LGBTQ history is often missing from the school curriculum. This has begun to change as states like California have ordered its inclusion. But no matter where you live and what grade you teach, you can be sure that it is part of your curriculum. This is a great place to start with a list of the best LGBTQ books for kids — both during Pride and throughout the school year.
(Just a warning, WeAreTeachers may collect a portion of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items that our team likes!)
1. Rainbow: The First Book of Michael Gainhart’s Pride
A beautiful choice for young children, this book describes the meaning behind each colorful stripe of the rainbow flag. Did you know that orange stands for healing?
Buy it: Rainbow: The First Book of Pride on Amazon 7
2. Gail E. This day in Pitman’s June
Instead of a personal parade, This day in June Readers are invited to join a proud celebration and share a day where we are all together. Also, check out the reading guide!
Buy it: Amazon this June day
3. Rainbow Sewing: The Story of Gayle E. Pitman’s Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag
This is the story of Gilbert Baker, who created the Rainbow Flag, at the height of the gay rights movement in San Francisco in the 1970s.
Buy this: Rainbow Sewing on Amazon
4. When you look out the window: Gayle e. How Phyllis Lyon and Dale Martin created a community by Pitman
Gayle E. Looking for more LGBTQ books for Pitman’s kids? Here is another gem that introduces children to the famous LGBTQ activist and lesbian couple Phyllis Leon and Del Martin. See Phyllis and Dale transform their communities and fight for change across the country.
Buy it: When you look out the window at Amazon
5. Pride: The story of Rob Sanders’ Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
For an introduction to LGBTQ heroes, look no further than this children’s book by Rob Sanders, which speaks of his collaboration with Gilbert Baker to create social activist Harvey Milk’s remarkable and ongoing story and symbol of inclusiveness.
Buy it: Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag on Amazon
6. Stonewall: A building. A rebellion. A revolution. By Rob Sanders
Also by author Sanders, this photo book is described by Stonewall Inn, the location of an expedition that would give rise to a revolt that initiated the gay liberation movement in the United States.
Buy it: Stonewall: A building. A rebellion. A revolution. At Amazon
7. Gay Rights Movement by Eric Brown
With its compelling format, this book is an excellent choice for older elementary students. They will learn about key individuals and events in the fight for equal rights, as well as the challenges that the movement faces to date.
Buy it: The Gay Rights Movement on Amazon
8. Pride: Celebrating diversity and community by Robin Stevenson
However, what is arrogance? Answer this question with this animated book that covers how to be proud and what it means to those who celebrate it.
Buy it: Pride: Celebrating diversity and community on Amazon
9. Queer Heroes: Meet the past and present 53 LGBTQ heroes! By Arabelle Sicardi
This beautifully illustrated book highlights the contributions of LGBTQ artists, writers, inventors, athletes and activists পর্যন্ত from Sappho to Freddie Mercury.
Buy it: Queer Heroes: Meet 53 LGBTQ heroes past and present! At Amazon
10. Homosexuality and Homosexual History for Kids: A Century-Long Struggle for LGBT Rights by Jerome Pohlen
Share this book so that your students see the fight for LGBTQ rights as a recent development. They’ll love compelling personal stories, and you’ll love the activities included that help bring history to life.
Buy it: Gay and Lesbian History for Kids on Amazon 6
11. Stonewall Rites: Gayle E. Pitman is coming down the street
For upper primary, this is a highly readable chapter book that covers riots, riots and subsequent events.
Buy it: Stonewall Riot: Coming to the streets on Amazon
12. Our Gay History in Fifty States by Zaylore Stout
Author Stout went on a cross-country tour to create state-of-the-art accounts of notable people and places in LGBTQ history with the message that LGBTQ history Is History of America. This is an excellent choice for high school.
Buy it: Our Homosexual History in Fifty States on Amazon
13. Troublemaker for Justice: The Story of Baird Rustin, The Man Behind the March on Jacqueline Houtman in Washington
A major player in the civil rights movement, Baird Rustin’s contributions are largely absent from history books because he was gay. A great biography for middle school students.
Buy this: Troublemaker for trial on Amazon
14. The Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes Who Changed the World by Mason Funk
The story of the gay rights movement comes to life through interviews with leaders, activists and the general public who brought it about. Teenagers and tweens will be inspired by this story.
Buy it: Book of Pride: LGBTQ Heroes on Amazon Who Changed the World
15. Stonewall: Breaking out of Anne Baussom’s fight for gay rights
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Written specifically for teenagers, the book describes the Stonewall riots and the subsequent gay rights movement. Speaking of a riveting.
Buy it: Stonewall: Breaking out in the fight for gay rights on Amazon