Children's Books

By: Scott Stuart (Author), 2022, Hardcover

Un cuento muy divertido con un claro mensaje: ha llegado el momento de cambiar de mentalidad y de aceptar nuevas formas de ser hombres de verdad.

Un divertido cuento que anima a los niños a aceptar lo que realmente son y desmonta los prejuicios sobre lo que significa ser un hombre. Hace referencia a niños y hombres de diferentes orígenes y está escrito en rima y con un tono humorístico, es ideal para ser leído en voz alta.

ENGLISH DESCRIPTION

A timely picture book that tackles masculinity in an engaging and humorous way!

Scott Stuart encourages boys to embrace who they truly are in this empowering and funny story, smashing age-old assumption about what it means to be a man.

Encompassing boys and men from different backgrounds, and told in irresistible rhyme, How to be a Real Man is a must-have picture book for all young readers.

Men should be STRONG with helping hands.
Men should FIGHT for what is right.
Men should be BRAVE and show how they feel.

By: Ronnie Riley (Author), 2024, Hardcover

Eden Jones has exactly three friends. And they're all fake.

From a web of lies and anxiety to true friendship and queer joy; this is the wonderful second book from the author of the Indies Introduce and Indie Next List pick, Jude Saves the World.

Why go through the stress of making friends when you can just pretend? It works for Eden and their social anxiety . . . until their mom announces she’s throwing them a birthday party and all their friends are invited.

Eden’s “friends,” Duke, Ramona, and Tabitha, are all real kids from school . . . but Eden’s never actually spoken to them before. Now Eden will do whatever it takes to convince them to be their friends ― at least until the party is over.

When things start to go better than Eden expects and the group starts to bond, Eden finds themself trapped in a lie that gets worse the longer they keep it up. What happens if their now sort-of-real friends discover that Eden hasn’t been honest with them from the very beginning?

Author Ronnie Riley creates a world full of queer joy and all the ups and downs of true friendship. This book is perfect for fans of Guts or Forget Me Not.

By: Jules Machias (Author), 2022, Paperback

*An Indie Next List Pick, a Top Ten Rainbow Book for Young Readers, and one of Bank Street Children's Best Books of the Year!*

Jules Machias explores identity, gender fluidity, and the power of friendship and acceptance in this dual-narrative story about two kids who join forces to save a dog . . . but wind up saving each other.

Ash is no stranger to feeling like an outcast. For someone who cycles through genders, it’s a daily struggle to feel in control of how people perceive you. Some days Ash is undoubtedly girl, but other times, 100 percent guy. Daniel lacks control too—of his emotions. He’s been told he’s overly sensitive more times than he can count. He can’t help the way he is, and he sure wishes someone would accept him for it.

So when Daniel’s big heart leads him to rescue a dog that’s about to be euthanized, he’s relieved to find Ash willing to help. The two bond over their four-legged secret. When they start catching feelings for each other, however, things go from cute to complicated. Daniel thinks Ash is all girl . . . what happens when he finds out there’s more to Ash’s story?

With so much on the line—truth, identity, acceptance, and the life of an adorable pup named Chewbarka—will Ash and Daniel forever feel at war with themselves because they don’t fit into the world’s binaries? Or will their friendship help them embrace the beauty of living in between?

By: Ronnie Riley (Author), 2023, Hardcover

Perfect for fans of Alex Gino, A. J. Sass, and Kyle Lukoff this is the joyful and heartwarming story of Jude, a nonbinary kid who knows exactly who they are and decides to create a safe space in their community from Indies Introduce and Indie Next List pick author, Ronnie Riley.

Twelve-year-old Jude struggles with some things: focusing at school, feeling like everything rests on their shoulders, not being able to come out as nonbinary to their old-fashioned grandparents. But Jude doesn't struggle with Dallas, their best friend in the whole world. Their person.

Jude and Dallas's world changes when they learn Stevie, a girl in their class, has been ousted from the popular clique at school. Worried it had something to do with Stevie's rumored crush on another girl, Jude reaches out to see if Stevie is okay. Stevie quickly becomes an important friend to Jude and Dallas, whose unwavering acceptance of her is a stark contrast to the tests and dysfunction she experienced with her former friend group.

As their friendship deepens and the three open up to each other, Stevie's unconditional and open acceptance when Jude comes out to her motivates them to create a queer safe space in their community. Jude has the courage and determination it takes to create the first Diversity Club in their community, but will they be able to find the support they need to make it happen?

