These LGBTQ titles are handpicked for diverse children and teens, their loving parents and anyone who believes that love is love.
Click here for adult PRIDE titles A joyful and fun read-along tale of one family’s quest to find the Rainbowsaurus, featuring lots of colourful creatures.
Join two dads and their three children as they set off on an adventure to find the Rainbowsaurus. On their way, they meet animals that are all the colours of the rainbow who all want to find the Rainbowsaurus, too. (Hardcover/ 32 pages / Age 3 - 5 / $28) An exuberant YA historical coming-of-age novel about a rising star French pianist, navigating his way into high society as he explores his sexuality.
They say Léon Delafosse will be France’s next great pianist. But despite his being the youngest student ever accepted into the prestigious Paris Conservatory, there’s no way an impoverished musician can make his way in 1890s Paris without an outside patron. Young gossip columnist Marcel Proust takes Léon under his wing, and the boys game their way through an extravagant new world. When the larger-than-life Count Robert de Montesquiou-Fézensac offers his patronage, Léon’s dreams are made real. But the closer he gets to becoming France’s next great thing, the further he strays from his old country life he shared with his family and his best friend Félix . . . a boy he might love. With each choice Léon makes, he must navigate a fine line between two worlds—or risk losing them both. (Hardcover / 288 pages / Age 13+ / $30) Featuring queer authors of color putting fresh spins on classic horror tropes and tales.
No matter its name or occasion, Halloween is more than a Hallmark holiday, it’s a symbol of transformation. NIGHT OF THE LIVING QUEERS is a YA horror anthology that explores how Halloween can be more than just candies and frights, but a night where anything is possible. Each short story is told through the lens of a different BIPOC teen and the Halloween night that changes their lives forever. Creative, creepy, and queer, this collection brings fresh terror, heart, and humor to young adult literature. (304 pages / Age 13 - `18 / $24) This is a queer love story for the ages–told over the course of a couple’s first ten dates.
When a blue-haired boy (Ryan) meets a pink-haired boy (Avery) at a dance–a queer prom–both feel an inexplicable but powerful connection. Follow them through their first ten dates as they bridge their initial shyness and fall in love–through snowstorms, groundings, meeting parents (Avery’s) and not (Ryan’s), cast parties, heartbreak, and every day and date in between. “David Levithan is an icon of queer young adult fiction. Romance, realism, and relationship drama – Levithan's stories are where my love for queer YA was born.” – Alice Oseman (352 pages / Age 12 - 16 / $22) Ten captivating stories of adventure and resilience celebrating LGBTQ+ characters, published as an illustrated collection of queer classics for the first time.
These are the fairy tales that history forgot - or concealed. Tales in which gender is fluid and where queer stories can have a happy ending. Meet the humble sailor who finds his very own handsome prince and the Black trans market girl who becomes queen. Journey to the ends of the earth with an Indian prince, and discover the gay ghosts whose love lasted beyond death. From Europe to Asia via the African savannah, LGBTQ+ folklore researcher Pete Jordi Wood has combed through generations of history and adapted ten unforgettable stories, each illustrated by an artist who shares heritage with the culture from which the stories were born. (272 pages / Hardcover / $28) This fun, inclusive board book celebrates the one thing that makes every family a family . . . and that’s LOVE.
Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading one more book. In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what’s most important in each family’s life is the love the family members share. (Hardcover / 24 pages / Baby - 3 years / $18) Truly devoted to the idea of public art, Haring created murals wherever he went.
Often seen drawing in white chalk on the matte black paper of unused advertising space in the subway, Keith Haring’s iconic pop art and graffiti-like style transformed the New York City underground in the 1980s. A member of the LGBTQ community, Haring died tragically at the age of thirty-one from AIDS-related complications. Illustrated in paint by Josh Cochran, himself a specialist in bright, dense, conceptual drawings, this honest, celebratory book honors Haring’s life and art, along with his very special connection with kids. (Hardcover / 64 pages / Age 6 - 14 / $33) A celebration of gay gods and goddesses, sapphic sirens, misunderstood mermen, and lesbians of legend.
