Summary: Marley feels anxious about attending the Pride parade. But this year, their grandparent, Zara, is receiving an award for their work in the LGBTQIA+ community, and Marley is determined to go. They pack their bag with noise-canceling headphones, a fidget spinner, and their lavender bunny. Although Marley worries about the crowds and noise, they're relieved to find gender-neutral bathrooms and welcoming people. As Zara accepts their award, Marley connects with new friends and feels a sense of awe seeing Zara through their eyes. Despite some challenges, Marley feels part of a community.

Recommended Audience: K and up

Review: Marley's Pride is a heartwarming celebration of identity, well-crafted by Joëlle Reteners, a Black nonbinary author. Illustrator DeAnn Wiley brings Marley to life with sensitivity and depth, inspired by their own experiences as a Black, queer person with anxiety. The extensive back matter includes valuable resources, a brief history of Pride, information on pronouns, and flags featured in the book.

This authentic and uplifting story proves that a mental health diagnosis doesn't have to hold anyone back from enjoying life's special moments with loved ones. A must-read for its genuine representation and positive message.

Read an interview with the author at Pride Less Prejudice (a great resource for this topic!)

Summary: True You is a book about kids being kids! Loving and joyful, strong and  playful. The book then goes into that kids are all different genders and that is great whoever you are. The book gives examples of kids sharing about themselves. 

Recommended Audience: 4-8 years old and beyond! 

Review: This book is joyful. It has real pictures of trans-kids playing, smiling, and having fun together. The pictures are beautiful and provide an affirming representation for kids. The words are the words of the actual children and their feelings and thoughts on their own gender. The back of the book has wonderful inserts about growing up trans, coming out, family affirmations, a glossary of vocabulary, resources for children and families, and language suggestions. The authors are long time educators and photographers in Northampton, MA who knew there was need for a book about gender identity for a young age range that that could help dismantle biased cultural and social stereo types. They worked with experts in the field, transgender and gender nonconforming sensitivity readers, and relied on the real experts, the kids who shared their stories.

Extra: At the back of the book there is a glossary and websites and orginazations to look into for more info. Very user friendly.

Summary: A story based on the song "Everything Possible" about showing children that they can follow their dreams and be who they are as children and when they are grown up.

Recommended Audience: Young children - Elders

Review: A book and song that will fill your heart with rainbows and tears of love. 

Summary: Being You is part of a first conversations series that is meant to introduce the youngest of learners to the concepts of gender, identity, and self-expression. It provides simple and affirming language and starts the conversation of thinking about one’s own identities. It stresses that it is okay to be yourself and that everyone is unique. There is a section at the back of the book for educators and caregivers on tips to start and continue a conversation about gender with children.

Recommended Audience: Early Childhood: 2-5 years

Review: This is a great first conversation book that uses simple gentle language and has tips on how to have conversations with very young children for caregivers and educators. The author and illustrator are the creators of the First Conversation series that was created to provide young children and their caregivers with resources to discuss important topics like race, gender, and consent. They have been recognized for their work in early childhood education and social justice.

Summary: Too Bright to See is a a haunting ghost story about navigating grief, growing up, and find ones self. It's the summer before middle school and eleven-year-old Bug's best friend Moira has decided the two of them need to use the next few months to prepare. For Moira, this means figuring out the right clothes to wear, learning how to put on makeup, and deciding which boys are cuter in their yearbook photos than in real life. But none of this is all that appealing to Bug, who would much rather try to figure out what message the ghost is trying to tell her.

As Bug begins to untangle the mystery of who the ghost is and what they're trying to say, an altogether different truth comes to light, Bug discovers who they truly are as a person.

Recommended Audience: Middle Grades

Review: The first middle grade novel by Kyle Lukoff introduces "Bug" who moves into her uncles house with her mom and begins to experience paranormal activates but she does not understand why this happening. After realizing that the ghost is not trying to scare Bug but instead is trying to relay a message, she starts to listen and understand who she is as an individual.

