LGBTQ+ inclusive books for children aged 8-11
We hope you and the children in your life enjoy the books from this list. As with any resources for children and young people, do make sure you check them first to ensure they suit the child or young person’s abilities and needs.
- Celebrating difference
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A Day of Pride
by Roy Youldouss-Raiss, Yossi Madar, published by Roy Youldous Raiss Books ISBN: 9659286910
The city's pride event is going wonderfully until the Witch of Shame arrives to cast a dark cloud over the day. Thankfully, she eventually sees sense and comes to understand that it's better to celebrate the diversity in the world! This is a great book for primary aged children.
Other themes: Challenging gender stereotypes
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
All About Diversity
by Felicity Brooks and Mar Ferrero, published by Usborne Publishing Ltd ISBN: 9781474986649
This book, as you might guess from the title, is All About Diversity. It’s a great starting point for conversations about diversity and the importance of celebrating difference.
Also available in Welsh
Other themes: Challenging gender stereotypes, different families, friendship, relationships, trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: 4+. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Anna and Otis
by Maisie Paradise Shearring, published by Two Hoots ISBN: 01509834540
Anna was sad when everyone in town was afraid of her friend Otis the snake. However, Anna and Otis soon helped the townspeople to understand that there was nothing to be scared of at all.
Also available in Welsh
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Free to Be...You and Me
by Marlo Thomas, published by Running Press, ISBN 0762413069
Celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and feel encouraged to be yourself in a joyful, positive manner, through a collection of songs, poems, and stories to be read aloud and shared with new generate ons.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7, 8-9 and 10-11.
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea
by Kai Cheng Thom, published by Arsenal Pulp Press ISBN: 0155152709X
When Miu Lan was born, they were neither a boy or a girl, a fish or a bird. Their mother loved them regardless of who or what they were. As they grew up, Miu Lan was always changing, but the one thing that was consistent was their mother’s love. When they got to the school, however, Miu Lan noticed that everyone else seemed to be either a boy or a girl. They found it hard to make any friends or fit in. Over time, and with their mother’s support, Miu Lan eventually regained their confidence in just being theirself.
Other themes: Trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: 3-8. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Jungle Jamboree
by Jo Empson, published by Jungle Jamboree ISBN: 0141356898
All of the animals are getting ready for the Jungle Jamboree, hoping that they will be the one to be declared the most beautiful of all. A lot of the animals start doubting themselves, so decide to wear extra feathers and fur. In the end, the creatures realise that they're beautiful just as they are.
Also available in Welsh.
Other themes: Emotional literacy/mental health
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Kenny Lives with Erica and Martina
by Olly Pike, published by Oliver Pike, ISBN 0993340776
When some new people move into Kenny's neighbourhood, they immediately stand out. They're colourful in a land of black and white. Others (including Kenny's mums) are initially unkind, but eventually come to realise their mistake.
Other themes: Different families, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Llama Glamarama
by Simon James Green and Garry Parsons, published by Scholastic, ISBN 1407197037
Larry is a fabulous llama with a secret. When he finds another community of animals just like him, will he find the courage to let his family know that he’s a dancer?
Publisher's age recommendation: 3-4. Our age recommendation: 2-4, 5-7 and 8-9.
My Footprints
by Bao Phi and Basia Tran, published by Raintree, ISBN 1474762433
After a young girl is teased for being different, she discusses it with her mums. They help her to understand difference, linking the discussion to their heritage and traditional mythology.
Other themes: Different families, challenging gender stereotypes, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 6-8. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Perfectly Norman
by by Tom Percival, published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, ISBN 9781408880975
When Norman grows wings, he’s afraid that other people will find out. However, hiding his wings becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Eventually Norman stops hiding his wings and finds that people accept him regardless.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 2-4, 5-7 and 8-9.
Princess Princess Ever After
by K O’Neill, published by Oni Press, ISBN 1620103400
After a princess rescues another princess from a tower, they go on an adventure. The comic book style story addresses the impact of others’ expectations, gender stereotypes and self-actualisation.
