Our recommended LGBTQ+ reading list for children at primary school.
EYFS and Key Stage 1
The Different Dragon – Jennifer Bryan
A sweet tale teaching that being different is okay and there will always be people who like you for who you are. Great LGBTQ+ representation.
Priscilla and the Pink Planet – Nathaniel Hobbie
Lyrical verse, a read-aloud book that tells a simple tale of the value of diversity using colour.
And Tango Makes Three – Justin Peterson and Peter Parnell
Two male penguins adopt an egg to hatch at Central Park zoo. A fun tale about family.
Families, Families, Families! – Suzanne Lang and Max Lang
Discover the many ways there are of being a family with this rhyming picture book.
Rainbow: A First Book of Pride – Michael Genharta
The meaning behind every stripe of the rainbow flag explained.
The Family Book – Todd Parr
A read-aloud book that tells a simple tale of the value of diversity using colour.
Bathe The Cat – Alice B McGinty
Follows a determined family‘s comical quest to give their cat a bath, resulting in unexpected laughter and bonding.
The Great Big Book of Families – Mary Hoffman
A colourful and inclusive exploration of diverse families worldwide, celebrating the beauty of different familial structures and relationships.
Donovan’s Big Day – Leslea Newman
Same-sex marriage from a young boy’s perspective participating in his mother’s wedding.
She’s my Dad! – Sarah Savage
A gentle book that makes being transgender seem like not a big deal at all. It’s presented as part of everyday life and will allow kids to connect to the characters and at the same time learn about different types of families.
Julian is a Mermaid – Jessica Love
A heartwarming tale of self-discovery and acceptance as a young boy named Julian embraces his dream of becoming mermaid after an inspiring encounter.
Julian at the Wedding – Jessica Love
A delightful book that tenderly portrays a young boy’s joyous experience at a wedding, celebrating diversity and self-acceptance.
Aalfred and Aalbert – Morag Hood
Read along as love blooms between two aardvarks in this sweet and charming story.
Frokodile – Jeanne Willis
A charming story that follows the adventures of a fashion-forward crocodile as he explores the joys of dressing up and embracing individuality.
Dogs Don’t Do Ballet – Anna Kemp
A whimsical tale about Biff the dog, who defies expectations to pursue his passion for ballet, teaching valuable lessons about perseverance and self-expression.
Who’s Your Real Mum – Bernadette Green
A lighthearted book that celebrates non-traditional families and captures exactly what lies at the heart of family life – love.
Love Makes a Family – Sophie Beer
This colourful book highlights diverse families with warmth and inclusivity, emphasising the universal bond of love that unites them.
Aloha Albatross – Francesca Dryden
A heartwarming story, inspired by real-life research, following two female albatrosses as they become parents.
Mr Watson’s Chickens – Jarrett Dapier
This quirky book is full of read-aloud fun with its rollicking rhythm is a tale of resilience and friendship, with great LGBTQ+ representation.
Red: A Crayon’s Story – Michael Hall
A blue crayon mistakenly labelled as red goes on a journey of self-discovery and encourages readers to embrace their true selves and celebrate differences.
Uncle Bobby’s Wedding – Sarah S. Brennen
This story tenderly addresses the themes of love, change, and acceptance through Chloe’s emotional journey as she comes to terms with her uncle’s impending marriage.
Fred Gets Dressed – Peter Brown
A charming story about a boy named Fred’s playful adventures in getting dressed, highlighting the joy of self-expression and creativity.
Introducing Teddy – Jessica Walton
Explores gender identity through the story of a teddy bear named Thomas/Tilly.
Rainbow Boy – Taylor Rouanzion
A story that celebrates self-expression and acceptance as a young boy embraces his love for colours and creativity in world that values conformity.
The Pirate Mums – Jodie Lancet-Grant
A charming children’s story about two adventurous mothers and their crew, celebrating diversity the joy of family adventures.
Sparkle Boy – Leslea Newman
A sweet, heartwarming book about acceptance, respect, and the freedom to be yourself in a world where any gender expression should be celebrated.
