Banned & Challenged LGBTQIA+ Books for Kids
Books are often banned or challenged for addressing topics some deem controversial — including LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences. These LGBTQIA+ children’s books, though banned or challenged, offer young readers windows into love, identity, belonging, and pride.
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Add to BookshelfCalvin
by JR Ford and Vanessa Ford
Calvin, a young trans boy, is navigating a new school year and learning to embrace who he is. With the support of his family and teachers, his story is both joyful and moving, leaving readers with a sense of hope.
Ages 4 – 8
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$16.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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Obie Is Man Enough
by Schuyler Bailar
This poignant middle grade story follows Obie, a young trans swimmer, as he navigates identity, racism, and belonging. Honest and unflinching, it offers readers an opportunity to walk in Obie’s shoes and better understand his experiences.
Ages 10+
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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3
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Families, Families, Families!
by Suzanne Lang
Representation matters and this joyful picture book celebrates every version of a family. Playful, humorous illustrations pair with a simple, affirming message: love makes a family. A stunning way to help children see themselves — and others — reflected on the page.
Ages 3 – 7
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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4
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My Rainbow
by DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal
Inspired by a real family, this touching tale follows Trinity, a trans autistic child, and her family, as they search for a wig that helps her feel more like herself, while also acknowledging her sensory needs. Heartwarming and cheerful, young readers will easily relate to Trinity’s story.
Ages 4 – 8
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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5
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Pink, Blue, and You!
by Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais
What is gender and how does it impact our lives? This kid-friendly guide answers those questions, exploring gender roles and stereotypes. With colorful illustrations and accessible language, it opens the door to meaningful conversations about thinking beyond labels.
Ages 4 – 8
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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6
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Julián Is a Mermaid
by Jessica Love
Dazzled by some women he sees dressed as mermaids, a young boy decides to create his own mermaid costume at home. Lush watercolor illustrations bring Julián’s story to life as he explores self-expression with the loving support of his abuela. A story about self-acceptance, family, and love, this award-winning story is sure to captivate.
Ages 4 – 8
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7
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Too Bright to See
by Kyle Lukoff
A ghost begins haunting Bug’s house, and as Bug tried to understand the ghost’s message, he simultaneously begins to understand his own identity as a transgender boy, a realization that feels “too bright to see”. A thoughtful, quietly powerful coming-of-age tale that joins the stormy nature of adolescence with friendship, loss, and self-acceptance.
Ages 10+
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$8.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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I Am Jazz
by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
Based on the experiences of world-renowned trans spokesperson Jazz Jennings, this accessible story introduces young readers to what it means to be transgender. Detailing her family’s support to social interactions at school, Jazz’s journey is one of family, identity, and acceptance.
Ages 4 – 8
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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In Our Mothers’ House
by Patricia Polacco
Distinguished author Patricia Polacco celebrates a loving family comprised of two moms and three adopted children through everyday moments filled with warmth, joy, and community. The story shows that all families are beautiful, regardless of how they look or were created.
Ages 5 – 9
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$9.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
by Rob Sanders
This accessible nonfiction picture book shares the story of Harvey Milk and the origins of the rainbow Pride flag, helping young readers understand its history and meaning. It’s an essential story for school and home libraries.
Ages 5 – 8
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$18.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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11
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This Is Our Rainbow
by
Featuring 16 stories celebrating queer voices and experiences, this book is a must have for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies. Offering a wide range of perspectives, readers are sure to identify with many of the characters.
Ages 8 – 12
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$9.99Buy from Other Retailers:
