2nd & 3rd Grade

The Berkeley Unified School District is committed to providing and fostering an educational environment that is safe and welcoming, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or gender expression. On June 2, 2021, BUSD reaffirmed this commitment by adopting Resolution 21-041, formally recognizing June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in our schools.

In a national climate when “don’t say gay” bills are being introduced into state legislatures and an unprecedented number of challenges against books that represent the lives of queer, trans, or gender non-conforming characters have erupted, BUSD libraries remain committed to providing access to books that celebrate and showcase the beautiful diversity of all of our students and families. These reading lists, organized by grade level, include recently published books that affirm and celebrate LGBTQI+ identity and voices, uplift queer history, and foster welcoming inclusion for all students and their families.

For books specifically celebrating, representing, and affirming transgender, non-binary, and gender fluid identities and expression, see this book list.

Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelopeby Jodie Patterson

Call Me Maxby Kyle Lukoff

Calvinby J.R. Ford and Vanessa Ford

It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identityby Theresa Thorn

Me and My Dysporia Monsterby Laura Kate Dale

My Rainbowby DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal

Pink, Blue, and You!: Questions for Kids About Gender Stereotypesby Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais

Riley Reynolds Seriesby Jay Albee

Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution!by Joy Michael Ellison

They Call Me Mix/Me Llaman Maestreby Lourdes Rivas
*Written by a BUSD teacher

Two Grooms on a Cake: The Story of America's First Gay Weddingby Rob Sanders

When Aidan Became a Brotherby Kyle Lukoff

How do I read these books?

Many of these books are available through Berkeley school libraries as a physical and/or ebook. For more information about any of these books, or to check one of them out, ask your school librarian.

3-12 graders can find hundreds of great options on Sora. For Sora ebooks, you will be prompted to log in through Clever. More information on how to access Sora is available here.
TK-2 graders can find great ebooks and read-alouds through Tumblebooks or the Berkeley Public Library.
You will need a Berkeley Public Library card to order books through the Berkeley Public Library catalog. If you need a Berkeley Public Library card, click here.

For more information and instructions on accessing ebooks and audiobooks, visit our Digital Books page.

At a time when so many small businesses are struggling to keep their doors open, we also encourage folks to support our local bookstores:

Ashay by the Bay, Bandung Books, Eastwind Books, Marcus Books, Moe’s Books, Mr. Mopps, Books Inc., Pegasus Books and Mrs. Dalloways.