Other themes: Challenging gender stereotypes, emotional literacy, graphic novel, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 7-11. Our age recommendation: 8-9 and 10-11.
Rainbow Village
by Emmi Smid, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN: 9781785922480
Whilst the Rainbow Village was filled with lots of different creatures, they all lived separate lives and didn't like anyone that was different. That all changed with the arrival of a visitor to the village. ‘Rainbow Village’ challenges children to celebrate difference and helps them to understand that not everybody can be easily put into one category or another.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different
by Ben Brooks, published by Quercus, ISBN 9781787471986
A book packed full of biographies of men and boys from different walks of life and with different identities. Some are very famous, some less so. All are inspirational.
Other themes: Trans representation, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9 and 10-11.
The Boy In The Cupboard
by Harshala Gupte, Priya Dali, published by Gaysi Media + Lettori Press ISBN: 9781638212737
When Karan comes home from school and shuts himself in the cupboard, his parents are worried. When his mum discovers that Karan’s being picked on for liking pink, she encourages him to be himself unapologetically.
Other themes: Family
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
The Flamingo Who Didn't Want To Be Pink
by Nicola Stone, published by Independently published ISBN: 01074200322
Can you be a flamingo if you're not pink? And if you're a flamingo, do you have to be pink? ‘The Flamingo Who Didn’t Want To Be Pink’ tells the story of a little flamingo on a quest to find out.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
The Manny Files
by Christian Burch, published by Aladdin, ISBN 1416955348
The young boy in this story has a new nanny who’s a man – a manny. A lovely story of acceptance building up to a big reveal at the end when the boy realises that his manny and Uncle Max are dating. This is a fabulous, inclusive book that’s perfect children from eight years and above.
Other themes: Family, challenging gender stereotypes, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 9-13. Our age recommendation: 8-9.
This is Our Rainbow
by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby, published by Random House Inc ISBN: 9780593303948
This anthology of LGBTQ+ inclusive stories is great for older primary school children. The stories feature a wide range of LGBTQ+ characters and is a real page turner.
Other themes: Challenging gender stereotypes, different families, friendship, relationships, trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: 8-12. Our age recommendation: 10-11.
- Challenging gender stereotypes
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Better Nate Than Ever
by Tim Federle, published by Walker Books, ISBN 9781406361539
When 13-year-old Nate sneaks off to New York to audition for the musical of his dreams, it doesn’t quite go to plan. Young readers won’t want to put this book down.
Content note: This book makes reference to alcohol addiction and contains homophobic slurs in a bullying context.
Other themes: Gay/bi representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 9+. Our age recommendation: 10-11.
Bill’s New Frock
by Anne Fine, published by Egmont Books Ltd, ISBN 140520060X
One morning, almost as if in a dream, Billy wakes up to find that he has turned into a girl. His mother casually dresses him in a pink dress and sends him off to school, where he realises how differently girls are treated.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9.
Dogs Don't Do Ballet
by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie, published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK ISBN: 9781847384744
Biff the dog would like nothing more than to join a ballet class, but keeps being told that "dogs don't do ballet". However, when the prima ballerina falls mid-performance, a certain somebody saves the day! ‘Dogs don’t do ballet’ is a great book on challenging stereotypes and celebrating difference.
Also available in Welsh.
Publisher's age recommendation: 3-99. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Little Red Riding Dude
by Olly Pike, published by Pop n Olly, 9780993340796
Little Red Riding Dude has thoroughly turned the story of Little Red Riding Hood on its head. In this version, it is Christopher who wears the red hood. Instead of eating grandma, the wolf works with her to sew a new dress for himself. This is a story which celebrates love and acceptance, whilst also challenging gender stereotypes.
Other themes: Celebrating difference, Emotional literacy
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7, 8-9.
Lumberjanes 1: Beware the Kitten Holy
by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters and Brooke Allen, published by Boom Entertainment, ISBN 1608866874
Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-types is not your average summer camp and the Lumberjanes are not your average campers. Will they discover the mystery behind those robotic foxes in the woods? There’s only one way to find out!
