Books with LGBTQ+ Characters

From books with main characters who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender or who are exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation to stories of kids and teens with queer friends or parents, these books portray many aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience. For other compelling reads, check out our Coming-of-Age Books and Books That Promote Diversity and Inclusion.

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Heather Has Two Mommies Poster Image
BOOK

Heather Has Two Mommies

age 3+

Lively illustrations add charm to inclusion classic.

By: Lesléa Newman (2015)
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Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship Poster Image
BOOK

Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship

age 3+

Gentle teddy bear tale about gender identity.

By: Jessica Walton (2016)
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Julián at the Wedding Poster Image
BOOK

Julián at the Wedding

age 3+

Julián and friend find fun, magic in sweet, affirming tale.

By: Jessica Love (2020)
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And Tango Makes Three Poster Image
BOOK

And Tango Makes Three

age 4+

Touching love story of male penguins teaches acceptance.

By: Justin Richardson , Peter Parnell (2015)
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Bathe the Cat Book Cover
BOOK

Bathe the Cat

age 4+

Hilarious, relatable tale showcases a diverse family.

By: Alice B. McGinty (2022)
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Daddy & Dada Poster Image
BOOK

Daddy & Dada

age 4+

Lovely picture book shows many ways families are made.

By: Ryan Brockington , Isaac Webster (2021)
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From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea Poster Image
BOOK

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea

age 4+

Loving fantasy tale of gender, identity, and acceptance.

By: Kai Cheng Thom (2017)
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Harriet Gets Carried Away Poster Image
BOOK

Harriet Gets Carried Away

age 4+

Fanciful story of birthday girl spirited away by penguins.

By: Jessie Sima (2018)
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I Am Jazz Poster Image
BOOK

I Am Jazz

age 4+

Sweet, straightforward story of young transgender girl.

By: Jessica Herthel , Jazz Jennings (2014)
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Jacob's New Dress Poster Image
BOOK

Jacob's New Dress

age 4+

Cheery book on dismantling gender norms helps kids, parents.

By: Sarah Hoffman , Ian Hoffman (2014)
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Julián Is a Mermaid Poster Image
BOOK

Julián Is a Mermaid

age 4+

In touching story and art, boy imagines he's a mermaid.

By: Jessica Love (2018)
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Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo Poster Image
BOOK

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo

age 4+

Cute story of two boy bunnies who get married.

By: Jill Twiss (2018)
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Peanut Goes for the Gold Poster Image
BOOK

Peanut Goes for the Gold

age 4+

Super-positive hamster sets goal, delivers in upbeat tale.

By: Jonathan Van Ness (2020)
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Sparkle Boy Poster Image
BOOK

Sparkle Boy

age 4+

Strong family, acceptance rule in sweet stereotype-buster.

By: Lesléa Newman (2017)
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Worm Loves Worm Poster Image
BOOK

Worm Loves Worm

age 4+

Love wins in sweet, unconventional wedding tale.

By: J.J. Austrian (2016)
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Child in blue overalls with small dog
BOOK

Call Me Max

age 5+

Warm story of a child sharing that he's transgender.

By: Kyle Lukoff (2019)
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Calvin Poster Image
BOOK

Calvin

age 5+

Trans boy embraces his identity in bold, inclusive story.

By: J.R. Ford , Vanessa Ford (2021)
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Home at Last Poster Image
BOOK

Home at Last

age 5+

Fears faced openly when loving dads adopt older boy.

By: Vera B. Williams (2016)
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King & King Poster Image
BOOK

King & King

age 5+

Prince marries a guy in fun fairy-tale twist.

By: Linda de Haan , Stern Nijland (2003)
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A line of green turtles make a backward ess across the cover, with two in the middle having rainbow shells.
BOOK

Answers in the Pages

age 9+

Insightful, sweet, funny, exciting exploration of book bans.

By: David Levithan (2022)
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