By: Ben Kahn (Author), 2023, Hardcover

Ferris Bueller's Day Off meets Gamer Girl for middle grade in this hilarious, heartfelt story about a non-binary kid trying to figure out who they are at home, at school, and in the fandom that changed their life.

All Elle Campbell wants to do is meet their hero, non-binary icon Nuri Grena. Well, okay, they'd like a bit more than that -- they'd like to learn how to do cat eye makeup, for queen bee Casey to stop critiquing their outfits, and for the finale of Elle's favorite show to have been less terrible. But meeting Nuri means the most of all.

So when Elle learns that Nuri is coming to town for book signing on Saturday, Elle is thrilled. It's the perfect chance to meet their hero! Elle's never been happier since they came out as non-binary, but they have a lot of questions -- questions only Nuri can answer.

But Elle's dreams are dashed when an altercation with a surly substitute teacher lands Elle in Saturday detention. Elle is ready to give up until their two best friends come up with a plan to bust them out of school. A plan so outrageous, it just might work.

Yet that's just step one. The kids also have to make their way across town with no money, no phones... and no driver's licenses. But they refuse to give up -- even if that means "borrowing" scooters from elementary school loan sharks, or winning a laser tag tournament with a cash prize.

Comic-author Ben Kahn makes their middle grade debut with this zany, heartfelt love letter to friendship, John Hughes movies, and the power of accepting who you are . . . even when there's no set map for where you're going.

By: Joelle Retener (Author), DeAnn Wiley (Illustrator), 2024, Paperback, Picturebook

Marley is a little nonbinary kid with big anxieties. Crowds? Pass. Loud noises? No, thanks. When their Zaza is up for an award at Pride, they want to go to the parade for the first time with their beloved grandparent. But can Marley overcome their fears? Highlighting the joyful experiences of a queer family of color finding community at Pride, this story features endmatter about the history of Pride, a glossary of LGBTQ+ terms, and a list of resources.

By: Jen Wilde (Author), 2024, Hardcover

A thrilling adventure story that examines consent and privacy in a way that books have not had to before this generation where everything is online.

Nothing about us, without us.

When Paige learns that her parents enrolled her in an autism study without telling her, her world turns upside down. Suddenly she isn't sure if she can trust the two people she oves most. A chip was implanted in her brain that sends them information about her mood, brain activity, and location. It can even boost the chemicals that keep her calm or make her happy. So Paige has to wonder... can she even trust her own mind?

Now the company that created her chip is days away from merging with the most popular social network in the world. And they are known for selling people’s private information to the highest bidder.

Paige knows there is only one thing she can do. Armed with the names and addresses of the other kids involved in the study, she must track them down and tell them the truth, so they can put a stop to the merger and get the chips removed for good.

By: Alex Gino (Author), 2024, Paperback

From the award-winning author of George, a phenomenal novel about queerness past, present, and future.

Sam is very in touch with their own queer identity. They're nonbinary, and their best friend, TJ, is nonbinary as well. Sam's family is very cool with it… as long as Sam remembers that nonbinary kids are also required to clean their rooms, do their homework, and try not to antagonize their teachers too much.

The teacher-respect thing is hard when it comes to Sam’s history class, because their teacher seems to believe that only Dead Straight Cis White Men are responsible for history. When Sam’s home borough of Staten Island opens up a contest for a new statue, Sam finds the perfect non-DSCWM subject: photographer Alice Austen, whose house has been turned into a museum, and who lived with a female partner for decades.

Soon, Sam's project isn't just about winning the contest. It's about discovering a rich queer history that Sam's a part of -- a queer history that no longer needs to be quiet, as long as there are kids like Sam and TJ to stand up for it.

By: Josh Coleman (Author), Shimanto Das (Illustrator), 2024, Hardcover

"Finding My Rainbow: A Journey of Courage, Acceptance, and Pride" is a poignant and uplifting tale set in the small town in Alabama, that follows the journey of a young boy named Josh as he navigates the complexities of growing up, discovering his identity, and seeking acceptance. In a community where certain truths are not openly discussed, Josh grapples with understanding and embracing his sexuality in the face of societal expectations and norms.