Other themes: Graphic novel
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
Oliver Button Is a Sissy
by Tomie dePaola, published by HMH Books for Young Readers, ISBN 0156681404
Oliver Button is confident about being himself, even though he’s teased for being a ‘sissy’ because he likes dancing rather than sports. At the end, it’s not Oliver that changes but his family and the people around him.
Other themes: Celebrating difference
Publisher's age recommendation: 4-8. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Rainbow Hands
by Mamta Nainy and Jo Loring-Fisher, published by Lantana Publishing ISBN: 9781913747749
The little boy in this book loves painting his nails and paints them to match his mood. This lovely picture book challenges gender stereotypes whilst also opening up space for discussion about different emotions.
Publisher's age recommendation: 2-5. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
The Not-so-perfect Princess and the Not-so-dreadful Dragon
by Jayneen Sanders, published by Educate2Empower Publishing ISBN: 01925089436
Princess Petal was the opposite of the perfect princess! She wasn’t quiet or delicate, but loud and brave. When she encountered a very miserable dragon, she took it upon herself to help cheer him up. This is a fun book which challenges gender (and dragon) related stereotypes.
Publisher's age recommendation: 4-10. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
The Princesses Have a Ball
by Teresa Bateman, published by Albert Whitman & Company, ISBN 0807566284
Despite the king's concern that his daughters aren't spending enough time thinking about the princes they will one day wed, the little princesses aren't concerned as a helpful cobbler, pairs of perfect shoes, and a special ball begin to aim things in the right direction. Follow along as the princesses wear out their shoes every night not by dancing, but by playing basketball!
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
The Queen Engineer
by Suzanne Hemming and Jacquie Hughes, published by Thea Chops Books, ISBN 0995725926
When Flo the princess grows up, she is expected to get married, be a queen and be a mum. But she wants to be an engineer. After a small accident, her dad comes round to the idea.
Other themes: Celebrating difference
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
The Witch Boy
by Molly Knox Ostertag, published by Scholastic ISBN: 0133808951X
Aster is from a big, magical family and is expected to follow his father into a career as a shapeshifter. The only problem is, he wants to be a witch and that’s something boys and men just don’t do in his family. This graphic novel is great for older primary aged children as well as younger teenagers.
Publisher's age recommendation: 10-14. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
The Worst Princess
by Anna Kemp, Sara Ogilvie, published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK ISBN: 01847388760
A knight in shining armour appears to whisk the princess away, but she's having none of it. This fun story sees the princess rejecting the prince and his attempts to impose gender stereotypes on her. Instead, she makes friends with a dragon and goes on an adventure.
Publisher's age recommendation: 3+. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
William's Doll
by Charlotte Zolotow, William Pene Du Bois, Published by Picture Lions ISBN: 64430677
All that William wants is a doll, but his brothers make fun of him, and his dad keeps trying to get him to play with trains. Thankfully, William’s grandma tells dad that he's wrong and William does eventually get a doll.
Publisher's age recommendation: 4-8. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
- Coping with change
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Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy
by Bre Indigo and Rey Terceiro, published by Little, Brown Young Readers US
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy is a modern retelling of Little Women, set in New York City. This graphic novel includes a few departures from the original story, including Jo coming out as gay. It also handles issues including being a mixed-race family and dealing with cancer.
Other themes: Family, relationships, graphic novel, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9, 10-11 and 12-14.
- Different families
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He's My Mom
by Sarah Savage, Joules Garcia, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN: 9781787755741
This simple story is told from the perspective of a child whose mum is trans, has changed his name to David and has started using he/him pronouns. ‘He’s My Mom’ provides a simple introduction to the idea that some children have trans parents or carers.
Other themes: Trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9, 10-11 and 12-14.
My Maddy
by Gayle E. Pitman and Violet Tobacco, published by Magination Press
A story about a child’s relationship with their Maddy. This book will help children to understand that some people are not a man or a woman, and that’s OK.
Other themes: trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7.
