Embracing Diversity: LGBTQ+ Books for Children

Embracing Diversity: LGBTQ+ Books for Children

As parents, it is our responsibility to raise empathetic and inclusive children who appreciate the beautiful diversity of the world. One of the best ways to nurture acceptance and understanding is through literature. In this blog post, we will explore a collection of LGBTQ+ books for children that promote love, inclusivity, and self-acceptance. Whether you're reading together or encouraging independent reading, these books will help your child develop a broader perspective and foster a culture of acceptance.

Picture books for little ones 

Whether your little one is raised in a queer household or if you want to teach them about different types of families, here at Books2Door we are proud to have a wonderful selection of representative picture books. We have highlighted three of our favourites for you to check out! 

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer: 

Love Makes a Family is a charming picture book that celebrates the different types of families that exist in the world. With vibrant illustrations and simple text, this book highlights diverse family structures, including same-sex couples, single parents, and blended families. By showcasing the message that love is what truly defines a family, Love Makes a Family teaches children to embrace and accept the uniqueness of every family they encounter. Grab a copy of this beautiful board book along with Beer’s two others in the series, Kindness Makes Us Strong and Change Starts With Us in our First Behaviour and Manners Library. 

Heather Has Two Mummies by Leslea Newman:

Heather Has Two Mummies is a modern classic that introduces young readers to diverse family structures. The story revolves around a young girl named Heather, who has two loving mothers. Through warm and relatable illustrations, this book depicts the everyday adventures of Heather and emphasises that love and family are not limited by traditional norms. It teaches children to appreciate different family dynamics and that what truly matters is the love and care shared within the family. Buy your copy of Heather Has Two Mummies here at Books2Door 

Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival:

Perfectly Norman is a heart-warming story about a young boy who discovers he has wings. Initially, Norman is afraid of being different, but he soon realises that his uniqueness is what makes him special. This book gently explores themes of self-acceptance, individuality, and embracing one's true self. Perfectly Norman encourages children to celebrate their differences and understand that diversity is something to be cherished. Buy Perfectly Norman here or you can buy the book along with Percival’s other heart-warming and important picture books in our A Big Bright Feelings Collection 6 Books Set By Tom Percival. 

Chapter Books for ages 7-9

As your little ones are getting older they may no longer want to read with you. However, you can always recommend them books and keep the enthusiasm and passion for reading. Books are also a great way to start a conversation, especially when it seems like an impossible subject to discuss. These books are a fantastic way to start some of those conversations whilst celebrating everyone's individuality. 

The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery:

The Last Firefox is an enchanting tale that follows the journey of a unique fox who embarks on a quest of self-discovery and acceptance. Through beautiful illustrations and captivating storytelling, this book celebrates individuality and teaches children the importance of embracing their true identities. It emphasises that every person has a unique story to tell and encourages young readers to appreciate and respect differences in others. Now is the perfect time to check out Newbery’s hit The Last Firefox from Books2Door as it is being published into a book series! 

The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. series by Jen Carney:

The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. series is a collection of books that feature a lovable and quirky character named B.U.G. (Brilliantly Unique Girl). These humorous and relatable stories follow B.U.G.'s adventures as she navigates challenges, friendships, and her own self-discovery. While not explicitly focused on LGBTQ+ themes, this series encourages children to embrace their individuality, celebrate their differences, and accept others for who they are. B.U.G. has two mums so the series does explore same-sex relationships and adoption but is written in a way that is relatable to children without making this fact a big deal, after all the series is written in B.U.G.’s perspective and her having two mums is nothing unusual to her! Why not grab the series so far? Buy The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. 3 Books Collection Set. 

Empowering reads for 9-14-year-olds

At this age, your little ones may not seem so little. They are blossoming into their own people and they might have spoken to you about being a member of the LGBTQ+ community or maybe they are continuing to read books from all walks of life. With this in mind, why not check out one of these books as a gift or a recommendation for your little bookworm? 

To Night Owl From Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer:

To Night Owl From Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer is a heart-warming and humorous novel that celebrates the power of friendship and unconventional families. The story follows two girls, Avery and Bett, who are brought together when their respective fathers start dating. Initially reluctant to accept their new family situation, Avery and Bett begin corresponding through emails and slowly develop a bond. As they navigate summer camp, secrets, and unexpected challenges, they learn about the complexities of family, love, and acceptance. To Night Owl From Dogfish beautifully explores themes of friendship, blended families, and self-discovery. It introduces young readers to the idea that families can come in different forms and that the love and support they offer is what truly matters. This novel encourages children to embrace the unique individuals who come into their lives and shows them the power of building connections beyond traditional family structures.

The Whispers by Greg Howard:

The Whispers is a poignant and magical story that centres around a young boy named Riley. Riley's journey of self-discovery unfolds as he navigates his way through challenges and learns the importance of acceptance and understanding. This book sensitively addresses themes of identity, friendship, and the courage to be true to oneself. The Whispers encourages children to embrace their authentic selves and celebrates the power of love and acceptance. Grab your copy of The Whispers by Greg Howard at Books2Door. 

Magnus Chase series by Rick Riordan:

The Magnus Chase series, written by acclaimed author Rick Riordan, is a thrilling adventure that introduces diverse and inclusive characters, including a gender-fluid protagonist. Through a blend of Norse mythology and contemporary storytelling, Riordan weaves a tale that embraces diversity and representation. This series is an excellent choice for independent readers who enjoy action-packed stories while being exposed to inclusive narratives. Get the trilogy here in our Magnus Chase 3-book set, make sure you check out our Rick Riordan collection too. 

Introducing LGBTQ+ literature to children is an effective way to foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance. By exploring books such as these, parents can play a vital role in cultivating a culture of inclusivity and celebration of differences. These books provide children with valuable insights into the diverse world we live in, teaching them to appreciate and respect all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Let's inspire our children to become compassionate and open-minded individuals who value love, acceptance, and diversity. Make sure you check out our full range of LGBTQ+ books.