Rainbow Reads for Children

Books by and about 2SLGBTQQIA+ people for children.

Updated August 15, 2024
W
Winnipeg Public Library
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Julián is a mermaid
Love, Jessica
Paper Book
Winner of a 2019 Stonewall Book Award In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women...

Also available in eBook and streaming video formats.

Juliǹ is a mermaid
Love, Jessica
Paper Book
Winner of a 2019 Stonewall Book Award In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women...

Le jour ou Julian voit passer trois femmes magnifiques habillees en sirenes, sa vie change. Il ne reve plus que d'une chose, devenir lui aussi une sirene. Mais que va penser sa Mamita ?

Mom marries Mum!
Setterington, Ken
Paper Book
A brother and sister are thrilled that their mom and mum are getting married! ! A beautiful celebration of a loving family celebrating an important day together.
Canadian author.
When Aidan became a brother
Lukoff, Kyle
Paper Book
Stonewall Book Award Winner - American Library Association (ALA) This sweet and groundbreaking picture book, winner of the 2020 Stonewall Book Award, celebrates the changes in a transgender boy's life, from his initial coming-out to becoming a big brother. When Aidan was born...
Pride colors
Stevenson, Robin
Paper Book
★ "Awash in messages of love and the celebration of individuality... A rare treat for both Pride Day and everyday sharing."--School Library Journal, starred review ★ "A good thing comes in a small, rainbow package...A joyful, affirming, pride-filled read."--Kirkus Reviews,...
Canadian author.
Hooray for she, he, ze, and they! : what are your pronouns today?
Amer, Lindz
Paper Book
In this joyous picture book exploration of gender euphoria, celebrated Queer Kid Stuff and The Rainbow Parenting podcast host Lindz Amer teaches kids about all the ways pronouns can be joyful, defining, and empowering. Everyone has a pronoun. There are hes. There...
Jerome by heart
Scotto, Thomas
Paper Book
"Raphael loves Jerome. I say it. It's easy." This story follows a little boy named Raphael, whose daily rhythm is steeped in his immense affection for his friend Jerome. The two boys share jokes and snacks and plan future adventures to the Himalayas. Even when Raphael's constant talk of...
Too bright to see
Lukoff, Kyle
Stand-alone player
Also available in eBook and eAudiobook formats.
47,000 beads
Adeyoha, Koja
Paper Book
Peyton loves to dance, and especially at Pow Wow, but her Auntie notices that she's been dancing less and less. When Peyton shares that she isn't comfortable wearing a dress anymore, Auntie Eyota asks some friends for help to get Peyton what she needs.
Uncle Bobby's wedding
Brannen, Sarah S.
Paper Book
Chloe's favorite uncle is getting married, and she's not happy about it. But after a magical day with Uncle Bobby and his boyfriend, Jamie, Chloe realizes she's not losing an uncle, but gaining one. Selected by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best picture books of 2020 and by the American...
Prince & knight
Haack, Daniel
Paper Book
"Victorious . . . the premier queer-friendly fairy tale." Kirkus Reviews, starred review "An illuminating fairy tale for young readers to be able to see that not every prince would like to marry a princess." School Library Journal "A colorful and entertaining tale...
Just shy of ordinary
Sass, A. J.
Paper Book
A SYDNEY TAYLOR HONOR BOOK ★ In this heartfelt novel about family, friendship, and identity perfect for fans of The List of Things That Will Not Change and Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World, a thirteen-year-old nonbinary kid discovers that life doesn't...
The list of things that will not change
Stead, Rebecca
Paper Book
EIGHT STARRED REVIEWS! The reassuring book kids and families need right now. "An absolute original . . . a story that kids will love." --R. J. Palacio, bestselling author of Wonder At a time when everything is changing for Bea and her family, the important things...
Also available in eBook and eAudiobook formats.
Molly's tuxedo
Johnson, Vicki
Paper Book
Molly wants to look her best for picture day at her school, and what looks better than a tux? Molly's school picture day is coming up, and she wants to have a perfect portrait taken to hang on their wall. Her mom has picked out a nice dress for her, but Molly knows from...
Papa, Daddy, and Riley
Kirst, Seamus
Paper Book
ALA's 2021 Rainbow Book List Selection NCSS-CBC 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Book One of Bank Street's 2021 Best Children's Books of the Year "A must-have . . . this is a delightful celebration of what makes a family . . . . Holzwarth beautifully renders the characters in...
The witch boy
Ostertag, Molly
Paper Book
From the illustrator of the web comic Strong Female Protagonist comes a debut middle-grade graphic novel about family, identity, courage -- and magic.In thirteen-year-old Aster's family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross...

