Call Me Max
When Max lets his teacher know the name he wants to be called by–a boy’s name– it begins a journey as he makes new friends and reveals his feelings about his identity to his parents.
Children’s Picture Books for Pride
Developing one’s identity is a crucial part of childhood. Letting kids choose how they express that identity is just as vital. These freedoms help kids develop interests, gain confidence, be true to themselves, and learn to accept others.
Picture books are a great way to start a conversation about gender identity and expression. Reading stories with trans and gender non-conforming characters has several benefits. It gives children the chance to engage with their grownups about sensitive topics. Such titles allow gender-diverse children to see themselves represented in books. Finally, these books can expand kids’ knowledge of other people, cultivating their empathy.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Children who assert a gender-diverse identity know their gender as clearly and consistently as their developmentally matched peers and benefit from the same level of support, love and social acceptance.”
Conversely, gender stereotypes can be harmful to children. Assigning attributes “for boys” or “for girls” can make children believe that things like—or who they are—are “wrong.” What’s more, a study by Journal for Adolescent Health found that “children at a very early age…quickly internalize this myth that girls are vulnerable, and boys are strong and independent.” Other research shows that gender stereotyping affects us well into adulthood, especially impacting academic and career goals.
No matter how your child identifies or expresses themselves, it’s important for kids to see themselves and different types of people in the books they read. The following picture books can help adults explain, acknowledge and support the experiences of trans and gender-nonconforming youth.
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Big Bob, Little Bob
Big Bob likes trucks and throwing balls and being loud. Little Bob likes dolls and jingling bracelets and being quiet. No matter what they do, they do not do it the same way. Can they possibly be friends despite these differences?
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea
A magical gender variant child brings transformation and change to the world around them thanks to their mother’s enduring love. This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
Ho’onani: Hula Warrior
Based on a true story, Ho’onani: Hula Warrior is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and an empowering story of a girl who learns to lead and learns to accept who she really is – and in doing so, gains the respect of all those around her.
I Love My Purse
Charlie loves his bright red purse, so why does everyone else have a problem with it? This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Hoopla.
Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship
Errol’s best friend Thomas the Teddy is afraid Errol will stop being her friend if she shares that she is really a girl teddy, not a boy teddy, and that she wishes her name was Tilly. Errol reassures Tilly that he does not care if she is a girl or boy teddy, just that she is his friend. Tilly and Errol continue to play together and with their friend Ava. This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
Jack (Not Jackie)
Susan loves her baby sister, Jackie, but as Jackie grows older and behaves more and more like a boy Susan must adjust to having a brother, Jack, instead.
Jacob's Room to Choose
After kindergarteners Jacob and Sophie are prevented from using their school’s bathrooms, their teacher helps her students write new rules about who can use which bathroom.
Mary Wears What She Wants
Once upon a time (but not too long ago), girls only wore dresses and only boys wore pants. Until one day, a young girl named Mary had a bold idea: she would wear whatever she wanted!
My Rainbow
A dedicated mom puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, based on the real-life experience of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal. This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
Ogilvy
When Ogilvy moves to a new town, he discovers that bunnies who wear dresses play ball and knit socks while bunnies in sweaters make art and climb rocks, and Ogilvy must figure out a way to do it all.
They, She, He, Easy as ABC
Inclusive pronouns are learned alongside the alphabet in this joyously illustrated take on the classic ABC book.
Téo's Tutu
Téo loves to dance and 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.