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LGBTQ+ Nonfiction for Kids

There is a lot of rich history in Pride. From biographies of memorable individuals to aspects of an entire movement, these nonfiction books are an excellent starting point for young people interested in learning about the LGBTQ+ rights movement. This list explores personal stories, history, guides and more.

Canton Public Library

18 items

  • Be Amazing

    a History of Pride

    Napoles, Desmond,
    Desmond is amazing and you are, too. Throughout history, courageous people like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and RuPaul have paved the way for a safer, more inclusive society for LGBTQ+ individuals. It's thanks to people like them that people…
    Book, 2020New York : Farrar Straus and Giroux, 2020 — J323.3 NAP
  • Pride

    An Inspirational History of the LGBTQ+ Movement

    Caldwell, S. A. (Stella A.),
    The LGBTQ+ community is so much more than rainbow flags and the month of June. In this beautifully designed dynamic book, young readers will learn about groundbreaking events, including historic pushes for equality and the legalization of same-sex…
    Book, 2022New York : Penguin Workshop, 2022 — J323.3 CAL
  • Born Ready

    the True Story of a Boy Named Penelope

    Patterson, Jodie, 1970-
    Penelope knows that he's a boy (and a ninja). The problem is getting everyone else to realize it. In this exuberant companion to Jodie Patterson's adult memoir, "The Bold World," Patterson shares her son Penelope's frustrations and triumphs on his…
    Book, 2021New York : Crown Books for Young Readers, [2021] — JBIO PATTERSON
  • The DC Book of Pride

    a Celebration of DC's LGBTQIA+ Characters

    Axelrod, Jadzia,
    Written and curated by DC expert Jadzia Axelrod, this book profiles more than 50 LGBTQIA+ characters in detail, including Harley Quinn, Superman, Nubia, Robin, Batwoman, Aqualad, Dreamer, Green Lantern and many more. Discover their fascinating…
    Book, 2023New York, NY : DK, 2023 — J741.5 AXE
  • Pride

    the Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

    Sanders, Rob, 1958-
    In this deeply moving and empowering true story, young readers will trace the life of the Gay Pride flag, from its beginnings in 1978 with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's…
    Book, 2018New York : Random House, [2018] — J323.3 SAN
  • The Stonewall Riots

    Coming Out in the Streets

    Pitman, Gayle E,
    A chronicle of gay history in America draws on news clippings, firsthand testimonies and other period sources, in a 50th anniversary account of the Stonewall Riots and other pivotal events that shaped the beginning of the LGBTQ+ movement.
    Book, 2019New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2019 — J306.09 PIT
  • Rainbow Revolutionaries

    50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History

    Prager, Sarah,
    Infused with pop culture references and complemented by dynamic artwork, this celebration of the lives of 50 LGBTQ+ historical contributors includes profiles of individuals ranging from Alexander the Great and Alan Turing to Harvey Milk and Ellen…
    Book, 2020New York : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2020] — J920 PRA
  • This book looks at social change movements in the America's LGBTQ+ history. Features include a glossary, further readings, websites, source notes and an index.
    Book, 2020Minneapolis, Minnesota : Essential Library, an imprint of Abdo Publishing, [2020] — J323.3 HAR
  • A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history and today shows young readers that there are many ways to show your pride and make a difference. Whether you want to be an activist or an athlete, a poet or a politician, a designer or a drag…
    Book, 2022Boston : Versify, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2022] — J323.3 THO
  • Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution!

    the Story of the Trans Women of Color Who Made LGBTQ+ History

    Ellison, Joy Michael,
    This illustrated book introduces children to the story of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, the two transgender women of color who helped kickstart the Stonewall Riots and dedicated their lives to fighting for LGBTQ+ equality.
    Book, 2021London ; Philadelphia : Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2021 — J306.09 ELL
  • Pride

    Celebrating Diversity & Community

    Stevenson, Robin, 1968-
    For LGBTQ people and their supporters, Pride events are an opportunity to honor the past, protest injustice and celebrate a diverse and vibrant community. The high point of Pride, the Pride Parade, is spectacular and colorful. But there is a whole…
    Book, 2016Victoria, British Columbia : Orca Books Publishers, 2016 — J323.3 STE
  • To See Clearly

    a Portrait of David Hockney

    Turk, Evan,
    A stirring picture book biography of world-famous artist David Hockney that celebrates seeing beauty everywhere.
    Book, 2023New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, [2023] — JBIO HOCKNEY
  • This book details the stories and struggles of multiple athletes who identify as LGBTQ+.
    Book, 2017Minneapolis : Twenty-First Century Books, [2017] — J796.086 CRO
  • Two Grooms on a Cake

    the Story of America's First Gay Wedding

    Sanders, Rob, 1958-
    Two wedding cake toppers tell the love story of the men they represent, Michael McConnell and Jake Baker, and their difficult journey to become the first married gay couple in the United States.
    Book, 2021New York, NY : Little Bee Books, [2021] — J323.3 SAN
  • A Child's Introduction to Pride

    the Inspirational History and Culture of the LGBTQIA+ Community

    Prager, Sarah, 1986-
    This is an essential and empowering introduction to the LGBTQ+ rights movement throughout history with kid-friendly explanations of important terms.
    Book, 2023New York : Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, 2023 — J323.3 PRA
  • The Mother of a Movement

    Jeanne Manford, Ally, Activist, and Co-founder of PFLAG

    Sanders, Rob, 1958-
    Tells the story of Jeanne Manford, the founder of PFLAG. When her son Morty was beaten by New York City officials for handing out pro-gay leaflets, Manford wrote a powerful letter to the New York Post to complain about how Morty was treated. Morty…
    Book, 2022[Washington, DC] : Magination Press, an imprint of the American Psychological Association, [2022] — J323.3 SAN
  • This is an inspirational picture book memoir that follows Rob Kearney's journey to becoming the first openly gay strongman competitor, proud to wear rainbow colors
    Book, 2022New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2022 — JBIO KEARNEY
  • Gender Identity for Kids

    a Book About Finding Yourself, Understanding Others, and Respecting Everybody!

    Passchier, Andy,
    This illustrated guide to gender identity and expression provides a great introduction the topic for kids and their caregivers. Using clear explanations, this book helps all kids of any gender learn about gender identity, while also learning how to…
    Book, 2023New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2023 — J305.23 PAS