It’s June, which means that it’s Pride Month, a time when we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community! In the list below, you’ll find fiction and nonfiction books -- some that recognize the history and struggles of that community, a number that honor their bravery in revealing their authentic selves in a society that is not always fully accepting, and some that showcase the everyday joy of being part of a diverse society. Whether you or your child identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or you are (or would like to be) an ally, please enjoy these titles from our digital resources collection!
NONFICTION:
It Feels Good to Be Yourself: a Book About Gender Identity by Teresa Thorn (K-Gr. 2)
This is a lovely and gentle introduction to the many ways that gender identity can be explained and experienced. Along with the simply-put information for children, the author also includes a glossary, additional resources list, and a note on pronouns.
Ebook: Overdrive
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders (Gr. 1-3)
Remarkable, inspiring, and true! This book tells the story of the origin of the gay pride flag, its designer Gilbert Baker, and the role social activist Harvey Milk played in making it such an iconic symbol.
Ebook: Overdrive
Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution by Rob Sanders (Gr. 3-6)
Just over 50 years ago, the Stonewall Inn -- a gathering place that welcomed LGBTQ+ people instead of shunning them -- was raided by police and closed down. Refusing to accept the harassment, riots began as members of the community protested together and began their fight for equality and respect.
Ebook: Overdrive
PICTURE BOOKS:
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (PreK-Gr. 3)
Traveling home on the subway with his Abuela, Julian sees a group of people dressed in amazingly beautiful and eye-catching mermaid outfits! Enchanted, when he gets home he allows his creativity to run free as he creates his own elaborate costume. But will Abuela accept Julian the Mermaid?
Ebook: Overdrive
A Family is a Family is a Family by O’Leary (PreK-Gr. 2)
This sweet story presents a class of diverse students who are asked to share what is special about their family. Divorced families, interracial families, same sex families, single parent families, foster families, and more . . . all are special and beloved.
Ebook: Hoopla, Overdrive
Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima (PreK-Gr. 2)
Harriet loves wearing costumes, but while shopping with her dads in her favorite outfit, a bunch of penguins mistake her for a member of their group and they carry her away! “Waddle” Harriet do now!? A delightful story with charming illustrations.
Ebook: Overdrive
CHAPTER BOOKS
George by Alex Gino (Gr. 4-6)
Despite appearances, George knows that she is a girl, and wants to be treated as such. Getting people to accept her will be a challenge, but maybe a special role in the school play and some help from supportive friends can make a difference.
Want more? The author recently released a new companion book, entitled Rick.
Ebook: Overdrive
Audiobook: Hoopla, Overdrive
The Whispers by Greg Howard (Gr. 5&up)
Before she went missing, Riley’s mother told him many stories about the Whispers, woodland creatures who grant wishes in exchange for tributes. Seeking information about his mother's disappearance, and truths about himself, Riley tries to consult the Whispers. In the end, however, answers might be found closer to home.
Ebook & Audiobook: Overdrive
The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy (Gr. 3 & up)
Two dads, four adopted sons, a menagerie of pets, and a whole lot of chaotic adventures populate the two books in the Family Fletcher duology. After reading The Misadventures, I’m sure you'll enjoy this funny family so much that you’ll want to check out The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island, as well!
Ebook & Audiobook: Overdrive
Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan (Gr. 5 & up)
The Magnus Chase books are exciting fantasy adventures that focus on a teenager who finds out that he is the son of the Norse God Frey, knowledge that leads him into the battle against world annihilation. The trilogy is populated by a diverse array of characters; The Hammer of Thor even won a Stonewall Book Award, partly thanks to the inclusion of gender fluid character Alex Fierro. The series starts with The Sword of Summer and ends with The Ship of the Dead, all of which are available on Overdrive.
Ebook & Audiobook: Overdrive
GRAPHIC NOVELS
Doodleville by Chad Sell (Gr. 3-6)
A talented artist, who has a gift for literally making her designs come to life, finds that she might need a little help from her friends when her emotions turn her artwork out of control. Want more? Sell’s previous graphic, The Cardboard Kingdom, is just as good!
Ebook: Overdrive
Drama- Raina Telgemeier (Gr. 5&up)
Callie loves theater but doesn’t really feel comfortable in the spotlight. Behind the scenes? Now that’s where she can shine! Callie deals with troubles on and off the stage (malfunctioning props, sick actors, romantic entanglements, and more), but the show must go on.
Ebook: Axis360, Overdrive
