Rainbow Reads for Children

Books by and about 2SLGBTQQIA+ people for children.

Updated April 9, 2024
W
Winnipeg Public Library
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Daddy & Dada
Brockington, Ryan
Paper Book
Families can come in all shapes and sizes, and this heartwarming picture book affirms that no matter what your family looks like, love is the most important part! Hi, I'm Rumi. Some of my friends have one mom and one dad. Some have one mom or one dad....
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...
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.
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...
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?" Some days...
Julián is a mermaid
Love, Jessica
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! 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...

Also available in eBook and streaming video formats.

JuliOan is a mermaid /
Love, Jessica,
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! 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...

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.

The rainbow parade
Neilson, Emily
Paper Book
A sweet and celebratory story of a family's first time at Pride One day in June, Mommy, Mama, and Emily take the train into the city to watch the Rainbow Parade. The three of them love how all the people in the street are so loud, proud, and colorful, but when Mama suggests they...
Also available in eBook format.
Born ready : the true story of a boy named Penelope
Patterson, Jodie
Paper Book
Jodie Patterson, activist and Chair of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Board, shares her transgender son's experience in this important picture book about identity and acceptance. Penelope knows that he's a boy. (And a ninja.) The problem is getting everyone else to...
Also available in eBook format.
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...
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.
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 George, 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...
Twelfth
Key, Janet
Paper Book
Better Nate Than Ever meets The Parker Inheritance in this heartwarming mystery about finding your people and accepting others as they are. Twelve-year-old Maren is sure theater camp isn't for her. Theater camp is for loud,...
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...
Small town pride
Stamper, Phil
Paper Book
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...
Also available in eBook format.
Sir Callie and the champions of Helston
Symes-Smith, Esme
Paper Book
In a magical medieval world filled with dragons, shape-shifters, and witches, a twelve-year-old nonbinary hopeful knight battles for the heart of their kingdom. This USA Today bestselling series explores identity and gender amid sword fights and magic, and proves anyone can be a hero.
Also available in eBook format.
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...
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.

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...

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