Hidden in the margins of history books, classical literature, and thousands of years of stories, myths and legends, through to contemporary literature, TV and film, there is a diverse and other-worldly super community of queer heroes to discover, learn from, and celebrate. Be captivated by stories of forbidden love like Patroclus & Achilles (explored in Madeleine Miller's bestseller Song of Achilles), join the cult of Antinous (inspiration for Oscar Wilde), get down with pansexual god Set in Egyptian myth, and fall for Zimbabwe's trans God Mawi. And from modern pop-culture, through Dan Jones's witty, upbeat style, learn more about 90s fan obsessions Xena: Warrior Princess and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Neil Gaiman's American Gods and the BBC 's Doctor Who. Heroes of Queer Myth & Legend brings to life characters who are romantic, brave, mysterious, and always fantastical. It is a magnificent celebration of queerness through the ages in all its legendary glory. (Hardcover / 240 pages / 50 profiles / $37) It’s 1978 in San Francisco, and the city is filled with music and art and protests for social justice – and the Gay Freedom Day Parade needs a new symbol. What happens when a group of friends take up the challenge of creating it? Harvey Milk and Gilbert Baker come up with the idea for a flag. Making it a rainbow, Gilbert decides, will be the perfect way to express love, togetherness, and pride.
Gilbert and his good friends – the tie-dye wizard Faerie Argyle, the sewing expert James, and the experienced activist Cleve – gather a band of volunteers at the Gay Community Center on Grove Street to make it happen. They dye and prepare the fabric, sew the stripes together, add the finishing touches, and then unfurl it at the parade to the delight of the crowd. Today the Rainbow Flag is a familiar sight, at the Pride Parade and around the world. But it is not only a universal symbol; it is also a brilliant object of design that is part of the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, in New York. This story, based on true events, follows the birth of the idea and the collaborative creation of the flag and, above all, demonstrates the strength and ingenuity possible when a group of people – friends, community, neighbours and family – take a stand for civil rights and l-o-v-e. (Hardcover / 32 pages / $32) In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's world.
Award-winning author Rob Sanders's stirring text, and acclaimed illustrator Steven Salerno's evocative images, combine to tell this remarkable - and undertold - story. A story of love, hope, equality, and pride. (Hardcover / 48 pages / $31) Every child deserves to see their birth or family story reflected in books about where babies come from, and this is what Making a Baby is all about. All families start in their own special way, and every family is amazing.
In this honest, accessible illustrated guide to how babies are made, young readers can find out exactly what is needed to grow a baby, from introducing the basic building blocks of life such as sperm and eggs, to explaining the different ways that these building blocks can be put together to create a family. Working closely with a leading national LGBT organisation, this inclusive guide to Making a Baby covers sex, sperm and egg donation, IUI, IVF, surrogacy and adoption, as well as explaining how a baby grows in the womb and about different kinds of births.
Written in gentle and accessible language that can be shared with younger children or read alone by confident readers, we hope this book and its charming illustrations will provide the stepping stone for every parent to have an open conversation with their child about how babies are made, and their family began. (Hardcover / 32 pages / $26) |
Chloe loves, loves, LOVES her special uncle Bobby. So when she learns that Uncle Bobby is going to be getting married to his boyfriend Jamie she’s not at all pleased. What if Uncle Bobby doesn’t have time to play with Chloe anymore? But after spending a fun-filled day with Bobby and Jamie, she soon realises she’s not losing an uncle, but gaining a whole new one!
An uplifting celebration of love in all its forms, this book is perfect for any child who has a special grown-up in their life. (Hardcover / 32 pages / Age 3 - 6 / $16) This one-of-a-kind collection of prose and poetry radically explores the intersection of fat and queer identities, showcasing new, emerging and established queer and trans writers from around the world.