Pearl Power and The Girl with Two Dads
by Mel Elliott, published by I Love Mel, ISBN 1527266729
Pearl goes for tea at her new classmate’s house. She’s excited because her new friend has two dads, but is in for a disappointment when they’re no more fun than any other parents!
Other themes: gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Prince Henry
by Olly Pike, published by Pop'n'Olly ISBN: B086H33149
When the king and queen tried to find someone for Prince Henry to marry, there was a problem. Henry was already in love with his friend Thomas and his parents didn’t approve because Thomas wasn’t a prince. Thankfully it all worked out in the end in this lovely picture book.
Also available in Welsh
Other themes: family, relationships
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
The Best Man
by Richard Peck, published by Puffin Books, IBSN 0147515793
A wonderful story about growing up. As Archer grows from 4 to 13, so do his relationships with his family. The book starts with one wedding and ends with another, the second one between his Uncle Paul and Ed.
Other themes: Relationships, coming of age, family, gay representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 9-12. Our age recommendation: 8-9 and 10-11.
The Pirate Mums
by Jodie Lancet-Grant and Lydia Corry, published by OUP Oxford, IBSN 0192777793
Billy's family is different to the families of other children in his class – not only does he have two mums, but both of them are pirates! He's embarrassed by the way his mums dress, the way they sing sea shanties when his friends come over, and the way they talk like sea-faring pirates.
Through the story, Billy learns that the things that make his family different are also the things that make them special.
Other themes: Celebrating difference, lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 2+. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
She’s My Dad
by Sarah Savage and Joules Garcia, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, ISBN 1785926152
A wonderful book about a child’s relationship with their dad, who is a trans woman. The explanation of what ‘trans’ means is clear, simple and great for younger children.
Other themes: trans representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Uncle Bobby's Wedding
by Sarah S. Brannen and Lucia Soto, published by Hodder Children's Books ISBN: 01444960946
Chloe was sad when Uncle Bobby announced that he was marrying Jamie, because she didn’t want things to change. However, some reassurance from her uncle helped her come round to the idea. This beautifully illustrated picture book follows the preparations for Bobby and Jamie’s wedding and the special day itself.
Other themes: Relationships
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
- Emotional literacy
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Fearless Fairy Tales
by Konnie Huq and James Kay, published by Piccadilly Press, ISBN 1848128118
A book of fairy tales for the modern age. They’re funny, and inclusive, tackling topics including gender stereotypes, racism, greed and fake news, all in an LGBTQ-inclusive manner.
Other themes: Challenging gender stereotypes, celebrating difference
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9.
The Deepest Breath
by Meg Grehan, published by Little Island Books. ISBN: 9781912417186
The Deepest Breath is a great book for older primary school children. The story follows a girl coming to understand her emotions and her attraction to a girl in her class. The interesting narrative style of this book makes it great for use in lessons comparing texts and narrative techniques.
Publisher's age recommendation: 9-11. Our age recommendation: 10-11.
- Friendship
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Death in the Spotlight: A ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ mystery
by Robin Stevens, published by Puffin, ISBN 0141373822
Two schoolgirls continue their adventures as detectives, solving the case of a double murder at the Rue Theatre.
Other themes: Lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World
by Ashley Herring Blake, published by Little, Brown Young Readers US, ISBN 0316515477
When a tornado sweeps through Ivy’s town, it doesn’t just take her home – it takes her secret notebook too. A secret notebook filled with drawings of her holding hands with other girls. Will the notebook reappear, or will it be lost forever?
Other themes: Family, coping with change, lesbian/bi representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9 and 10-11.
Leah on the Offbeat
by Becky Albertalli, published by Penguin, ISBN 9780241331057
Set in the same world as Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, this book focusses on Simon’s friend Leah. Follow Leah as she explores her bi identity, navigates changing friendships and plans her big move to college.
Other themes: Bi representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
Rick
by Alex Gino, published by Scholastic, ISBN 9780702301827
We follow Rick as he starts middle school, gets a bit wiser and starts to learn the difference between good friends and bad friends. During this time, he also realises there’s a name for people that aren’t attracted to people of any gender. With the help of his new friends, he comes to accept his asexuality.
