Gender is a spectrum and we love books and authors that celebrate this truth! Enjoy this list highlighting diverse books written by authors who are transgender, non-binary, gender fluid, or experience gender in one of the many other ways that defy a simple female/male dichotomy.

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Peanut Goes for the Gold

By Jonathan Van Ness

Peanut just has their own unique way of doing things. Whether it’s cartwheeling during basketball practice or cutting their own hair, this little guinea pig puts their own special twist on life. So when Peanut decides to be a rhythmic gymnast, they come up with a routine that they know is absolutely perfect, because it is absolutely, one hundred percent Peanut.

Ana on the Edge

By A.J. Sass

Twelve-year-old figure skater Ana strives to win competitions while learning about gender identity–Ana’s own and that of a new friend–and how to navigate the best path forward.

King of the Dragonflies

By Kacen Callender

eBook

In a small but turbulent Louisiana town, one boy’s grief takes him beyond the bayous of his backyard, to learn that there is no right way to be yourself.

When Aidan Became a Brother

By Kyle Lukoff

Aidan, a transgender boy, experiences complicated emotions as he and his parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby.

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea

By Kai Cheng Thom

In the magical time between night and day, when both the sun and the moon are in the sky, a child is born. 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 bird or a fish? A flower or a shooting star? At school, though, they must endure inquisitive looks and difficult questions from the other children, and have trouble finding friends who will accept them for who they are. But they find comfort in the loving arms of their mother, who always offers them the same loving refrain: “Whatever you dream of / I believe you can be / From the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea.”

George

By Alex Gino

Playaway   |   eBook   |   eAudiobook

When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she’s a girl. When her teacher announces that the class play is going to be Charlotte’s Web, George really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can’t even try out for the part . . . because she’s a boy. With the help of her best friend, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte — but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all!

Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story about Gender and Friendship

By Jess Walton

Thomas is Errol’s best friend and teddy. Thomas is sad because he wishes he was a girl, not a boy teddy. What only matters to both is that they are friends.

Jacob’s New Dress

By Sarah and Ian Hoffman

eBook

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 boys who don’t identify with traditional gender roles.

Jacob’s Room to Choose

By Sarah and Ian Hoffman

After Jacob and Sophie are prevented from using the school bathrooms, their teacher helps her students write new rules about who can use which bathroom.

The Other Boy

By M.G. Hennessey

Since 12-year-old Shane moved to a new town, he has concealed the fact he was born a girl. When one of his classmates learns he is a transgender, Shane must deal with the reactions of his entire community.

Don’t forget that we also have the following services available:

• Book Bundles Collections for readers, educators, and licensed childcare providers.
• Book and Movie Picks Personalized recommendations just for you.
• Book Kits Pre-selected book collections that are great for small book groups or clubs.

If you have any questions about any of our services, or you’re looking for help outside of the above, feel free to contact a staff member at any location for help. 

As always, thank you for your continued support!