8 LGBTQ-Friendly Books to Read to Your Child So They Can See Beyond Gender Stereotypes

Kids are naturally curious and it’s sometimes hard for parents to keep up with all their questions, not to mention figure out how best to answer the most difficult ones. Perhaps one of the hardest is when they start wondering about gender identities. When they ask, “Mama, why does that man dress like a girl?” or “Mama, why does my classmate have two moms?” we must think of ways to make them understand without passing judgment.

That’s where children’s books can help. We want our kids to know that there are many kinds of people and that they should learn to accept these differences, and books explain it in a child-friendly manner. If you want to raise your kids to see beyond gender stereotypes and teach them about different kinds of families, here are some titles to look into.

8 LGBTQ children’s books you can read with your child

From books with main characters who are LGBTQ or still figuring out their sexual orientations, to stories of straight kids or teens with gay friends or parents, these books portray many aspects of the LGBTQ experience for kids as young as 3.

Recommended for ages 3 and older

Heather Has Two Mommies

25 years after its controversial debut, this updated version of a now-classic tale of a little girl with same-sex parents comes across as a sweet, gentle message of inclusion and acceptance.

Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship

Authored by Jessica Walton, illustrated by Dougal MacPherson

This sensitively written book about a transgender teddy bear is done with just the right hand to introduce the idea of gender identity and transition to very young kids, for whom less may be more.

Recommended for ages 4 and older

Harriet Gets Carried Away

Authored and illustrated by Jessie Sima

In one seamless story, this book introduces an exuberant multiracial girl who has two dads, sends her on a fantastic hot-air balloon journey with penguins, and throws her a rollicking rooftop party.

I Am Jazz

Authored by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

This autobiographical picture book about a transgender child chronicles the story of her life (so far); in her words, "I have a girl brain but a boy body." This is an excellent choice to jump-start a conversation about gender, identify, compassion, and honesty.

Jacob’s New Dress

Authored by Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman, illustrated by Chris Case

This cheery book about a confident young boy who feels best when he's wearing a dress is a terrific way for parents to start a conversation with kids feeling their way through unfamiliar terrain.

And Tango Makes Three

Authored by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole

 

And Tango Makes Three is a powerful, gentle story of two male penguins who fall in love at the zoo and together nurture and parent another penguin couple's offspring from the time it's an egg.

Worm Loves Worm

Authored by J.J. Austrian, illustrated by Mike Curato

 

Whether you read this as a smart take on same-sex marriage and changing gender norms or a celebration of free and kindred spirits, Worm Loves Worm is irresistible.

Home at Last

Authored by Vera B. Williams, illustrated by Chris Raschka

 

This sensitive portrait of a loving and recognizably human family, in which school-age Lester is adopted by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, has clear adoption and LGBTQ themes, but the feelings will be recognizable to any kid who's felt anxiety.

For more books for kids and teens about the LBGTQ experience, check out the full list at Common Sense Media.

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out its ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org and sign up for its newsletter to read more articles like this.