Youth Books to Celebrate Pride

people of pride by Chase Clemesha

"What do Frank Ocean, Sally Ride, George Takei, and Sharice Davids all have in common? They're all proud LGBTQ Americans! Featuring people from a variety of occupations and backgrounds, this collection of 25 short biographies demonstrates the diversity, accomplishments, and pride within the American LGBTQ community."--Amazon.

the every body book by Rachel E. Simon

"This vibrant and beautifully illustrated book educates children about sex, gender, and relationships in a way that is inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Covering puberty, hormones, pregnancy, consent, sex, babies, relationships,and families, it uses gender-neutral language throughout and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including race, ethnicity, faith, bodies, gender, and sexuality. For use with children ages 8-12." -- Back cover.

rainbow allies by Nancy Churnin

"When a lesbian couple comes home one day to find their Pride flag stolen and their front porch egged, the sense of belonging they had felt in their community is threatened. Are they safe in their house? The support they need comes from an unexpected place--the neighborhood's children. Together, the local kids create a plan to show Cari and Lauri just how valued they are in the community. Based on real-life events, Rainbow Allies tells the story of how a Massachusetts neighborhood rallied together around Cari and Lauri--and their dogs, Twink and Scout--to make them feel welcomed and loved again after an act of hate....[T]his book is an inspiring introduction to allyship for young readers and changemakers." --Publisher's website.

are you a friend of dorothy? by Kyle Lukoff

"A narrative explanation of the phrase 'friend of Dorothy,' a phrase coined by the LGBTQ+ community in the United States starting in the 1940s"--Provided by publisher.

being you by Megan Madison

"Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood development and activism against injustice, this topic-driven book offers clear, concrete language and imagery to introduce the concept of gender. This book serves to normalize and celebrate the range of gender identities, preferences, and pronouns, and recognize the institutionalized ideas about gender that feminists are working to correct" -- Provided by publisher.

marley's pride by Joëlle Retener

"Marley is a little nonbinary kid with big anxieties. Crowds? Pass. Loud noises? No, thanks. When their Zaza is up for an award at Pride, they want to go to the parade for the first time with their beloved grandparent. But can Marley overcome their fears? Highlighting the joyful experiences of a queer Black family finding community at Pride, this story features endmatter about the history of Pride, a glossary of LGBTQ+ terms, and a list of resources." --publisher's website.

pride by Rob Sanders

The very first picture book about the remarkable and inspiring story of the Gay Pride Flag! In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's world. Award-winning author Rob Sanders's stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno's evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable - and undertold - story. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride.

'twas the night before pride by Joanna McClintick

"It's the night before Pride and families everywhere are preparing to partake. As one family in particular packs snacks and makes signs, one older sibling shares the importance of the march with the newest member of their family. Sitting on the couch with a mom on each side, the family talks about what Pride means to them. It's a day filled with glitter, rainbows, and love, but it also honors those in the LGBTQ,+ community who fought against injustice and inequality. Everyone agrees that the best thing about Pride is getting to be yourself." -- dust jacket.

this day in june by Gayle E. Pitman

"A picture book illustrating a Pride parade. The endmatter serves as a primer on LGBT history and culture and explains the references made in the story" -- Provided by publisher.

teo's tutu by Maryann Jacob Macias

"This story of a boy's first ballet recital celebrates gender-creativity, the joy of dance, and being yourself Téo loves to dance, whether it's the cumbia with Papí, the bhangra with Amma, or ballet class with Miss Lila. He also loves the way his tutu makes him feel, inside and out. But when it comes time to decide which outfit to wear in the big dance recital--a sparkly tutu or shimmering silver pants--Téo wonders if being his most authentic self on stage will put him too much in the spotlight"--Amazon.com.

grandad's camper by Harry Woodgate

Gramps and Grandad were adventurers. They would surf, climb mountains, and tour the country in their amazing camper. Gramps just made everything extra special. But after Gramps died, granddad hasn't felt like traveling anymore. So, their amazing granddaughter comes up with a clever plan to fix up the old camper and get Grandad excited to explore again--Amazon.com.

