Happy LGBTQ Pride Month! Celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots, the month-long celebration works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans. I’ve heard many teachers (wrongfully) assume their students are too young to be exposed to such celebrations. I could not disagree more!
Even if your students are not openly identifying themselves with pronouns or proudly declaring their sexual orientation, trust and believe they ARE sitting in your classrooms! In fact, the Williams Institute reports there are approximately 3.2 million LGBTQ youth between the ages of 8 and 18, more than half of whom (52%) are youth of color (compared to 39% of LGBTQ adults who are people of color). Make all students feel welcomed, respected, and accepted with these age-appropriate LGBTQ elementary reads.
PLEASE NOTE: While affiliate linksย are included in this post, many of these titles can be read online for free using Epic! Books. Without further adieu, here’s a curated shortlist of kid books for Pride Month:
1. Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart
A must-have primer for young readers, this book reveals the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe. With bright colors and joyful families, this book celebrates LGBTQ+ pride. The text is simple and the illustrations diverse. Readers will celebrate the life, healing, light, nature, harmony, and spirit that the rainbows in this book bring. Rainbow: A First Book of Pride is a great gift for pride events and throughout the year!
2. This Day In June by Gayle E. Pitman
In an accurately playful yet validating reflection of the LGBT community,ย This Day In Juneย welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration. In addition to the actual story and sharing in a day when we are all united, also included is a Note to Parents and Other Caregivers with information on how to talk with children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways. But wait, there’s more! Also included is a Reading Guide with all kinds of LGBT history, culture, and facts for diving deeper. This book is an excellent tool for teaching respect, acceptance, and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. I highly recommend this kid book for Pride Month!
3. When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff
This sweet and groundbreaking picture book was the winner of the 2020 Stonewall Book Award. When soon-to-be big brother Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. With his parents’ help, he learns to love with his whole self. There’s so many life lessons in this one book! When Aidan Became a Brother is a heartwarming story that will resonate with transgender children, reassure any child concerned about becoming an older sibling, and celebrate the many transitions a family can experience.
4. Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman
Big sister Susan comes to realize in time that her little sister, Jackie, doesn’t like dresses or fairies. As a matter of fact, she’d rather play with mud and be a super bug! Jackie doesn’t like her long hair, either, and she would rather be called Jack. Will Susan and her family be able to accept that Jackie identifies more as “Jack”? Readers will love this sweet story all about change and acceptance.
5. Sam Is My Sister by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
A similar storyline to #4 on the list, Evan loves being a big brother to Sam and Finn. They do everything together, but lately, Evan notices that he and Sam don’t look like brothers anymore. As time goes by, Evan comes to understand why Sam wants to look like a girlโbecause Sam is a girl. Sam is transgender. Based on one familyโs real-life experiences, this heartwarming story of a girl named Sam and the brothers who love and support her will resonate with readers everywhere.
6. Jacob’s Room to Choose by Sarah Hoffman & Ian Hoffman
A rhyming alphabet book featuring a family that has lost its dog at a Pride parade.
Jacob, who made national headlines by wearing a dress to school, is back in an encouraging story about gender expression. Jacob goes to the boysโ bathroom and is chased out because the boys think he looks like a girl simply because of the way he is dressed. His classmate, Sophie, has a similar experience when she tries to go to the girlsโ bathroom. When their teacher finds out what happened, Jacob and Sophie, with a supportive administration, lead change at their school. A genuinely good read for discovering the many forms of gender expression, this kid book is perfect for Pride Month and reiterating how to treat each other with respect!
7. Pride Puppy! by Robin Stevenson
This rhyming alphabet book tells a lively story with rich, colorful illustrations. Everyone is having a wonderful time together celebrating Pride Dayโthat is until the family dog gets lost in the parade! Luckily, there are lots of people around to help reunite the pup with his family. Readers will gush over every detail as they spot items starting with each letter of the alphabet. This affirming and inclusive book offers a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each and every year!
8. P is for Pride: An ABC Book about Inclusivity by K. Harron
A must-have for inclusive classrooms today! The rainbow spectrum of pages takes young readers rhythmically through the alphabet as you explore words that are all about Inclusivity and Pride! This affirming book is just what families and allies of the LGBTQ+ community need. Help diversify young minds as they learn the foundation of reading with their ABCs while celebrating the beauty of all humans.
9. My Shadow Is Pink by Scott Stuart
My Shadow Is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self-acceptance, equality, and diversity. Inspired by the authorโs own little boy, the main character likes princesses, fairies, and things “not for boys.” He soon learns that everyone has a shadow that they sometimes feel they need to hide. This is an important book for a new generation of children (and adults alike) which exemplifies old-school concepts of unconditional love, respect, and positive parenting.
10. Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick
This picture book pays homage to a day of community and inclusion. Not only does it provide anticipatory joys, but it also packs in a comprehensive history. With bright, buoyant illustrations and lyrical, age-appropriate rhyme modeled on โโTwas the Night Before Christmas,โ it tackles difficult content such as the Stonewall Riots and the AIDS marches. A great read emphasizing the beauty of all families, no matter their composition, I am 100% here for the all-inclusive love!
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Celebrate all people and family situations this year! Comment below what you’ll be reading and what resources you’ll use to promote inclusivity in your elementary classroom. Not sure where to start? I got you covered. Check out my curated collection of kid books for Pride Month on Epic! Books… for FREE!
