Rainbow Reads for Children

Books by and about 2SLGBTQQIA+ people for children.

Updated April 9, 2024
W
Winnipeg Public Library
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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...
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
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 always go according to plan--especially when they start...
Payden's pronoun party
Jaryn, Blue
Paper Book
"I'm not sure I'm a boy... so maybe he is not best for me." Payden has always used he/him pronouns, until one day Payden realizes those words might not fit. Payden's parents promise to throw a big party to introduce whatever pronouns Payden chooses--but which pronouns are the best match? On a...
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.
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...
Mama and Mommy and me in the middle
LaCour, Nina
Paper Book
A little girl stays home with Mama when Mommy goes off on a work trip in this tender, inviting story that will resonate with every child who has missed a parent. For one little girl, there's no place she'd rather be than sitting between Mama and Mommy. So when Mommy goes away on...
What are your words? : a book about pronouns
Locke, Katherine
Paper Book
Follow Ari through their neighborhood as they try to find their words in this sweet, accessible introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns that is perfect for readers of all ages.   Whenever Ari's Uncle Lior comes to visit, they ask Ari one question: "What are your words?"...
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.

Juli©Łn 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 ?

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...
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.

'Twas the night before Pride
McClintick, Joanna
Paper Book
A glittering celebration of queer families puts Pride gently in perspective--honoring those in the LGBTQ+ community who fought against injustice and inequality. Pride's . . . a day that means "Together, we are strong!" This joyful picture-book homage to a day...
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE PRIDE
MCCLINTICK, JOANNA
Paper Book
A glittering celebration of queer families puts Pride gently in perspective--honoring those in the LGBTQ+ community who fought against injustice and inequality. Pride's . . . a day that means "Together, we are strong!" This joyful picture-book homage to a day...
My moms love me
Membrino, Anna
Paper Book
Cuddle up and celebrate love in this picture book that shines a spotlight on LGBTQ+ moms! "A hug from Mommy, warm and tight. A squeeze from Mama feels just right. This is how my mommies say, 'We love you, baby, night and day!"' Two...
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...
Marley's pride
Retener, Jol?le
Paper Book
★ "A Black nonbinary child finds ways to navigate their sensory sensitivities during Pride . . . Joyfully affirming" - Kirkus Reviews, starred review A postitive story of overcoming fears and finding community through identity. ...
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...
Pride puppy!
Stevenson, Robin
Paper Book
Key Selling Points An LGBTQ+ inclusive picture book where identity is not the focus of the story but queer community is centered. The family is intentionally not gendered. The author is part of the LGBTQ+ community and has spoken extensively about Pride with kids of...

Also available in eBook format.

Canadian author.

The good hair day
Trimmer, Christian
Paper Book
Noah has a special day coming up, and he has a very long wish list. But there's one thing missing from it, the thing he wants more than anything else in the world: long, beautiful, wavy hair.
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...
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...

Also available in eBook format.

Canadian author.

Grandad's pride
Woodgate, Harry
Paper Book
Grandad and Milly are back for another adventure, this time honoring the past and celebrating the future with a pride parade. This heartwarming tale continues to wonderful journey that began with the Stonewall Honoree, British Book Award winner, and Waterstones Best Illustrated Book, Grandad's...
Also available in eBook format.
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.

Wednesday Wilson gets down to business
Galbraith, Bree
Paper Book
The most important thing to know about Wednesday Wilson is that she's an entrepreneur. She hasn't started any businesses yet, but she's pretty sure today is the day. She and her best friend, Charlie (Wednesday's future Vice President of Operations), with some help from her little brother, Mister,...

Also available in eBook format.

Canadian author.

Alice Austen lived here
Gino, Alex
Paper Book
From the award-winning author of Melissa, a phenomenal novel about queerness past, present, and future. Sam is very in touch with their own queer identity. They're nonbinary, and their best friend, TJ, is nonbinary as well. Sam's family is very cool with it... as long as Sam...
Also available in eBook format.
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...
In the key of us
Lockington, Mariama
Paper Book
STONEWALL HONOR BOOK ● From the author of the critically acclaimed novel For Black Girls Like Me and the Schneider Family Book Award Winner Forever Is Now, comes a coming-of-age story surrounding the losses that threaten to break us and the friendships that make us...
Also available in eBook format.
Too bright to see
Lukoff, Kyle
Paper Book
A Newbery Honor Book . Winner of the Stonewall Book Award . A National Book Award Finalist "A gentle, glowing wonder, full of love and understanding." -The New York Times Book Review It's the summer before middle school and eleven-year-old Bug's best friend...
Also available in eBook and eAudiobook formats.
Nikhil out loud
Pancholy, Maulik
Paper Book
Lambda Literary Award Winner for LGBTQ+ Middle Grade From the acclaimed actor and Stonewall Honor-winning author of The Best at It, Maulik Pancholy, comes a new middle grade novel about a gay Indian American boy who learns the power of using his voice. For fans of Merci Suárez Changes...
Juniper Harvey and the vanishing kingdom
Varela, Nina
Paper Book
A thrilling fantasy adventure that explores friendship and queer identity, perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and Rick Riordan's Trials of Apollo series! When Juniper Harvey's family moves to the middle of nowhere in Florida, her entire...
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...
True you : a gender journey
Agna, Gwen
Paper Book
There are different ways to show and be who you are in this affirming photographic picture book that offers a celebratory and informative look at kids and their wide-ranging gender identities. "Sometimes it's hard when kids say you have to be a boy or a girl when you're not....
Pink, blue, and you! : questions for kids about gender stereotypes
Gravel, Elise
Paper Book
Simple, accessible, and direct, this picture book is perfect for kids and parents or teachers to read together, opening the door to conversations about gender stereotypes and everyone's right to be their true selves. Is it okay for boys to cry? Can girls be strong? Should...

Also available in eBook format.

Canadian author.


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