Celebrating fat and queer bodies and lives, this book challenges negative and damaging representations of queer and fat bodies and offers readers ways to reclaim their bodies, providing stories of support, inspiration and empowerment. In writing that is intimate, luminous and emotionally raw, this anthology is a testament to the diversity and power of fat queer voices and experiences, and they deserve to be heard. (336 pages / $32) A charming picture book inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing 19th-century doctor who was arrested many times for wearing pants.
Once upon a time (but not that long ago), girls only wore dresses. And only boys wore pants. Until one day, a young girl named Mary had an idea: She would wear whatever she wanted. And she wanted to wear pants! This bold, original picture book encourages readers to think for themselves while gently challenging gender and societal norms. (Hardcover / 48 pages / 4 - 8 years / $31). Tiny loves costumes! Tiny likes to dress up as an animal, or a doctor, or a butterfly. Tiny also prefers not to tell other children whether they are a boy or a girl. Tiny's friends don't mind, but when Tiny starts a new school their new friends can't help asking one question:
"Tiny, are you a boy or are you a girl?" This brightly illustrated book will open a dialogue with children aged 3+ about gender diversity in a fun and creative way. Featuring a gender neutral protagonist, the book imparts an important message about identity and being who you want to be. Tiny's story will assist parents, family and teachers in giving children the space to express themselves fully, explore different identities and have fun at the same time. (32 pages / $26) Whilst most unicorns like sunshine and sparkles, Glitterbug the unicorn enjoys moody skies and storms. Ava's doctor dads can't work out what is giving Glitterbug a tummy ache, so she decides to investigate. An inclusive picture book celebrating kindness, friendship and being true to yourself.
A note from Jodie Lancet-Grant; ‘In my books the story – in this case one with a medical mystery, a budding friendship, and a goth unicorn – always comes first. But through incidental LGBTQ+ representation I also want to show children with two mums or two dads that families like theirs are worth writing stories about, show kids who might grow up queer that they can have their own family if they want one, and show everyone that families come in all shapes and sizes.’ "From the first page we are introduced to a town populated by a wide variety of magical and non-magical creatures. The text names some of these; dragons, fairies, mermaids and centaurs and children will enjoy spotting many more depicted amongst the humans on the bustling street.." (Oxford University Press /Age 5+ / $19) This gentle and incredibly poignant picture book tells the true story of how one baby found his home.
“Some babies are born into their families. Some are adopted. This is the story of how one baby found his family in the New York City subway.” So begins the true story of Kevin and how he found his Daddy Danny and Papa Pete. Written in a direct address to his son, Pete’s moving and emotional text tells how his partner, Danny, found a baby tucked away in the corner of a subway station on his way home from work one day. Pete and Danny ended up adopting the baby together. Although neither of them had prepared for the prospect of parenthood, they are reminded, “Where there is love, anything is possible.” (Hardcover / 40 pages / 4- 8 years / $31) A comprehensive photographic history of the LGBTQ+ movement, complemented with bright, stylish illustrations to appeal to young adult readers.
Whoever you are, HAVE PRIDE. This inspirational history of the international LGBTQ+ movement will teach readers to accept and have pride in themselves and others, whatever their sexuality. It details the struggles and successes of LGBTQ+ movements around the world, looking at decriminalisation, the Stonewall riots and their legacy, global Pride movements, the HIV/AIDS crisis and equal marriage. It also includes profiles of significant LGBTQ+ figures from history and messages from young, modern-day members of the LGBTQ+ community, explaining why they have pride in themselves - and why you should, too. (Hardcover / 128 pages / $34) 'Hunty, do you want to come over, have a kiki and spill some tea?'
Do you love drag but struggle to keep up with the lingo? Are you dying to throw shade but don t know how to? Well, never fear: The Drag Dictionary is here to save you! Featuring bright, fun illustrations inspired by your best-loved queens, as well as over 40 classic phrases explained - from 'body-ody-ody' to 'squirrel friends', 'tuck' and more - this is a tribute to the amazing artists who add sparkle and glitz to our lives. (Hardcover / 112 pages / $22) The all-inclusive LGBTQ+ fairytale collection that has grabbed headlines across the world!
