Happy Pride Month! This month, we are celebrating LGBTQIA2S+ stories. Here are some books that feature LGBTQIA2S+ characters and families to share with your child and spark conversations about love and acceptance for people of all orientations.
1. When Aidan Became a Brother written by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
Read When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff. In the story, Aidan learns he is going to have a younger sibling! He’s worried about being a good big brother and wants to make sure everything is perfect when the new baby arrives. With your child, think about different ways they can show that they care about a family member or a friend. Are there things they can do to help? Do they have items they like to share?
2. Families Belong written by Dan Saks, illustrated by Brooke Smart
Read Families Belong by Dan Saks, a book about different kinds of families and the things they like to do together. Encourage your child to think about the different people who make up their family. Ask them, “What are some things you like to do with your family?”
3. Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle written by Nina LaCour, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
Read Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour, a story about a little girl who misses Mommy when she goes away on a work trip. Follow her and Mama as she finds ways to process these big feelings. Is there someone your child misses right now? What are some things you can do together to miss them a little less? For example, help your child write a note, pick some flowers, or talk about a fun memory they’ve shared with this person.
4. Julián Is a Mermaid written and illustrated by Jessica Love
Read Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love and join Julián on his mermaid adventures! When he is riding on the subway with his abuela, he notices three very dressed-up women who remind him of mermaids. His imagination inspires him to dress up in his own mermaid costume! Invite your child to express themselves with clothes and accessories. Let them pick out their outfit and invite them to describe the clothes they selected. Ask them, “What makes you, you?”
5. Pink is for Boys written by Robb Pearlman, illustrated by Eda Kaban
Read Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman. Learn about all the different colors that are for everyone. Invite your child to share about their favorite colors. Where do they see these colors? Encourage them to think about items in nature, on the sidewalks or street, different toys, and things they may see at the store!
Additional Book Suggestions from Jumpstart’s Queer Community Group:
- Love Makes a Family – written by Sophie Beer
- Daddy, Papa, and Me – written by Lesléa Newman
- I am a Prince – written by Damien Alan Lopez
- Mommy, Mama, and Me – written by Lesléa Newman
