Books & Literature
Books
Non-Fiction
Winner of multiple book awards and a New York Times bestseller, this is the story of an American family's journey in coming to understand, accept and embrace their transgender daughter and to help fight for her civil rights.
Written by Jazz, a transgender girl, about her public journey as a trans person and one who advocates for accepting the differences in others, no matter what those differences may be. Jazz was voted one of “The Most Influential Teens” by Time magazine in 2014.
A book about the many kinds of differences some families face and how those differences while potentially isolating, can also be an affirmation of love triumphing over prejudice.
by Diane Ehrensaft, PhD.
Written for parents, health care providers and educators, this book gives guidance on practical, real life concerns as well as philosophical questions for raising or working with gender non-conforming children.
A first of its kind LGBTQ+ history book for young adults, written in lively terms with a pop culture personality, this book explores the rich queer history of many famous people and people you've never heard of but will love learning about. A 2017 Junior Library Guild Selection.
Written in an honest and funny style, this author is the parent of a gender creative son and talks of her family's ups and downs in their journey raising C.J.
This is an illustrated and hand drawn ebook and/or hardcover full of information on all things LGBTQ+ for all ages and genders. In an easy-to-read format, it begins be discussing gender, generalizations and sex and then on to exploring gender identities, transitions, and lots more.
The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper.
This book is for all families and professionals who know a transgender child and want to know how best to support them at home, in school and in their communities.
A must-have guidebook for any person considering transitioning. This book covers everything from the beginning stages of exploration, to the social and medical transition with practical advice on applying make-up, electrolysis, etc, and ends with discussing life after transition.
The Transgender Teen: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Teens by Stephanie Brill and Lisa Kenney.
A comprehensive guidebook for parents and professionals which addresses concerns and complexities relating to a transgender or non-binary teen’s physical and emotional development, social pressures, family communications and relationships and much more.
Written by a family physician who has experience working with transgender youth, this book explains the basics of gender identity, sexual orientation, puberty, puberty blockers, hormones and gender-affirming surgeries.
Fiction
Picture Books
A beautifully illustrated book celebrating the different ways children can express their gender. Its depiction of children of various ethnic backgrounds, abilities, and family configurations makes this book's message an important one and is being used in classrooms and camps as a resource on gender identity. (Picture Book)
Life on the planet, Tenalp, has one day every year where everyone wakes up and everything is backwards for that day. Andrea can't wait for Backwards Day every year because she becomes her true gender identity and not the gender assigned to her at birth. (Picture Book)
The story of a transgender kid’s real life experiences in preschool through grade school. (Picture book)
A lovely picture book about a young gender non-conforming, boy who really wants to play dress-up with dresses. (Picture Book)
Written by the mom of a gender non-conforming son and her struggles to understand, and ultimately, of a family’s unconditional love for their child. (Picture book)
Funny, insightful, and colorful, Red: A Crayon's Story, by Michael Hall, is about being true to your inner self and following your own path despite obstacles that may come your way. (Picture Book)
Novels
A New York Times best selling novel, A, is a teenager who wakes up every day in a different body, living a different life. A fascinating story about the complexities of love and life and if its possible to truly love someone regardless of how they look on the outside. (Grade 9+)
This is a story about 4th grader, George, who is really a transgender girl who desperately wants her family to accept her a girl. (Grade 4-6)
A story about an introverted 6th grader who comes into her own as a transgender girl. (Grade 6+)
A Kirkus Best Book and Library Guild Selection of 2011, this book is about the struggles of a biracial, transgender teen trying to navigate his own life’s path and to love his own, true self. Adult themes addressing drugs, cutting, homelessness. (Grade 9+)
Winner of multiple book awards. Rafe is tired of being pigeon-holed as the "gay kid", so when he moves to Natick, Massachusetts, he re-invents himself as part of the jock crowd. Then he falls in love with Ben and must figure out how to deal with the consequences of his "true" identity. (Grade 7+)
Also made into a Hollywood movie, this coming-of-age story is about a 15 year old boy, Charlie, with social anxiety and a history of traumatic life experiences. He becomes friends with a group at his high school and the book goes on to explore key elements of fitting in as a teen, dealing with sexuality (both straight and gay), and being accepted. Adult themes addressing sexual abuse, suicide, drug/alcohol use. (Grade 9+)
Based on true events, this book follows, Harry & Craig, two boys who are about to take part in a marathon kissing contest to set a new Guinness World Record. During their 32 hours of kissing, they become the center of attention for other teens trying to figure out universal questions of love, belonging and identity. (Grade 9+)
Book Lists
An article advocating for the inclusion of YA queer literature; it also provides teachers with a set of criteria for selecting appropriate YA queer literature and incorporating it into the curriculum.
A Gender Spectrum suggested bibliography for teens on gender diversity.
A Gender Spectrum bibliography for young children on gender diversity.
This bibliography from Boston's Children's Hospital Gender Management Service program contains a plethora of picture books and fiction novels that will suit anyone from ages 2 to adult.
A list of elementary school-aged, LGBTQ friendly and developmentally appropriate books, complete with discussion guides.
A bibliography of books with significant LGBTQ+ themes, aimed at youth from birth through age 18 years old. Previous years lists are also available.
Compiled by Epic Reads, this list of books both prominently feature LGBTQ+ characters and have been suggested because they have positively impacted LGBTQ+ readers.
A list of popular young adult LGBTQ+ books.
A list of Diverse and Inclusive Family Books, Picture Books, and Middle Grade Books concerning LGBTQ Families and Who You Love. Hosted by Welcoming Schools.
A list of books from the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth that celebrates diversity for readers of all levels, including LGBTQ-focused options