14 Inclusive Kids Books: Celebrating Diversity and LGBTQ+ Families
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Introduction:
Creating a library of inclusive kids’ books is a wonderful way to nurture understanding, empathy, and a sense of belonging in children. These books represent diverse identities and family structures and promote acceptance and love.
In this post, I’ll share my personal experiences and a curated list of LGBTQ+ friendly children’s books that have positively impacted our family. By including these books in your child’s reading list, you can help them appreciate the rich diversity of the world around them.
Despite my struggles with a learning disability, the few books I managed to read were a joyous escape into a world of excitement and mystery. This joy of reading, the thrill of not knowing what comes next, and the wonder of learning about new things is what we want to share with our children through inclusive kids’ books. Let’s inspire them with the joy of reading and the magic of diverse stories.
Reading is a powerful tool for fostering empathy, especially in children. It allows them to see the world through many different lenses, regardless of their own background or identity. Inclusive kids’ books play a crucial role in this, helping children understand and appreciate the experiences of others.
Inclusive kids’ books are not just about representation, they are about recognition. They allow children from more marginalized groups to see themselves and their peers in the stories they read. This recognition is crucial for their self-esteem and social skills, and it also helps kids and adults understand how a person’s identity may affect their interactions with the world.
The Importance of LGBTQ+ Representation in Children’s Literature:
Our family’s multiple intersections have led to a host of different inclusive kids’ books that we try to read and share. Books about diverse family structures and types can give insight into our polyamorous family or even just our queer family.
Books about gender identity help us explain Eli’s gender identity and will assist Evan in growing into their own gender identity. As a family created from donor conception, we also have books about how babies are made that remove the exclusivity of it having to be a mom and a dad.
By giving Evan all these inclusive kids’ books, we show them that the world comes in many different shapes and forms and that our family is unique, just like many others. By sharing these books with friends and family, especially Evan’s cousins, we also help them see that our family is not so different.
My Curated List of Inclusive Kids’ Books:
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
- Age Group: 4-8 years
- Based on a true story, this book tells the tale of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, at the Central Park Zoo, who form a bond. The zookeeper notices their bond and gives them an egg to nurture. The two penguins care for the egg and eventually hatch a chick named Tango. This heartwarming story highlights different types of families and the love that binds them together. It shows that love and diverse family structures are found in humans and nature, where same-sex relationships are a natural and celebrated part of many animal species.
Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
- Age Group: 3-7 years
- This story follows a crayon who is labeled as “red” but is, in fact, blue. Despite the label on his paper, he cannot produce the color red. He struggles to fit in and fulfill others’ expectations until he finds the confidence to embrace his true color. The tale explores identity, self-discovery, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer
- Age Group: 5-8 years
- Stella has two dads and is excited about her school’s Mother’s Day celebration but is unsure who to bring. After talking with her friends, who also have different kinds of families, Stella decides to bring both her dads and the rest of her family to the celebration. The story ends with a joyful and inclusive event, showing that love and family come in many forms.
Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian
- Age Group: 4-8 years
- This charming story follows two worms who fall in love and decide to get married. As they plan their wedding, they encounter various traditional expectations about what a wedding should be. However, the worms challenge these norms and create their own unique celebration. This book explores themes of love, acceptance, and breaking away from traditional gender roles.
And That’s Their Family by Kailee Coleman
- Age Group: 3-7 years
- This book explores the diverse configurations of modern families. Each page introduces a different family setup, ranging from single parents to same-sex parents and many other variations. The story emphasizes that love is what truly defines a family, regardless of its structure. With engaging illustrations and a clear, heartwarming message, this book celebrates family diversity and inclusivity, helping children understand and appreciate that families come in all shapes and sizes.
What Makes a Baby by Cory Silverberg
- Age Group: 3-7 years
- A modern take on the facts of life, this book explains where babies come from without focusing on traditional gender roles. It covers the basics of conception, growth, and birth in a way that is inclusive of all families, including those formed through adoption, surrogacy, and donor conception. The book emphasizes the importance of love and family rather than the specifics of biological relationships.
Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder
- Age Group: 3-7 years
- This celebration of body diversity features colorful and engaging artwork that showcases different skin colors, body shapes, sizes, and abilities. The book promotes body positivity and inclusivity, encouraging children to appreciate and celebrate differences in their own bodies and those of others. It’s a joyful affirmation that all bodies deserve love and respect.
It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
- Age Group: 3-6 years
- With his signature bright, colorful illustrations, Todd Parr encourages kids to embrace their individuality and accept others for who they are. Each page offers a simple yet powerful message about diversity and acceptance, covering a range of differences from physical appearance to family structures. The book reassures children that it’s okay to be unique.
Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman
- Age Group: 4-8 years
- This book breaks down traditional gender stereotypes by showing that all colors are for everyone. Through playful rhymes and engaging artwork, it depicts children enjoying a variety of activities and colors. The book sends a clear message that interests and colors should not be restricted by gender norms.
What’s Your Words? A Book About Pronouns” by Katherine Locke
- Age Group: 4-8 years
- This engaging book introduces children to the concept of pronouns and how they are used to reflect a person’s identity. It encourages kids to explore their own identities and understand the importance of using the correct pronouns for others. With clear explanations and colorful illustrations, it’s a great tool for starting conversations about gender and identity.
Annie’s Plaid Shirt by Stacy B. Davids
- Age Group: 4-8 years
- Annie loves her plaid shirt and wears it everywhere. When her mom insists that she wear a dress to her uncle’s wedding, Annie resists, leading to a heartfelt discussion about self-expression and individuality. In the end, they come up with a compromise that respects Annie’s preferences. The story beautifully highlights the importance of allowing children to be themselves and make choices that feel right to them.
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
- Age Group: 2-5 years
- This brightly illustrated book showcases various family structures, all united by love. Each page shows families expressing love and care in everyday moments, whether they’re cooking, playing, or comforting each other. The book’s simple yet profound message is that love is what makes a family, regardless of its makeup.
Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary
- Age Group: 4-8 years
- A young child hesitates to discuss their family in class but soon learns that all families are unique and special. Through stories shared by classmates, the child discovers that families come in many forms, from those with many siblings to those with a single parent. The book celebrates the diversity of family structures and the love that binds them.
Being You: A First Conversation About Gender by Jessica Ralli and Megan Madison
- Age Group: 2-5 years
- This book provides a gentle introduction to the concept of gender for young children. It covers a wide range of gender identities and expressions, using simple language and inclusive illustrations. The book encourages kids to explore and embrace their own identities while respecting those of others, making it a valuable resource for early conversations about gender.
Why Inclusive Kids’ Books Matter:
These are just a few of the many inclusive kids’ books that promote diversity and inclusion for families like ours. Having these resources is invaluable when it comes to sharing our story with friends and family. Kids are never too young to start conversations about gender identity and different types of families.
These inclusive kids’ books are crucial for helping children understand and appreciate diversity. Inclusive stories allow kids to see themselves and their families represented, which builds their self-esteem and sense of belonging.
Moreover, these books introduce children to various experiences and viewpoints, encouraging empathy and acceptance of others.
Engaging Your Child with Inclusive Kids Books:
Using inclusive kids’ books as conversation starters can be a powerful way to engage your child and deepen their understanding of diversity. Here are some tips for parents:
- Ask your child how the characters in the book might feel in different situations. This can help your child develop empathy by considering different perspectives.
- Discuss how the events in the story are similar to or different from your child’s own experiences. This can make the stories more relatable and help your child connect their own life with the lives of others.
- Encourage your child to think about how they can be inclusive and supportive of others. This can foster a sense of responsibility and kindness towards people who might be different from them.
Building a library of inclusive kids’ books for children is incredibly valuable. Such books can help parents lay the foundation for a more accepting and understanding world. By reading and discussing these stories, families can foster a sense of empathy and inclusivity in their children.
Call to Action:
I encourage you to share your favorite LGBTQ+ friendly children’s books in the comments. Let’s discuss how these stories have opened up family conversations and helped create a more inclusive environment. Sharing your experiences can build a sense of community and provide additional resources for readers looking to expand their libraries of inclusive kids’ books.
