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
★ "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.
MY MOMMIES BUILT A TREEHOUSE
PETER, GARETH
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...
Prince & knight
Haack, Daniel
"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...
Payden's pronoun party
Jaryn, Blue
"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...
TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE PRIDE
MCCLINTICK, JOANNA
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
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...
Papa, Daddy, & Riley
Kirst, Seamus
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
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
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?"...
Juli©Łn is a mermaid
Love, Jessica
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
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
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...
PLENTY OF HUGS
MANUSHKIN, FRAN
Cover may vary Two mommies spend a sunny day with their toddler in this cozy, rhyming picture book that is a loving celebration of family. This cheerful book follows a family from morning to night in lively rhyme that rolls off the tongue. There's a buzz for each...
Also available in eBook format.
Bathe the cat
McGinty, Alice B.
Cats + water: What could go wrong? This riotous romp of a picture book follows a frantic family as they try to get some chores done--with no help from the family cat, who keeps scrambling the list of chores to hilarious effect. Get ready for a rollicking read-aloud with a truly purrfect ending.<...
Also available in eBook format.
My moms love me
Membrino, Anna
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.
Jerome by heart
Scotto, Thomas
"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 Jerome...
Pride puppy!
Stevenson, Robin
★"[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.

Phoenix gets greater
Wilson-Trudeau, Marty
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 camper
Woodgate, Harry
A Stonewall Honor Book Children's Illustrated Book of the Year--British Book Awards Best Illustrated Book -- Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2022 Discover a wonderful grandfather-granddaughter relationship, as a little girl hatches the...
Also available in eBook format.
The Lotterys plus one
Donoghue, Emma
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
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,...
ALICE AUSTEN LIVED HERE
GINO, ALEX
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.
The deepest breath
Grehan, Meg
An accessible and beautifully written middle grade novel-in-verse by award-winning Irish author Meg Grehan about Stevie, a young girl reckoning with anxiety about the many things she has yet to understand--including her feelings about her friend Chloe. Perfect for fans of Ivy Aberdeen's...
In the key of us
Lockington, Mariama
Stonewall Book Awards--Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children's & Young Adult Literature 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...
Also available in eBook format.
Too bright to see
Lukoff, Kyle
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 Cover may vary. It's the summer before middle school and eleven...
Also available in eBook and eAudiobook formats.
The witch boy
Ostertag, Molly
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.

Nikhil out loud
Pancholy, Maulik
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...
The moon within
Salazar, Aida
The dazzling story of a girl navigating friendship, family, and growing up, an Are You There God, It's Me Margaret? for the modern day, from debut author Aida Salazar.****Four starred reviews!***** "A worthy successor to Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret set in...
The list of things that will not change
Stead, Rebecca
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.
True you : a gender journey
Agna, Gwen
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
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.

The meaning of pride
Thor, Rosiee
A vibrant ode to the culture and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, The Meaning of Pride, written by Rosiee Thor and illustrated by Sam Kirk, celebrates the beauty, significance, and many dimensions of the concept of Pride as celebrated by millions of people around the world! ...
Also available in eBook format.

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