With the backdrop of lush landscapes, from jasmine-scented evenings to the serene hum of cicadas, Josh's story is one of inner turmoil and external pressures, but also of immense courage and the pursuit of self-acceptance. As Josh finds solace in his diary, confides in his supportive cousin Stacey, and eventually opens up to his family, he embarks on a transformative journey that challenges him to confront his fears and embrace who he truly is.

Through Josh's eyes, readers are invited into a deeply personal narrative that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of unconditional love. "Finding My Rainbow" is not just Josh's story-it's a call to action for understanding, empathy, and support for LGBTQ+ youth navigating their own paths to acceptance. This book aims to inspire readers of all ages with its message of hope, reminding us that we all deserve to live our truth and find our rainbow. Suitable for readers aged 8 to 13, this story touches hearts and minds, encouraging a more inclusive and accepting world.

By: Ami Polonsky (Author), 2022, Paperback

From the author of the critically acclaimed Gracefully Grayson comes a thoughtful and sensitive middle-grade novel about non-binary identity and first love, Ami Polonsky's Spin with Me .

In this elegant dual narrative, Essie is a thirteen-year-old girl feeling glum about starting a new school after her professor dad takes a temporary teaching position in a different town. She has 110 days here and can't wait for them to end. Then she meets Ollie: delicate, blue eyes, short hair, easy smile. At first, Essie thinks she has a typical crush on a beautiful boy. But as her crush blossoms, she soon realizes that Ollie is not a boy or a girl, but gender non-binary.

Meanwhile, Ollie is experiencing a crush of their own . . . on Essie. As Ollie struggles to balance their passion for queer advocacy with their other interests, they slowly find themselves falling for a girl whose stay is about to come to an end. Can the two unwind their merry-go-round of feelings before it's too late?

By: Joy Michael Ellison (Author), Teshika Silver (Illustrator), 2020, Hardcover

Someday girls like us will be able to wear whatever we want. People will call us by the names we choose. They'll respect that we are women. The cops will leave us alone and no one will go hungry.

Sylvia and Marsha are closer than sisters. They are kind and brave and not afraid to speak their truth, even when it makes other people angry.

This illustrated book introduces children to the story of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, the two transgender women of colour who helped kickstart the Stonewall Riots and dedicated their lives to fighting for LGBTQ+ equality. It introduces children to issues surrounding gender identity and diversity, accompanied by a reading guide and teaching materials to further the conversation.

By: Michael Genhart PhD (Author), Anne Passchier (Illustrator), 2019, Hard Back

“A joyous tribute to LGBTQ families.” —Publishers Weekly

A must-have primer for young readers and a great gift for pride events and throughout the year, beautiful colors all together make a rainbow in Rainbow: A First Book of Pride.

This is a sweet ode to rainbow families, and an affirming display of a parent's love for their child and a child's love for their parents. With bright colors and joyful families, this book celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and reveals the colorful meaning behind each rainbow stripe in a simple and engaging format for young readers. Readers will celebrate the life, healing, light, nature, harmony, and spirit that the rainbows in this book will bring.

Written by: Mudpuppy and Tonya Abari; Illustrated by: Tabitha Brown; 2023; Board book

A celebration of Juneteenth for babies and toddlers!

Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Board Book from Mudpuppy is a wonderful introduction to Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the United States on June 19th commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Colorful illustrations show various ways people celebrate the anniversary of freedom for all! 

By: Derek Desierto (Author), 2024, Hardcover, Picture Book

Oddbird has always been on his own. And he’s managed pretty well. But that’s changing – now, he wishes for a family.

When Oddbird’s friends plan a big surprise for him, he realizes he’s surrounded by those who accept and care for him. All families don’t look the same, and sometimes the families we choose are where we belong.

By: Maya Gonzalez (Author), 2023, Paperback

Take a journey with 11 kids as they revel in the wonder and awe of nature's infinity seen in plants, animals, sea creatures, the night sky...only to be confronted by the two very small gender boxes that all of nature must squeeze into...

The Gender and Infinity Book for Kids is not your average book about gender! It's a kid's guide to BEING your fullest self using the stunning and infinite reflection of nature. Instead of defining in relation to assignments at birth, this book provides kids with an understanding of self in relation to the infinite flow of nature. When we have a felt sense of our inherent belonging to a greater story of diversity, we are better equipped to understand and see through the "the boxes" that limit all of us from being our true selves.

Engaging back material provides facts about body and gender diversity in nature and a holistic approach to gender that deepens the story and experience with each reading.This shift in focus toward nature first literally provides the largest foundation of support possible.