Picture Books featuring Gender Diverse Kids

Picture books for kids featuring characters with a range of gender expressions.

Updated June 14, 2023
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My rainbow.
Neal, Trinity
Paper Book
A dedicated mom puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, based on the real-life experience of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal. Warm morning sunlight and love fill the Neal home. And on one quiet day,...
Ho'onani : hula warrior.
Gale, Heather (Children's author)
Paper Book
Based on a true story, Ho'onani: Hula Warrior is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and an empowering story of a girl who learns to lead and learns to accept who she really is - and in doing so, gains the respect of all those around her.
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...
Sparkle boy.
Newman, Leslea
Paper Book
Young Casey loves sparkly things, just like his older sister, who does not approve until an encounter with teasing bullies helps her learn to accept and respect Casey for who he is. Casey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump truck, but he also loves things that sparkle,...
Red : a crayon's story.
Hall, Michael, 1954-
Paper Book
A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as "red" suffers an identity crisis in this picture book by the New York Times-bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo. This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on...
What Riley wore.
Arnold, Elana K.
Paper Book
Gender-creative Riley knows just what to wear for every occasion during a busy week with family and friends in this sweet and timely picture book from Elana K. Arnold and Linda Davick. Riley wears whatever clothes feel right each day. On Monday, Riley feels shy and wears a bunny...
Julian is a mermaid.
Love, Jessica, 1978-
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...
From the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea.
Thom, Kai Cheng
Paper Book
In the magical time between night and day, when both the sun and the moon are in the sky, a child is born in a little blue house on a hill. And Miu Lan is not just any child, but one who can change into any shape they can imagine. The only problem is they can't decide what to be: a boy or a girl? A...
Morris Micklewhite and the tangerine dress.
Baldacchino, Christine, 1977-
Paper Book
Morris is a little boy who loves using his imagination. But most of all, Morris loves his classroom's dress-up center and its tangerine dress. Morris is a little boy who loves using his imagination. He dreams about having space adventures, paints beautiful pictures and sings the loudest...
Jacob's new dress.
Hoffman, Sarah
Paper Book
Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can't wear "girl" clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by...
I am Jazz! /
Herthel, Jessica
Paper Book
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere "This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a...
Being you : a first conversation about gender
Madison, Megan
Paper Book
Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed...
My shadow is purple.
Stuart, Scott, (Children's author)
Paper Book
As featured on CNN, MSNBC, New York Post, The Daily Beast, The Washington Post, and more My Dad has a shadow that's blue as a berry, and my Mom's is as pink as a blossoming cherry. There's only those choices, a 2 or a 1. But mine is quite different, it's...
Phoenix gets greater /
Wilson-Trudeau, Marty
Paper Book
Phoenix loves to play with dolls and marvel at pretty fabrics. Most of all, he loves to dance--ballet, Pow Wow dancing, or just swirling and twirling around his house. Sometimes Phoenix gets picked on and he struggles with feeling different, but his mom and brother are proud of him. With their...
The pronoun book. [online electronic book]
Ayala-Kronos, Chris
Paper Book
They, she, he . . . all together, us! Join along in this vibrant board book's joyful celebration of people and their pronouns. How do you know what someone wants to be called? Ask! This lively board book features eye-catching illustrations of a diverse cast of people and simple text...

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