story.

Author:Emmi Smid
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781785922480

'My Dad's name is Haley. She used to be a he but now she is a she! Last year she did this thing called transition. She grew her hair long, painted her nails in bright colours and started wearing different clothes.'

When Mini's cousin accidentally misgenders her dad Haley, Mini explains why misgendering is hurtful and why we need to treat trans people with respect. Mini 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 dad who has transitioned, this book passes on an important message about acceptance and respect, and covers pronouns, dysphoria, family diversity and misgendering.

Author: Sarah Savage, illustrated by Joules Garcia
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781785926150

Illustrated fairytales teaching children age 6 - 9 about gender identity and relationships. This engaging workbook will support inclusive learning environments in schools and the fun activities help children connect with and explore the ideas raised in each story.

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.

Author: Amie Taylor
Format: Paperback
Pages: 144
ISBN: 9781787753372

This reimagining of a classic fairytale helps children understand that love isn't always between a boy and a girl. Starring a prince who was magically turned into a frog and needs to find true love to break the spell, it is a funny, uplifting story that introduces the importance of equality and diversity to children aged 3-7.

One day, Oskar and his sister Caroline meet a prince who was turned into a frog by an evil wizard. Only true love's kiss can break the spell - both Caroline and Oskar want to help, but which of them will be the frog prince's true love?

This brightly illustrated, heart-warming take on a classic fairytale teaches children about same-sex relationships and attraction. Exploring what it means to be in a healthy, loving relationship, it encourages children to listen to others, be kind, and embrace diversity and equality. Ideal for children aged 3-7.

'This is a crucial book for kids to read; it promotes the importance of self-acceptance, as well as respect for others, and does so in a fresh, creative and engaging way. I wish resources like this had existed when I was growing up!'
- Vicky Beeching, Writer, speaker, and LGBT campaigner

'The Prince and the Frog will delight countless children at bedtime ... and perhaps even inspire tomorrow's human rights champions.'
- Charles Radcliffe, former Head of Equality & Non-Discrimination, United Nations Human Rights Office, New York

'Olly has written another sweet, endearing love story with a twist. It's a joy to read children's books that feature same sex relationships, as representation and visibility are key when developing empathy and compassion from an early age.'
- Gemma Curtis, Head of Education, Diversity Role Models

'I wish a book like this had existed when I was a kid. Teaching diversity and acceptance from a young, formative age is extremely important and this story hits the nail on the head.'
- Riyadh Khalaf, TV Presenter and LGBTQI+ Filmmaker

Author: Olly Pike
Format: Hardback
Pages: 48
ISBN: 9781785923821

Vincent is a fox who is assigned male at birth, but who knows they are actually a girl. With the help of family and friends, Vincent begins to understand their gender identity and the importance of accepting and being authentic to who they truly are. Part of the Truth & Tails series for children ages 4-8.

'Beautifully illustrated and a simple introduction to the complex topic of gender, gender identity and gender expression. Offers children and their parents an easy way to start a conversation about gender. Humanising trans issues through anthropomorphic wild-life.'
- Fox Fisher, film-maker, artist, and trans campaigner

'This is a wonderful children's? book. A really useful resource for discussing diversity, and gender identity with young people. A definite must-read for anyone discussing diversity, gender, or LGBT issues.'
- Aimee Challenor, Equality Campaigner, Political Spokesperson, Pride Trustee

'This text is a needed contribution to LGBTQ* children's literature. The inclusion of an adult transgender character able to help Vincent the Vixen reach self-awareness in a positive way is critical to conversations about LGBTQ youth who frequently grow up in cisgender heterosexual households where a lack of common experience, regardless of the best intentions, can lead to feelings of isolation. This is an impressive text that accommodates even the youngest readers while introducing important ideas into the emerging canon of LGBTQ* children's literature.'
- Raise Them Righteous

Author: Alice Reeves, illustrated by Phoebe Kirk
Format: Hardback
Pages: 48
ISBN: 9781785924507

This book introduces children to gender as a spectrum and shows how people can bend and break the gender binary and stereotypes. It includes an interactive wheel, clearly showing the difference between our body, expression and identity, and is an effective tool to help children 5+ understand and celebrate diversity.

What do you like?
How do you feel?
Who are you?

This brightly illustrated children's book provides a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 5+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. An interactive three-layered wheel included in the book is a simple, yet powerful, tool to clearly demonstrate the difference between our body, how we express ourselves through our clothes and hobbies, and our gender identity. Ideal for use in the classroom or at home, a short page-by-page guide for adults at the back of the book further explains the key concepts and identifies useful discussion points.

This is a one-of-a-kind resource for understanding and celebrating the gender diversity that surrounds us.

'A much-needed non-fiction children's book exploring gender. Who Are You? will benefit every child!'
- Pamela Wool, Director of Family Services, Gender Spectrum

'A gem that promises to make these concepts accessible to teachers and immediately useful in their classroom contexts. It will certainly become a "go to" resource in teacher education.'
- Thomas M. Philip, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Teacher Education and Urban Schooling, UCLA

Author: Brook Pessin-Whedbee, illustrated by Naomi Bardoff
Format: Hardback
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781785927287

This is an educational children's book for ages 7-11 that makes gender identity, romantic orientation, and family diversity easy to explain to children. Charming illustrations help children engage with concepts such as intersectionality, discrimination, privilege and allyship in a comprehensible and respectful manner.

Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Gold Medal Winner

This is an illustrated children's book for ages 7-11 that makes gender identity, sexual orientation and family diversity easy to explain to children.

Throughout the book kids learn that there are many kinds of people in the world and that diversity is something to be celebrated. It covers gender, romantic orientation, discrimination, intersectionality, privilege, and how to stand up for what's right. With charming illustrations, clear explanations, and short sections that can be dipped in and out of, this book helps children think about how to create a kinder, more tolerant world.

'You Be You! is a much needed honest, inclusive and respectful guide that should be read by all kids and adults alike! The author's comprehensive approach including discussions about discrimination, intersectionality and privilege make this book an exceptional and timely resource.'
- Kimberly Zieselman, JD, Executive Director, interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth'

A great book of real power, this will be useful in schools, at home, and just about anywhere. We learn the meaning of words like: gender and gender identity, intersex, cisgender, asexual, gay and lesbian, straight (heterosexual), bisexual (pansexual), orientations (sexual or romantic), discrimination, sexism, transgender and transphobia, and homophobia. All these are described in simple but truthful terms with easily understood and enjoyable vignette picture to go with them. I must say, I learned a lot!'
- School Library Journal

Author: Jonathan Branfman, illustrated by Julie Benbassat
Format: Hardback
Pages: 80
ISBN: 9781787750104