Celebrating all ethnicities, genders and sexualities, this sparkling collection of 17 short stories takes new and familiar fairy tales and reimagines them in contemporary and inclusive light. The collection was originally published in Hungary, where the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters sparked political controversy. It quickly became an important symbol in the fight for equality and against discrimination in Hungary and enjoyed a vast wave of support both within and outside the country.
A Fairytale For Everyone is the winner of an English PEN Translates Award. (Hardcover / 192 pages / Ae 8 - 12 / $36) Now in board book format, a joyful alphabet book of LGBTQ+ vocabulary for kids of all ages!
A playdate extravaganza transforms into a joyful celebration of friendship, love, and identity as four young friends sashay out of all the closets, dress up in a wardrobe fit for kings and queens, and discover the wonders of their imagination. In The GayBCs, M. L. Webb’s playful illustrations and lively poems delight in the beauty of embracing one’s truest self. The GayBCs is a heartwarming and accessible gift to show kids and adults alike that every person is worthy of being celebrated. A bonus glossary offers opportunities for further discussion of complete terms, communities, and inclusive identities.
(Board book / 28 pages / Age 3 - 7 / $19) More board books in our Baby / Toddler Catalogue |
With 5 fun tales featuring merpeople, a rainbow wedding and a back-to-front horse, this captivating guide to LGBTQ+ identities takes you on a journey through Clear Sky Castle to promote inclusion for children aged 6 to 9.
The interactive stories and games - including drawing, sculpting, word searches and quizzes - raise awareness of different kinds of families, as well as identities such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and non-binary, and teach acceptance for all. The resourceful 'Guide for Adults' at the end of the book offers advice, answers to activities throughout, and signposts to helpful organisations for the adult reading the book with the child. (144 pages / $36) Ellie always knew she was different. Contrary and creative, she wore black, obsessed over Willow in BUFFY and somehow never really liked boys. As she grew, so did her fears and a deep sense of unbelonging. From her first communion to her first girlfriend via a swathe of self-denial, awkward encounters and everyday courage, Ellie's journey is told through tender and funny illustrations - a self-portrait sketched out from the heart.
THE TIMES I KNEW I WAS GAY reminds us that sexuality is not often determined by falling in love with others, but by coming to terms with oneself; that people must come out not just once but again and again. Full of vitality and love, it will ring true for anyone who took time to discover who they truly are. (320 pages / graphic memoir / $32) Everything Is Beautiful, and I'm Not Afraid perfectly captures the feelings of a young sojourner in America as she explores the nuances in searching for a place to belong. Baopu is a monthly serialized comic on Autostraddle, and this book includes beloved fan favorites plus new, never-before-seen comics.
This one-of-a-kind graphic novel explores the poetics of searching for connection, belonging, and identity through the fictional life of a young, queer immigrant. Inspired by the creator's own experiences as a queer, China-born illustrator living in the United States, Everything Is Beautiful, and I'm Not Afraid has an undeniable memoir quality to its recollection and thought-provoking accounts of what it's like to navigate the complexities of seeking belonging—mentally and geographically. (128 pages / $26) Created and compiled just for young women, You Don’t Have to Be Everything is filled with works by a wide range of poets who are honest, unafraid, and skilled at addressing the complex feelings of coming-of-age, from loneliness to joy, longing to solace, attitude to humor. These unintimidating poems offer girls a message of self-acceptance and strength, giving them permission to let go of shame and perfectionism.
The cast of 68 poets is extraordinary: Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate, who read at Joe Biden's inauguration; bestselling authors like Maya Angelou, Elizabeth Acevedo, Sharon Olds, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Mary Oliver; Instagram-famous poets including Kate Baer, Melody Lee, and Andrea Gibson; poets who are LGBTQ, poets of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, poets who sing of human experience in ways that are free from conventional ideas of femininity. Illustrated in full color with work by three diverse artists, this book is an inspired gift for daughters and granddaughters—and anyone on the path to becoming themselves. (176 pages / $26) A mind-bending sci-fi mystery and tender love story about two boys aboard a spaceship sent on a rescue mission, from two-time National Book Award finalist Eliot Schrefer. Stonewall Honor Award winner!