When Grandpa Gives you a Toolbox – Jamie L. B. Deenihan
A gentle book about the unexpected joys of creativity and resourcefulness, highlighting the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, while breaking gender stereotypes.
When Grandma Gives you a Lemontree – Jamie L. B. Deenihan
A gentle book about the unexpected joys of creativity and resourcefulness, highlighting the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, while breaking gender stereotypes.
Worm Loves Worm – J. J. Austrian
Such a sweet, funny little story about two male worms who love each other and joyfully plan their wedding.
The Girl With Two Dads and Pearl Power – Mel Elliot
Matilda is a new girl at Pearl’s school, but there’s something really different and cool about her family she has two dads! A simple, funny story about different families, that aren’t really so different after all.
Mama and Mummy Me in the Middle – Nina Lacour
A book that showcases the love and joy of a family with two mums.
My Mummies Built a Treehouse – Gareth Peter
A rhyming picture book about a young boy who builds his dream treehouse with the help of his two mummies.
From Archie to Zack – Vincent X. Kirsch
Perfect for Valentine‘s Day – this book tells the story of first crushes and how exciting they can be and how nervous they can make you.
Key Stage 2
Call Me Max – Kyle Lukoff
This books tells the sweet story of a transgender boy named Max as he navigates his identity, acceptance at school and the power of being true to himself.
My Shadow is Pink – Scott Sturat
An inspiring children’s book that follows a young boy as he learns to embrace his creativity and individuality while challenging gender stereotypes.
My Shadow is Purple – Scott Sturat
Sweet, happy, colourful story of a non-binary child.
I am not a Prince – Rachael Davis
A fairytale for the 21st century that challenges gender stereotypes and encourages children to be proud of themselves. This little frog knows that they are not a prince.
Bodies are Cool – Tyler Feeder
An empowering and inclusive children’s book celebrating the diversity and beauty of all bodies, promoting body positivity and self-acceptance in a joyful and affirming way.
Harriet Gets Carried Away – Jessie Sima
A whimsical book following Harriet‘s adventurous journey, celebrating imagination and friendship. While her dads are busy preparing for her birthday party, Harriet is playing with penguins!
Cinder and Ella – Barbara Slade
A captivating retelling of the classic fairy tale, weaving together elements romance, mystery, and magic as Cinder Ella’s fates intertwine in unexpected ways.
Ritu Weds Chandni – Ameya Narvankar
An exquisitely illustrated tale for children, celebrating love and diversity through the story of Ritu‘s marriage to her girlfriend Chandni.
Calvin – JR and Vanessa Ford
A transgender boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time.
Ho’onani: Hula Warrior – Heather Gale
An empowering celebration of identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story a young girl in Hawai’i who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her school.
My Footprints – Bao Phi
A poignant story about a young Vietnamese-American girl with two mums finding her identity and cultural heritage.
A Damsel Not in Distress – Bethan Stevens
This princess definitely doesn’t need saving. This stereotype-busting tale turns the damsel in distress storyline on its head.
Grandad’s Camper – Harry Woodgate
A story that takes the reader along for the ride as a grandad recounts the adventures of his youth to his granddaughter.
Two Grooms on a Cake – Ron Sanders
A heartwarming memoir recounting the journey of Rob and Jack, celebrating love, resilience, and the enduring power or marriage equality.
The Boys and Girls – Lauren Ace
Two heartfelt tales about four friends (one group of boys and one group of girls) and their enduring bond through life’s ups and downs.
Pink, Blue and You – Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais
An inclusive children’s book that challenges gender norms with playful illustrations and affirming messages.
This Day in June – Gayle E. Pitman
A Pride parade from a child’s perspective.
I am Jazz – Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
The true story of Jazz experiencing early childhood in a ‘boy body’. Teaches compassion for other experiences and great for early years children questioning their own gender.
Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King – Daniel Haack and Stevie Lewis
A rhyming fairy tale where the prince doesn’t want to marry any of the princesses.
Pride! The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag – Rob Sanders and Steve Salerno
Picture book story of Harvey Milk told through the story of Gilbert Baker’s pride flag.
Secondary school
booklist
Take a look at our recommended LGBTQ+ reading list for children and young people in secondary school.
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