Other themes: Family, ace representation
Publisher's age recommendation: 11-12. Our age recommendation:10-11 and 12-14.
The Boys
by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovlie, published by Caterpillar Books ISBN: 9781838914172
‘The Boys’ is a lovely picture book about friendship, about celebrating differences between friends and about growing up together. This beautiful book follows a group of 4 boys from young childhood to adulthood, showing them as they grow and change together.
Other themes: Coming of age
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 2-4, 5-7 and 8-9.
The Girls
by Lauren Ace and Jenny Løvlie, published by Caterpillar Books, ISBN 1848578431
A lovely book about a group of girls growing into women. While they all change with time, their friendships remain constant.
Other themes: Lesbian representation
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
The Strangeworlds Travel Agency
by JD Lapinski, published by Aladdin Paperbacks ISBN: 01534483527
‘The Strangeworlds Travel Agency’ is a series of three fun, adventure filled books. The main character, Johnathan, is trans and gay. This is hinted at in the first of the series of books but is made more obvious in the second and third. However, Johnathan’s LGBTQ+ identity is incidental and not the main focus of the story. Come to Strangeworlds for the inclusion, stay for the adventure.
Content note: The Strangeworlds series makes reference to bereavement.
Other themes: Family, trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: 8-12. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
- Non-fiction
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Little People, Big Dreams: Alan Turing
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Ashling Lindsay, published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books ISBN: 711246777
This beautifully illustrated book is about Alan Turing and his life. It’s great for older primary aged children and would be a great stimulus for a lesson about Alan’s work.
Content note: This book refers to bereavement and death.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9 and 10-11.
Little People, Big Dreams: Billie Jean King
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Miranda Sofoniou, published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books ISBN: 711246920
Learn about Billie Jean King's life and career with this book from the ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ collection. Billie Jean’s story provides a great example of a woman who has consistently challenged and overcome gender stereotypes.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9 and 10-11.
Little People, Big Dreams: Elton John
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Sophie Beer, published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books ISBN: 711258384
From the ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ collection, this is a charming picture book which tells the story of Elton John's life. From a little boy with a piano to an international superstar, what’s not to love?
Content note: This book makes reference to death.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9 and 10-11.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
by Rob Sanders, Steven Salerno, published by Random House Books for Young Readers ISBN: 399555315
As you might have guessed from the title, this picture book tells the story of Harvey Milk, Gilbert Baker and the rainbow flag. It provides a simple, accessible way for children to learn some of the history of the LGBTQ+ movement and about changing attitudes to LGBTQ+ people.
Content note: This book talks about Harvey’s death as well as his life.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9 and 10-11.
What Does LGBT+ Mean?
by Olly Pike, published by Pop'n'Olly ISBN: 9780993340789
This colourful book explains some of the key ideas relating to romantic and sexual orientation and gender identity. Best used as a stimulus to start discussions and to help develop children’s understanding, this book is great for older primary aged children.
Other themes: Challenging gender stereotypes, relationships, trans inclusion
Publisher's age recommendation: 9-12. Our age recommendation: 10-11.
- Trans inclusion
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A costume for Charly
by C.K. Malone and Alejandra Barajas, published by Beaming Books, ISBN 9781506484051
This picture book shows Charly finding it hard to decide what to wear for Halloween. Some costumes feel too feminine for them and some feel too masculine. They're desperate to find a costume that reflects that they are neither a boy nor a girl. With a bit of creativity, they succeed!
Publisher's age recommendation: 5-8. Our age recommendation: 5-7, 8-9.
Be Who You Are
by Jennifer Carr, published by Authorhouse, ISBN 1452087253
Hope was given the label of ‘boy’ when she was born but has always felt like a girl inside. Hope’s parents find a group for families like theirs. Join Hope as, with their support, she expresses a desire to be addressed as ‘she’, and then to be named ‘Hope’.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Melissa (previously published as George)
by Alex Gino, published by Scholastic USA, IBSN 0545812577
Melissa is a 10-year-old with a secret. The secret is that she’s a girl. A lovely book about a trans girl growing in confidence.
