Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Literary Resources

Federico and All His Families by Mili Hernandez

Roof to roof, Federico the cat visits all his families everyday. All of them are different and love each other unconditionally. Ages 2-5

Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate

This story of a girl who helps her Grandad reconnect with his love for camping after the loss of his partner is heartwarming and empowering for children and grown-ups. Ages 3-6

It Feels Good to be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Therea Thorn

A picture book that introduces the concept of gender identity to young readers. Ages 3-7

The Boy and the Bindi by Vivek Shraya

In this story, a five-year-old South Asian boy becomes fascinated with his mother’s bindi and wishes to have one of his own. His mother helps him learn how to wear the bindi, and the significance behind this sacred red dot, in a joyful celebration of gender and cultural difference. Ages 4-8

Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman 

A big sister realizes her younger sibling is different than she initially imagined. Ages 4-8 

Strong by Rob Kearney and Eric Rosswood

Rob wants to be the strongest man in the world but wonders if he can find his place amongst the other strong men when he likes to wear bright colors and have rainbow hair. Ages 4-8

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff

Aiden learns about his own gender identity while he prepares for the arrival of a new baby in the family. Ages 5-6

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders

The true story of the life and death of gay rights advocate Harvey Milk, and the creation of the first rainbow flag, including the meaning behind each color. Ages 4-9

The Best At It by Maulik Pancholy 

A book about a gay Indian-American boy coming into his own. Ages 8-10

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro

A story about feeling alone, but finding friends who truly understand you, no matter who you are.

Ages 8-10

The Civil War of Amos Abernathy by Michael Leali

Amos searches for queer figures throughout history. Ages 8-10

King and the Dragonflies By Kacen Callender

A story of the courage to find one’s identity in the wake of an incredible loss. Ages 8-12

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: A Modern Retelling of Little Women by Rey Terciero

Little Women but with a twist: four sisters from a blended family with distinct, different identities. Ages 9-12

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

A story about a girl who befriends the town’s so-called “witch” only to discover magic within herself. Ages 9 and up

The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor

Thirteen-year-old Mei blends history and fiction as she reimagines myths while also confronting her growing romantic feelings for her best friend. Ages 10 and up

This is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, Him, Them and Us by Katherine Locke

This anthology features story after story of joyful, proud LGBTQIA representation. Ages 8-12

Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon
The New Queer Conscience by Adam Eli
Continuum by Chella Man

These three titles are part of a series called the “Pocket Change Collective.” Each book is its own journey, born out of a need for space—to think, to connect, to be yourself. Ages 12 and up

Stonewall: The Definitive Story of the LGBTQ Uprising That Changed America by Martin Duberman

A comprehensive account of the Stonewall Riots, the first gay rights march, and the LGBTQ activists at the center of the movement. 

Lavender House: A Novel by Lev AC Rosen

A suspenseful, compelling murder mystery with a queer historical twist.

Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

What initially began as a way to explain to their family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is a touching guide on gender identity—what it means and how to think about it—for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.