Summary: Ashton Price and their best friend—and longtime crush—Ivy Santos are spending one final summer together at theater camp before heading to different high schools. Ash, the stage manager, is determined to make this year unforgettable, while Ivy shines as the lead in the camp’s musical. Ash hopes to finally confess their feelings, but with Ivy busy rehearsing with her co-lead and Ash consumed by the production’s challenges, their close bond is tested. As the summer draws to a close, Ash and Ivy face a turning point that will redefine their friendship—and their future.

Recommended Audience: 3rd - 7th

Review: This graphic novel is delightful. The pictures are vibrant, colorful, and detailed. The main character is loosely inspired by the author’s own experiences in theater camp. The characters span a wide range of races, sexualities, body types, gender expressions, and backgrounds, but these aspects are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story rather than being used as sources of conflict or drama. This approach normalizes diversity in a way that feels organic and inclusive, offering representation without tokenism. The plot itself is simple but compelling, focusing on universal themes of friendship, self-discovery, and creative passion. Its straightforward narrative makes it accessible and enjoyable for readers of all ages. This book leaves you smiling and wanting more.

Summary: Annabelle's life in a small private school is turned upside down when Bailey, a nonbinary student, joins their 6th-grade class. Bailey's confidence and individuality inspire Annabelle to explore their own identity and confront the homophobic behavior that's emerging at school. As Annabelle navigates their relationships and values, they're surprised to discover that their progressive parents seem uncomfortable with Bailey, forcing Annabelle to question their own family's dynamics and secrets.

Recommended Audience: 3 - 7th grade Lexile: 820

Review: Kyle Lukoff started breaking barriers in 2019 as a transgender author writing picture books like When Aidan Became a Brother. In 2021, Lukoff brought us the middle-grade transgender thriller Too Bright to See, but it's this 2022 middle-grade title that remains at the top of my recommended list.

What I like most about this coming-of-age story is that everyone is changing and growing. Kids and adults are forced to confront hard choices, and no one is perfect. Even Annabelle grapples with why she dislikes the other Annabelle in her class. The principal appears weak, allowing an unruly parent to disrupt a self-directed social studies project created by a new teacher struggling to navigate a school culture that is progressive in name only.

Summary: In this funny and heartfelt ghost story, 13-year-old Aidan Cross accidentally tosses his secret journal—containing a love story about his best friend, Kai—into the local haunted mansion on Yeet Street. To Aidan's dismay, his friends plan a sleepover in the creepy house to explore its eerie legends. Desperate to retrieve his journal, Aidan joins them, only to discover a real ghost named Gabby, who loves his writing. Determined to uncover the mystery of Gabby’s death and set her free, Aidan must also navigate the fallout when his journal is found, revealing secrets that strain his friendships. With supernatural threats looming and his feelings exposed, Aidan must confront his fears and embrace his true self—or risk being trapped in the cursed house forever.

Recommended Audience: 5th-8th Grades; 750 L

Review: This book is a fantastic and refreshing blend of themes, combining supernatural elements, mystery, humor, middle school angst, and an exploration of sexuality. While this combination might seem unusual, the story weaves these elements together seamlessly, creating a narrative that is both engaging and multifaceted. As a result, the book has broad appeal and can captivate a diverse audience, from those seeking a spooky adventure to readers drawn to heartfelt coming-of-age tales.

The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes, and the unpredictable ending adds an extra layer of excitement and satisfaction. Aidan, the main character, is incredibly well-developed, with a balance of humor, vulnerability, and depth that makes him relatable and compelling. Readers will find themselves rooting for him as he navigates the challenges of friendship, self-discovery, and a ghostly mystery.

The supernatural aspect of the book adds a fun and imaginative dimension, enhancing the story without overshadowing its emotional core. This mix of heart, humor, and suspense makes the book both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a story that resonates with readers on multiple levels and leaves a lasting impression.