18 Essential LGBTQ Children's Books For Every Age

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, by Rob Sanders, is the first picture book about the making of the LGBTQ+ flag. It was just released to coincide with Harvey Milk's birthday and the 40th anniversary of the flag. It's perfect for kids in grades 1-3. 

You can check out the book here. 

Artwork courtesy of Penguin Random House.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents a Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, by Marlon Bundo with Jill Twiss, is about a little bunny that falls in love with another bunny. Though the book was originally made to outsell a similar book by Mike Pence’s family, it still holds a message of acceptance and all proceeds go to LGBTQ+ charities. This book is for kids in kindergarten through second grade.

You can check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Chronicle Books. 

My Princess Boy is written by Cheryl Kilodavis and illustrated by Suzanne DeSimone. It tells the story of Dyson and his love for pink, sparkly things. He wears dresses and jeans. He wears tiaras and things. This touching book was inspired by the author's own son, and by her own initial struggle to understand him. The book is a great page-turner for kids aged 4 to 8.

Check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Simon and Schuster.

Neither, a book by Airlie Anderson, takes place in the Land of This and That, where its inhabitants can only be blue bunnies or yellow birds. The story centers on Neither, a green bunny-bird that tries to fit in, but later sets off to find a place in the Land of All. This story features key parts of the transgender experience and is perfect for kids in kindergarten through second grade. 

You can check it out here. 

Artwork courtesy of Hachette Book Group.

King & King was written and illustrated by Linda De Haan and Stern Nijland. The Dutch picture book is about young Prince Bertie defying his mother's orders to find a princess to marry and, instead, falling in love with and marrying Prince Lee. The book has been made into a play and performed in cities as far ranging as Vienna and Mexico City. 

Check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Penguin Random House.

I am Jazz, by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel, is based on the real life story of transgender kid Jazz Jennings. The book describes how Jazz knew that she was a girl even though others thought she was a boy. This book is for kids in kindergarten through second grade. 

Check it out here. 

Artwork courtesy of Penguin Random House. 

The True Adventures of Esther the Wonder Pig, by Steve Jenkins, Derek Walter, and Caprice Crane, features a real-life story of a mini pig and her two dads. When she turns out to not actually be so mini, the accept her for it and move to a farm together so she’s more comfortable. This book is perfect for kids in kindergarten through second grade.

You can check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Hachette Book Group. 

Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World, by Ashley Herring Blake, is about a girl who develops a crush on another girl in the wake of a devastating tornado. When her book of illustrations showing girls holding hands goes missing in the storm, some of the drawings mysteriously show up. This book is for middle-grade readers.

You can check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Hachette Book Group.

The Magic Misfits, by Neil Patrick Harris, is about a runaway kid magician who finds a troupe of fellow illusionists. They work together to defeat evil carnies and their nefarious boss, B. B. Bosso. The book has a lot of diversity in its characters, featuring two gay dads, a kid with a disability, and a kid experiencing homelessness. This book is great for middle-grade readers.

You can check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Hachette Book Group. 

Julián Is a Mermaid, written and illustrated by Jessica Love, is about a young boy named Julián who sees three women dressed as mermaids while riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela. He gets home and creates a fabulous mermaid costume for himself in this touching book about self-love and individuality. This book is for great for kids ages 4-8 years old. 

Preorder it here. 

Artwork courtesy of Penguin Random House. 

Pink Is For Boys, written by Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Eda Kaban, is an empowering picture book that fights back against the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and proves that color is for anyone, regardless of gender. This book is perfect for preschool kids. 

Preorder it here.

Artwork courtesy of Running Press. 

A Peacock Among Pigeons, written by Tyler Curry and illustrated by Clarione Gutierrez, teaches kids to stand out when they don't fit in through the story of Peter, a peacock raised in a flock of pigeons. It's a great read for any age. 

Check it out here. 

Artwork courtesy of A Peacock Among Pigeons.

Worm Loves Worm, written by J. J. Austrian and illustrated by Mike Curato, is about two worms who fall in love and get married. Who wears the dress and who wears the tux? It doesn't matter! All that matters is that worm loves worm. This is a great read for kids aged 4 to 8 years old. 

Check it out here. 

Artwork courtesy of Harper Collins. 

George, by Alex Gino, tells the story of a girl named George who is stuck in a boy's body and how Charlotte's Web helps her come out and live her truth. This is a good read for kids in elementary and middle school. 

Check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Scholastic. 

10,000 Dresses, written by Marcus Ewert and illustrated by Rex Ray, tells the story of Bailey their dreams of beautiful dresses — dresses made of crystals, rainbows, and flowers. While his parents insist on telling him that boys can't wear dresses, everything changes when he meets Laurel and begins making dresses with her. This modern fairy tale is perfect for kids of all ages. 

Check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Seven Stories.

Jacob's New Dress is written by Sarah and Ian Hoffman and illustrated by Chris Case. The book tells the story of a boy who loves to play dress up and the challenge he faces as he tries to convince his parents to let him wear a new dress to school. This heartwarming tale of acceptance and nonconformity is perfect for kids aged 4 to 8.

Check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Albert Whitman & Company. 

Heather Has Two Mommies, written by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Laura Cornell, is a modern classic first published in 1989 as one of "the first lesbian-themed children's book ever published." The story, about Heather and her lesbian moms, is perfect for kids of all ages.

Check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Penguin Random House.

Donovan’s Big Day, written by Leslea Newman and illustrated by Mike Dutton, tells the story of Donovan as he prepares to be the ring bearer at the wedding of his two moms. This story of love, family, and marriage is perfect for kids aged 3 to 7.

Check it out here.

Artwork courtesy of Penguin Random House.