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.

o.k. is gay by Vincent X. Kirsch

Author-illustrator Vincent X. Kirsch's picture book O.K. Is Gay is a bold celebration of being who you are and loving who you love Olivio Kipling, known to his friends as O.K., has something to say: He loves George, and he can't wait to share his feelings with his whole community. O.K. rushes from friend to friend, excited to tell them his big news, but he's having some trouble. Everyone assumes they know what he's going to say, and he can't quite get the words out. O.K. tries again and again until, with a little help from someone special, he's finally able to tell everyone what he wanted to say: O.K. is gay, and he and George belong together! From author-illustrator Vincent X. Kirsch comes a sweet story of queer joy that explores how-even in loving and supportive communities-there is power in being able to name who you are, and in finding others who share your experience. Vincent X. Kirsch is an author, illustrator, playwright, and designer. He is the author-illustrator of books for children, including From Archie to Zack, How I Learned to Fall Out of Trees, and Natalie & Naughtily. He lives in Pasadena, CA. You can find him online at vincentxkirsch.com.

family week by Sarah Moon

"For as long as they can remember, Mac, Lina, Milo and Avery have celebrated Family Week together in "the smallest, gayest town in the world"--Provincetown, Massachusetts. But this summer, their big rented beach house feels different. Avery's dads are splitting up, and her life feels like it's falling apart. Milo's flunked seventh grade, which means everyone is moving on to bigger and better things except for him. Mac's on his way to a progressive boarding school that lets transgender kids like him play soccer, but it means leaving his twin sister, Lina, and his moms--and the safety of home--behind. Everything is changing, and for Lina, it feels like it's happening with or without her. Avery, Milo, and Mac know this is going to be their last summer together. But Lina can't accept that--and if she can make this the best summer ever, maybe she'll convince them that there will be a Family Week next year. Good things might not last in the real world, but they do in P-town... Right?"-- Provided by publisher.

aristotle and dante discover the secrets of the universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Fifteen-year-old Ari Mendoza is an angry loner with a brother in prison, but when he meets Dante and they become friends, Ari starts to ask questions about himself, his parents, and his family that he has never asked before.

verona comics by Jennifer Dugan

Told in two voices, cellist Jubilee and anxiety-ridden Ridley meet at a comic con where both of their families have booths, and begin a relationship they must hide from their parents.

hurricane child by Kacen Callender

Born on Water Island in the Virgin Islands during a hurricane, which is considered bad luck, twelve-year-old Caroline falls in love with another girl--and together they set out in a hurricane to find Caroline's missing mother.

the hotel whodunit by Lilliam Rivera

In early 1960s Florida, sixteen-year-old Goldie, an aspiring detective at the Crossed Palms Resort Hotel, investigates when a diamond-encrusted swim cap goes missing during the filming of a movie at the resort.

answers in the pages by David Levithan

"When Donovan left his copy of The Adventurers on the kitchen counter, he didn't think his mom would read it--much less have a problem with it. It's just an adventure novel about two characters trying to stop an evil genius. But soon the entire town is freaking out about whether the book's main characters are gay, Donovan's mom is trying to get the book removed from the school curriculum, and Donovan is caught in the middle. Donovan doesn't really know if the two boys fall in love at the end or not but he does know this: even if they do, it shouldn't matter. The book should not be banned from school." -- dust jacket.

jude saves the world by Ronnie Riley

Perfect for fans of Alex Gino, A. J. Sass, and Kyle Lukoff this is the joyful and heartwarming story of Jude, a nonbinary kid who knows exactly who they are and decides to create a safe space in their community from Indies Introduce and Indie Next List pick author, Ronnie Riley.

Twelve-year-old Jude struggles with some things: focusing at school, feeling like everything rests on their shoulders, not being able to come out as nonbinary to their old-fashioned grandparents. But Jude doesn't struggle with Dallas, their best friend in the whole world. Their person.Jude and Dallas's world changes when they learn Stevie, a girl in their class, has been ousted from the popular clique at school. Worried it had something to do with Stevie's rumored crush on another girl, Jude reaches out to see if Stevie is okay. Stevie quickly becomes an important friend to Jude and Dallas, whose unwavering acceptance of her is a stark contrast to the tests and dysfunction she experienced with her former friend group.As their friendship deepens and the three open up to each other, Stevie's unconditional and open acceptance when Jude comes out to her motivates them to create a queer safe space in their community. Jude has the courage and determination it takes to create the first Diversity Club in their community, but will they be able to find the support they need to make it happen?