Publisher's age recommendation: 11-12. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
Gracefully Grayson
by Ami Polonsky, published by Disney-Hyperion, IBSN 1484723651
Gracefully Grayson is a heart-warming story about a young trans girl overcoming her fears and stepping out of the shadows.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9 and 10-11.
I Am Jazz
by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, published by Dial Books, ISBN 0803741073
Jazz was born with a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. This confuses her family until they go to see a doctor, who tells them that Jazz was transgender and that she had been born that way.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 2-4, 5-7 and 8-9.
Me and My Dysphoria Monster
by Laura Kate Dale and Ang Hui Qing, published by Jennifer Kingsley Publishing, ISBN 9781839970924
This book features a young trans girl, Nisha, and tells the story of all the things in her life that can cause her gender dysphoria. After talking about her experience with a supportive adult, Nisha starts to battle the dysphoria monster and to feel happier. The concepts of being trans and of experiencing dysphoria are explained in a child friendly, age-appropriate way.
Other themes: Emotional literacy, mental health
Publisher's age recommendation: Not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9, 10-12.
Phoenix Goes to School
by Michelle Finch, Phoenix Finch, Sharon Davey, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN: 0178592821X
‘Phoenix Goes to School’ is the story of a trans girl’s first day at school. It explains in simple terms what trans means and highlights some of the worries that trans children might have when they go to school.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Red: A Crayon’s Story
by Michael Hall, published by GreenWilBk, ISBN 9780062252074
Although Red was given a red label, Red is actually blue. However hard he tries, Red can’t be anything apart from blue.
A lovely book that can be a great starting point for talking about trans people and how it might feel to be trans.
Other themes: Celebrating difference
Publisher's age recommendation: 4-8. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution!: The Story of the Trans Women of Colour Who Made LGBTQ+ History
by Joy Ellison and Teshika Silver, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, ISBN 1787755304
This fantastic book which explains who Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson were and how they had a positive impact on the lives of others.
Other themes: LGBTQ+ history
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
The Pants Project
by Cat Clarke, published by Sourcebooks Young Readers ISBN: 9781728215525
The main character in ‘The Pants Project’ has a lot to deal with all at once. He's started a new school, he’s trying to make new friends and he’s also coming to terms with the fact that he is trans. The last thing he needs is to be forced to wear a skirt to school. A great book for older primary school children and younger teenagers, ‘The Pants Project’ would be a great addition to a school library.
Content note: This book depicts incidents of homophobic and transphobic bullying.
Other themes: Friendship
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 10-11 and 12-14.
The Pronoun Book
by Cassandra Jules Corrigan, Jem Milton, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN: 9781787759572
‘The Pronoun Book’ explains what it means to be trans or non-binary, the different pronouns that someone might use, and why someone might change their pronouns. It's straightforward, easy to understand and great for children of primary school age.
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 8-9 and 10-11.
When Aiden Became a Brother
by Kyle Lukoff, published by Lee & Low Books, ISBN 1620148374
When Aiden comes out as trans, he finds love and acceptance from his family. Upon discovering that his mum is pregnant, Aiden sets out to make sure the baby will be supported to be themselves too.
Other themes: family, celebrating difference
Publisher's age recommendation: 5-10. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
When Kayla Was Kyle
by Amy Fabrikant, published by Avid Readers Publishing Group, ISBN 1612861547
Kyle doesn’t understand why the other kids at school call them names. They look like other boys, but doesn’t feel like them. Can Kyle find the words to share their feelings about gender, and can Kyle’s parents help them?
Publisher's age recommendation: not specified. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.
Who Are You? A Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity
by Brook Pessin-Whedbee, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, ISBN 1785927280
This beautifully illustrated book offers a clear, child-friendly explanation of what gender identity is. The main message is simple: ‘be who you are’.
Other themes: Celebrating difference, challenging gender stereotypes
Publisher's age recommendation: 5-8. Our age recommendation: 5-7 and 8-9.