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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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.
Cookies and Cake & The Families We Make
Jennifer L. Egan
Cookies and Cake & The Families We Make is a children’s book about exposure and acceptance of the diverse families that are part of our society: single parents, multicultural parents, two moms, two dads, one of each or even an unrelated guardian. Those families, who may at first seem different are quite similar because what really matters is the love and care they give to their children. The author uses the metaphor of the different cakes and cookies we can bake to help young readers respect, accept and welcome diversity.
Daddy, Papa, and Me
Leslea Newman
Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with its daddies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together. Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children.
Daddy’s Roommate
Michael Willhoite
A young boy discusses his divorced father's new living situation, in which the father and his gay roommate share eating, doing chores, playing, loving, and living.
Daddy’s Wedding
Michael Willhoite
Nick tells about the wedding of his daddy to Frank, including the gathering of family and friends, the ceremony, the food, and the antics of Clancy.
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.