Also available in eBook format.

My moms love me
Membrino, Anna
Paper Book
Now available in a sweet board book edition, cuddle up and celebrate love in this beautiful story that shines a spotlight on LGBTQIA+ moms! "A hug from Mommy, warm and tight. A squeeze from Mama feels just right. This is how my mommies say, 'We...
Also available in eBook format.
The rainbow parade
Neilson, Emily
CD
Also available in eBook format.
My mommies built a treehouse
Peter, Gareth
Paper Book
Building a treehouse is a big project. But when your mommies are there to help you, there's nothing that can stop you! When one boy sets out to build the treehouse of his dreams, there's so much to consider - from finding the perfect tree to drawing up the plans. There are certainly...
Marley's pride
Retener, Jol?le
Paper Book
A 2025 American Library Association Stonewall Children's Honor Book! ALA Rainbow Book List - Top 10 Titles for Younger Readers, 2025 ★ "A Black nonbinary child finds ways to navigate their sensory sensitivities...
Pride puppy!
Stevenson, Robin
Paper Book
★"[A] sheer delight and will be a welcome addition to shelves everywhere. Highly--and proudly--recommended." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review ★ "This engaging introduction to Pride parades for the youngest readers successfully testifies to the warmth and power of queer...

Also available in eBook format.

Canadian author.

Not he or she, I'm me
Wild, A. M.
Paper Book
A Stonewall Book Award Honor Book "The warmth of everyday gender euphoria is burnished to brilliant radiance" (BCCB, starred review) in this joyous picture book about a day in the life of a non-binary child. A child gets ready for a wonderful day. They...
The Lotterys plus one
Donoghue, Emma
Paper Book
The bestselling author of the adult novel Room bursts onto the children's book scene with this cross between Little Miss Sunshine, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Modern Family.Sumac Lottery is nine years old and the self-proclaimed "good girl" of her (VERY) large,...

Also available in eBook format.

Canadian author.

Elle Campbell wins their weekend
Kahn, Ben (Comics writer)
Paper Book
Ferris Bueller's Day Off meets Gamer Girl for middle grade in this hilarious, heartfelt story about a non-binary kid trying to figure out who they are at home, at school, and in the fandom that changed their life. All Elle Campbell wants to do is meet their hero, non-binary...
Le garçon sorcière
Ostertag, Molly.
Paper Book
See below for English description. Dans la culture du jeune Aster, treize ans, toutes les filles sont élevées pour devenir des sorcières et les garçons, des métamorphes. Toute personne qui ose contrevenir à cette tradition est exclue. Malheureusement pour Aster, il demeure incapable...
Small town pride
Stamper, Phil
CD
From acclaimed author Phil Stamper (The Gravity of Us and As Far as You'll Take Me) comes a poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride. Perfect for fans of Rick by Alex Gino and The Best at It by...
Also available in eBook format.
Just Lizzie
Wilfrid, Karen
Paper Book
A 2024 LAMBDA AWARD FINALIST In this beautifully written contemporary middle grade debut, an eighth grader's study of asexuality in science class leads her to understand her own asexual identity as she embarks on a journey toward self-discovery and self-advocacy. For readers of Alex Gino...
My culture, my gender, me
Corrigan, Cassandra Jules
Paper Book
Gender diversity knows no borders... Exploring identities that span the Indigenous Two Spirit people, the hijras of the Indian subcontinent, the mahu people of Hawaii, the female husbands of the Igbo tribe and many more, Cassandra Corrigan beautifully demonstrates that gender identities...
Gender identity for kids : a book about finding yourself, understanding others, and respecting everybody!
Passchier, Andy
Paper Book
Help kids make sense of who they are and how they feel with this illustrated guide to understanding and answering questions about gender.  What is gender and what does it mean to you? What are ways people express their gender? What if you don't feel like the...
A child's introduction to pride : the inspirational history and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community
Prager, Sarah
Paper Book
The perfect primer for kids ages 8-12, this book celebrates love, hope, equality, and progress by taking an inspirational and essential look at the rich history and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States and around the world. Now a 2024 Rainbow Book List Top 10 Books...

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