Experts Tell Us the Best LGBT Books For Schools

Not every kid has a mom and dad at home. Some are raised by grandparents, others have two moms or two dads, adoptive parents, single parents, step-parents, and more. The variable family dynamics is what inspired Kate Costigan, who has been an educator for nearly 20 years and is part of the LGBTQ community, to write her new book, My Grown-Ups, which explores the many different types of grown-ups kids can have in their lives beyond a mom and a dad. Kate lost her mother when she was 7 years old and went on to be raised by her grandmother and father. She remembers having to do a family tree project shortly after she lost her mother and feeling so uncomfortable. She hopes her book helps other kids feel safe and comfortable sharing their stories. This book will be a perfect addition to the classroom to bring awareness to the different types of grown ups that can be in a child’s life.

I strongly believe that enlightenment begins at home, so does diversity. This is a wonderfully heartwarming book and can’t stop recommending it to every parent I meet.

Another recent release is brilliant in its conception and execution. This is an absolutely fun read, something to read together and have a blast!

Oldie and goldie, this one will definitely crack you up and warm your heart. Best part? It is a series!

I read Hero in high school a year after it was published. Our homeroom teacher was this wonderful lady who taught all of us about the importance of inclusivity even before it was a buzzword. I remember reading this book all the way through. It had these fantastic, realistic characters with a little superhero universe thrown in. Realistic portrayal of sexual thoughts and pornography (but “the good stuff” is behind a paywall that the main character can’t access), but nothing graphic enough to make pre-sexually active adolescents uncomfortable or disconnected from the characters.

This New York Times bestselling picture book follows a diverse group of children from all kinds of families through a day at school. At this school, everyone is welcomed with open arms. It lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club is an incredibly well researched historical fiction of two lesbian girls in 1950’s San Francisco during the second Red Scare. Not only does it include lesbian main characters, but it also tackles how the Red Scare affected the Chinese community in different ways and draws inspiration from multiple real historical events.

Elatsoe is a groundbreakingly powerful book featuring an asexual/aromantic Lipan Apache teen. This OwnVoices novel is full of Lipan Apache joy, family relationships and heritage, and a beautifully mystical world inspired by Darcie’s heritage. This book not only has wonderful representation but is a finalist for a Nebula, Lodestar, IGNYTE, and Locus awards.

I love this book because it is friendly and attractive to children of all ages, and its a light childs eye view that is easy for kids to follow along with. The jellybeans that are the main characters teach about the Pride flag and why it exists, talking about being different and accepting each other . Bright picture book that supports diversity.

This is an essential guide for parents, teachers, school administrators, guidance counselors, and social workers interacting with students daily; school board members and officials determining school policy; nonprofit advocates and providers of social services to youth; and academic scholars, graduate students, and researchers training the next generation of school administrators and informing future policy and practice.

Pride Puppy! is a rhyming alphabet book about a family and their puppy’s adventure at a Pride Parade. Even though Pride Puppy! is an alphabet book, there is a plot to the story… it is much more than one letter + one word. As a teacher, I like that. The illustrator Julie McLaughlin did a terrific job of including people from all genders, races, ages, shapes, and sizes. I love the book’s message about acceptance, diversity, and inclusivity. A true celebration!

Red: A Crayon’s Story is a great way for kids to learn about empathy and diversity. This book represented Hall’s art and linguistic play so intelligently. It says a lot about labels and the boxes we place our children and ourselves in, but there is a far larger and broader spectrum out there. This book not only discusses the parallels of being transgender but also discusses how someone can be readily labeled by society’s conventions. It’s a stunningly conforming metaphor that’s perfect for our current generation.

In my opinion, there’s no better way to educate and inform than through actual historic events. This one highlights the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots of 1969. It happened in Greenwich Village in New York City where for the first time in history, the LGBT community had a voice that was heard from around the US, and eventually, the rest of the world. It includes firsthand accounts from people involved, which adds to the authenticity.

This is perfect for middle school and high school kids. Captivating, moving and gripping in equal measures this book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. An engrossing tale of a gay boy struggling with life, depicting great character development and growth. The struggle the main character has with his identity never gets annoying, as it so often does in many coming of age books. Romantic comedy, action adventure, thriller, detective story, sci-fi, growing up story, and so much more.