He has worries about introducing himself to friends and teachers, but his family and classmates rally around him. Inspired by the authors’ child, Calvin follows a transgender boy as he prepares for his first day of school.

Pride 123, written by Michael Joosten and illustrated by Wednesday Holmes.

The book’s narrator is a child sharing the story with their baby sibling for the first time, detailing the colors, sights, and sounds of the main event.Ī few more pre-K read-aloud books I love: This book tells the history of pride marches and the importance of community in ebullient rhyme and verse.

Twas the Night Before Pride, written by Joanna McClintick and illustrated by Juana Medina.This board book is a popular one at my house, as my toddler appreciates the large format and colorful pictures. Whether the characters are having a tea party, reading one more story, or looking for lost toys, kids can see different types of families making memories together. This is a really simple, charming book celebrating all types of families and the together times they share. (All shopping links go to, a great way to support independent booksellers.) Pre-K read-aloud books As you add to your classroom library or personal bookshelf, consider making room for a few of the books below. The fiction books center on LGBTQ+ characters and families, and I’ve included some non-fiction options, too. Here is a list of 20 books I’m loving right now, broken down by grade range. There’s never a bad time to learn about and celebrate LGBTQ+ history and culture, different types of families, and gender, so long as your state government allows it (heavy sigh). The material you find and review this summer-many with themes of inclusivity and welcoming-may even be a great fit for back to school. It’s a golden age of sorts, and as a Black, queer woman, mom, former teacher, children’s author, and kid lit nerd, I am 100 percent here for it.ĭon’t let summer break stop you from adding some great LGBTQ+ books and resources to your #ToBeRead list. Please believe me when I tell you there are stacks, shelves, rows, and whole stores’ worth of amazing LGBTQ+ books for kids right now.

The pants project by cat clarke