20 Books for Pride Month!

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders
This book traces the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world. Also nominated for the 2022 Illinois Monarch Book Award.

 

Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution! by Joy Michael Ellison
This illustrated book introduces children to the story of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, the two transgender women of color 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.

 

My Maddy by Gayle E. Pitman
A child celebrates her Maddy, who is neither mommy nor daddy but a little bit of both, like so many things in nature. Includes note to parents.

 

 

Rainbow: A First Book of Pride by Michael Genhart
Children from different kinds of families demonstrate the original meanings of the colors in the rainbow flag, and then come together at a Pride parade.

 

 

Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King by Daniel Haack
When a dark and mysterious Shadow King causes a fog of darkness to spread across their kingdom, the prince and the knight, now happily married, set out to find and stop him.

 

Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer
Stella brings her two fathers to school to celebrate Mother’s Day.

 

 

Plenty of Hugs by Fran Manushkin
Illustrations and gently rhyming text follow two mothers and their toddler on a sunny day.

 

 

Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen
Chloe is jealous and sad when her favorite uncle announces that he will be getting married, but as she gets to know Jamie better and becomes involved in planning the wedding, she discovers that she will always be special to Uncle Bobby–and to Uncle Jamie, too.

 

 

Were I Not A Girl by Lisa Robinson
This unique picture book biography tells the story of Dr. James Barry, born female, who lived as a man from age 18 to his death. Like other girls of her time, Margaret Bulkley didn’t go to school. She wouldn’t grow up to own property, be a soldier, a doctor, or hold any job other than perhaps maid or governor–such was a girl’s lot in 19th century England. And was she comfortable born in a girl’s body? We will never know. What we do know is that at the age of 18, she tugged off her stockings and dress, cut her red-gold curls, and vanished. In her place appeared a young man.

 

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff
Aidan, a transgender boy, experiences complicated emotions as he and his parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby.

 

 

Be Who You Are by Todd Parr
Picture book encouraging kids to be proud of what makes them unique, where they come from, and how they express themselves and see the world.

 

 

A Plan for Pops by Heather Smith
A child helps his grandparents deal with a difficult change in abilities.

 

 

 

Sadiq Wants to Stitch by Mamta Nainy
Sadiq loves stitching colorful patterns on rugs. However, his Ammi reminds him that boys in his community don’t stitch, they tend to the livestock. But Sadiq is determined to pursue his passion. This winsome tale that defies gender norms and talks about a fading shepherd craft of Kashmir.

 

Ritu Weds Chandni by Ameya Narvankar
Ayesha is excited to attend her cousin Ritu’s wedding. She can’t wait to dance at the baraat ceremony! But not everyone is happy that Ritu is marrying her girlfriend Chandni. Some have even vowed to stop the celebrations. Will Ayesha be able to save her cousin’s big day?

 

Dazzling Travis by Hannah Carmona Dias
When some of the kids on the playground begin to pick on Travis, he decides to challenge the social norm and be his true self.

 

 

I Love My Colorful Nails by Alicia Acosta
Ben liked painting his nails, until some of the kids at school started teasing him. When Dad realized why Ben was sad, he decided to paint his nails too.

 

 

Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes–and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself?

Mary Wears What She Wants by Keith Negley
Despite the advice of others in her family, Mary Walker persists in wearing unusual outfit of her own choosing. Inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing doctor who was arrested many times for wearing pants, this fresh, charming picture book encourages readers to think for themselves while gently challenging gender and societal norms.

 

I Love My Purse by Belle DeMont
Charlie loves the bright red purse that his grandmother let him have. One day, he decides to take it to school. First his father, then his friends, and even the crossing guard question him about his “strange” choice. After all, boys don’t carry purses. They point out that they, too, have things they like, but that doesn’t mean they go out in public wearing them. But Charlie isn’t deterred. Before long, his unselfconscious determination to carry a purse starts to affect those around him. His father puts on his favorite, though unconventional, Hawaiian shirt to go to work; his friend Charlotte paints her face, and the crossing guard wears a pair of sparkly shoes. Thanks to Charlie, everyone around him realizes that it isn’t always necessary to conform to societal norms. It’s more important to be true to yourself.

The Adventures of Honey and Leon by Alan Cumming
Determined to keep their dads safe on their trip to France, two dogs disguise themselves and follow along.