Two boys, alone in space. Sworn enemies sent on the same rescue mission. Ambrose wakes up on the Coordinated Endeavor with no memory of a launch. There’s more that doesn’t add up: evidence indicates strangers have been on board, the ship’s operating system is voiced by his mother, and his handsome, brooding shipmate has barricaded himself away. But nothing will stop Ambrose from making his mission succeed—not when he’s rescuing his own sister. In order to survive the ship’s secrets, Ambrose and Kodiak will need to work together and learn to trust each other . . . especially once they discover what they are truly up against. Love might be the only way to survive. (417 pages / Age 13-17 / $20) Things aren't going great for Archie Albright. His dad's acting weird, his mum too, and all he wants is for everything to go back to normal, to three months before when his parents were happy and still lived together. When Archie sees a colourful, crumpled flyer fall out of Dad's pocket, he thinks he may have found the answer. Only problem? The answer might just lie at the end of the rainbow, an adventure away.
Together with his best friends, Bell and Seb, Archie sets off on a heartwarming and unforgettable journey to try and fix his family, even if he has to break a few rules to do it... A joyful story about the relationship between a son and his gay father. (352 pages / illustrated / $20) The very first picture book to tell of its historic and inspiring role in the gay civil rights movement.
From Rob Sanders, author of the acclaimed Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, comes this powerful and timeless true story that will allow young readers to discover the rich and dynamic history of the Stonewall Inn and its role in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement–a movement that continues to this very day. In the early-morning hours of June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn was raided by police in New York City. Though the inn had been raided before, that night would be different. It would be the night when empowered members of the LGBTQ+ community–in and around the Stonewall Inn–began to protest and demand their equal rights as citizens of the United States. Movingly narrated by the Stonewall Inn itself, and featuring stirring and dynamic illustrations, Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution is an essential and empowering civil rights story that every child deserves to hear. (Hardcover / 40 pages / $31) A groundbreaking, pop-culture-infused illustrated biography collection.
Rainbow Revolutionaries brings to life the vibrant histories of fifty pioneering LGBTQ+ people from around the world. Through short, engaging bios, and bold, dynamic art, young readers can delve into the lives of Wen of Han, a Chinese emperor who loved his boyfriend as much as his people, Martine Rothblatt, a trans woman who’s helping engineer the robots of tomorrow, and so many more! This book is a celebration of the many ways these heroes have made a difference and will inspire young readers to make a difference, too. Featuring an introduction, map, timeline, and glossary, this must-have biography collection is the perfect read during Pride month and all year round.
Biographies include: Adam Rippon, Alan L. Hart, Alan Turing, Albert Cashier, Alberto Santos-Dumont, Alexander the Great, Al-Hakam II, Alvin Ailey, Bayard Rustin, Benjamin Banneker, Billie Jean King, Chevalière d'Éon, Christina of Sweden, Christine Jorgensen, Cleve Jones, Ellen DeGeneres, Francisco Manicongo, Frida Kahlo, Frieda Belinfante, Georgina Beyer, Gilbert Baker, Glenn Burke, Greta Garbo, Harvey Milk, James Baldwin, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, José Sarria, Josephine Baker, Juana Inés de la Cruz, Julie d'Aubigny, Lili Elbe, Ma Rainey, Magnus Hirschfeld, Manvendra Singh Gohil, Marsha P. Johnson, Martine Rothblatt, Maryam Khatoon Molkara, Natalie Clifford Barney, Navtej Johar, Nzinga, Pauli Murray, Renée Richards, Rudolf Nureyev, Sally Ride, Simon Nkoli, Stormé DeLarverie, Sylvia Rivera, Tshepo Ricki Kgositau, Wen of Han, We’wha. (Hardcover / 128 pages / $32) |