Welcome to Family Equality’s Book Nook, a comprehensive list of the best LGBTQ+ books for the whole family!
Whether you’re searching for your child’s first picture book or a young adult novel that your tween will devour, Family Equality’s Book Nook is a list of our favorite books that represent diverse families in a loving and respectful way.
Check out the search portal below to discover what new LGBTQ+ books you need to add to your at-home, local, or school libraries!
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ABC: A Family Alphabet Book
Bobbie Combs
Join a series of families headed by LGBT parents on this adventure through the alphabet, enjoying all the things families do together.
Adopting My Two Dads
Luca Panzini
This third book from the Some Families series is based on the true story of the Leffew family, daddy Brian, daddy Jay, Daniel and Selena. We follow them through the story of their adoption and learn how this family was formed. The Some Families books have been written to show that families come in many different combinations. Every child deserves a book that reflects their lives. Adopting our two Dads also aims to help children from all backgrounds understand more about families with same-gender parents.
Albert the Confused Manatee
Christopher Straub
Albert the Confused Manatee is a story about one animal’s quest to figure out what kind of animal he is. With the help of his 15 underwater friends, Albert learns that even though they have differences they also have a lot in common. Ideal for ages 3-5. This 9″ x 9″ hardcover children’s book contains 40 pages of original, full-color, drawings by illustrator and author Christopher Straub.
And Tango Makes Three
Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
The heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family.
At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo got the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own.
Antonio’s Card
Rigoberto Gonzalez
Elmer is a bit different from the other ducks. He doesn’t like to build forts with the other boys, or play sports; he’d rather bake and perform and do things that make the others call him a big sissy. But when his father needs help, Elmer shows everyone that being a sissy doesn’t mean you can’t save the day.
Baby’s First Words / Mis Primeras Palabras
Christiane Engel
Say “hello” to your new favorite first words book! Baby’s First Words was designed by a child development expert to support the way little ones naturally learn language—and to start conversations! Featuring a family with two dads, this pioneering board book encourages small children to notice similarities and differences among families. Plus, you’ll love searching for the silly woolly mammoth on every colorful page while learning 100+ words together! As unique as each and every family, Baby’s First Words is a pure delight that you’ll want to read together again and again. Also available in Spanish as Mis primeras palabras.
Best Best Colors: Los Mejores Colores
Eric Hoffman
Nate can’t make up his mind—which color is his best? As soon as he picks one, another catches his eye. He also can’t decide who his best friend is, or which Mama he likes the most (or if he likes either of them when they both say, “No”). When his Mamas bring out a rainbow flag for the Pride Parade, he realizes that all the colors, and all his friends, can be his best. Text in Spanish and English. Part of the Redleaf Press Anti-Bias Books for Kids series.
Bob The Ladybug: Bob’s New Pants
Tommy Starling
Bob is a curious ladybug that is very open to learning new things about the world around him. His character is faced with a world of diversity and lessons of acceptance. Bob the Ladybug has been created to reach a target group of children ages 3-7. Join Bob on his adventures to open the minds and hearts of everyone he comes in contact with. Bob has a goal to end bullying and help children learn to accept diversity.
Bob The Ladybug: Bob’s New Pants
Tom Starling
Bob is a curious ladybug that is very open to learning new things about the world around him. His character is faced with a world of diversity and lessons of acceptance. Bob the Ladybug has been created to reach a target group of children ages 3-7. Join Bob on his adventures to open the minds and hearts of everyone he comes in contact with. Bob has a goal to end bullying and help children learn to accept diversity.
Call Me Tree / Llamame arbol
Maya Christina Gonzalez
In this spare, lyrically written story, we join a child on a journey of self-discovery. Finding a way to grow from the inside out, just like a tree, the child develops as an individual comfortable in the natural world and in relationships with others. The child begins Within / The deep dark earth, like a seed, ready to grow and then dream and reach out to the world. Soon the child discovers birds and the sky and other children: Trees and trees / Just like me! Each is different too. The child embraces them all because All trees have roots/ All trees belong. Maya Christina Gonzalez once again combines her talents as an artist and a storyteller to craft a gentle, empowering story about belonging, connecting with nature, and becoming your fullest self. Young readers will be inspired to dream and reach, reach and dream . . . and to be as free and unique as trees.
More Resources for LGBTQ+ Families
Once you put down your most recent purchase, check out all the other activities, resources, and programs we create to support and connect LGBTQ+ families like yours across the country!
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Have an LGBTQ+ book you’d like to submit to our list?
If you know about an LGBTQ+ book that isn’t on our list, but should be—let us know! Use the form below to contact a staff member, and we’ll be in touch about next steps.