WS Diverse Picture Books with Transgender, Non-Binary Characters

WelcomingSchools.org | HRC.org

Diverse Picture Books with Transgender,

Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Characters

10,000 Dresses.

Marcus Ewert. (1 – 3) A modern fairy tale about becoming the

person you feel you are inside. While Bailey dreams of beautiful dresses, no one

wants to hear about it because he is a boy. Then an older girl comes along who is

inspired by Bailey and they make beautiful dresses together.

The Adventures of Tulip, Birthday Wish Fairy.

S. Bear Bergman. (K – 2) Follow Tulip

as he helps out with birthday wishes. When Tulip receives a wish from a child known

as David who wishes to live as Daniela, he seeks the wise counsel of the Wish Fairy

Captain.

Annie’s Plaid Shirt.

Stacy B. Davids. (Pre-K – 2) Annie loves her plaid shirt and wears

it everywhere. One day her mom tells her that she must wear a dress to her uncle's

wedding. While Annie protests, her mom insists. Annie is miserable. She feels weird in

dresses. Why can't her mom understand? Annie has an idea. But will her mom agree?

The Answer

Rebecca Sugar. (2 – 6) Set in the “Steven Universe”, an animated

series on Cartoon Network. It explores the meaning of love as Ruby and Sapphire look

to build a new life on a strange planet called Earth. One of many books set in the

Steven Universe. Includes non-binary characters.

Are You A Boy Or Are You A Girl?

Sarah Savage. (Pre-K – 1) Follow Tiny, a non-

binary child who prefers gender-neutral pronouns and loves dressing up and playing

football (soccer). When they start school, the other kids ask, “Are you a boy or are you

a girl?” Tiny’s graceful answer introduces kids (and adults) to gender diversity and

respecting those around you.

Auntie Uncle.

Ellie Royce. (Pre-K – 2) The young narrator thinks it's awesome that his

Uncle and his Auntie are the same person. Uncle Leo is an accountant and is great at

helping with math homework. Auntie Lotta is a fabulous performer and loves to sing

and dance with her nephew. This book spotlights a courageous drag queen who

saves the day by bringing two communities together.

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Backwards Day.

S. Bear Bergman. (K – 1) Andrea looks eagerly forward to

Backwards Day every year, so she can turn into a boy for one day. But one year she

doesn't turn along with everyone else. She's miserable. The next day, however, she

turns into a boy and stays that way!

Be Amazing: A History of Pride.

Desmond Napoles. (K – 3) Twelve year old drag kid

Desmond is Amazing walks you through LGBTQ history with

courageous people like

Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and RuPaul have paved the way for a safer, more

inclusive society for LGBTQ individuals, and it’s thanks to them that people just like

Desmond can be free to be who they really are.

Benny's True Colors.

Norene Paulson. (Pre-K – 1) Benny may look like a bat, but

Benny doesn’t like flying at night, or eating bugs, or hanging upside down. Benny

does

like sunshine and fluttering and colorful wings. On the inside, Benny knows he is

a butterfly! “I want my

outside

to match who I am

inside!

”

The Boy & the Bindi.

Vivek Shraya. (Pre-K – 2) A five-year-old South Asian boy

becomes fascinated with his mother’s bindi, the red dot commonly worn by Hindu

women and wishes to have one of his own. Rather than chastise her son, she agrees

to it, giving him permission to be more fully himself.

Bunnybear

. Andrea J. Loney. (Pre-K – 1) Although Bunnybear was born a bear, he

feels more like a bunny. The other bears don't understand him, and neither do the

bunnies. Will Bunnybear ever find a friend who likes him just the way he is?

Call Me Max.

Kyle Lukoff. (Pre-K – 2) As Max starts school, he begins to live as a boy

making new friends and revealing his feelings about his identity to his parents. Written

as an introduction to what it means to be transgender. Also see

Max and the Talent

how

and

Max on the Farm.

Call Me Tree / Llámame Árbol.

Maya Christina Gonzalez. (Pre-K – 2) Inspires

readers to dream and reach and to be as free and unique as trees. Tree’s gender is

purposely not named so that all can relate to the story and discussions can be had.

Bilingual.

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Charlie & Mouse.

Laurel Snyder. (Pre-K – 2) Follow the adventures of Charlie and

Mouse, two brothers in four short and funny stories. Mouse is gender creative in his

play, wearing both cowboy boots and a tutu.

rom the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea.

Kai Cheng Thom and Kai Yun

Ching. (Pre-K – 1) Miu Lan can change into any shape they can imagine. A boy or a

girl? A bird or a fish? A flower or a shooting star? At school, they must endure

inquisitive looks and difficult questions. But one thing's for sure: no matter what this

child becomes, their mother will love them just the same.

Ho'onani: Hula Warrior.

Heather Gale. (Pre-K – 2) An empowering celebration of

identity, acceptance and Hawaiian culture based on the true story of a young girl in

Hawai!i who dreams of leading the boys-only hula troupe at her school. Ho'onani feels

in-between. She doesn't see herself as wahine (girl) OR kane (boy). She's happy to be

in the middle.

House for Everyone: A Story to Help Children Learn about Gender Identity and

ender Expression.

Jo Hirst. (Pre-K – 2) At lunchtime, all of Tom's friends gather at

school to work together building their house. Each one of them has a special job to

do, and each one of them has a different way of expressing their gender identity.

I am Jazz

. Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings. (K – 5) From the time she was two years

old, Jazz knew that she had a girl's brain in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing

up as a mermaid and didn't feel like herself in boys' clothing. Based on the real-life

experience of Jazz Jennings.

I'm Jay, Let's Play.

Beth Reichmuth. (Pre-K – K) Jay loves playing with friends. Jay

loves playing in the kitchen, driving dump trucks, twirling in skirts and crashing tall

towers. Rather than gendered pronouns, the characters in this book are referred to by

their names. Their styles and interests are equally open-ended.

I’m Not a Girl: A Transgender Story.

Maddox Lyons and Jessica Verdi.

(Pre-K – 3) Nobody seems to understand that Hannah is not a girl. His parents ask

why he won't wear the cute outfits they pick out. His friend thinks he must be a

tomboy. But a birthday wish and a new word – transgender-- might be just what

Hannah needs to finally show the world who he really is. Written by a trans boy with

help from an adult.

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Introducing Teddy: A gentle story about gender and friendship

. Jess Walton.

(Pre-K – K) Introduces the youngest readers to understanding gender identity and

transition in an accessible and heart-warming story about being true to yourself and

being a good friend.

Is That for a Boy or a Girl?

S. Bear Bergman. (K – 2) Meet some awesome kids who

have gotten pretty tired of being told that certain things are for girls and others just for

boys. See how they mix and match everything they like to get what suits them best!

t Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity.

Theresa Thorn.

(Pre-K – 3) Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both,

neither, or somewhere in between. A straightforward exploration of gender identity,

providing young readers and adults with the vocabulary to discuss this topic with

sensitivity.

t's Me.

Nina Benedetto. (Pre-K – K) A wordless picture book: Beyond he or she.

Something is taken from you when a pronoun defines who you are, and you do not fit

one of the two genders. Also see

About Chris.

It’s Okay To Sparkle.

Avery Jackson. (K – 2) The story of 7-year-old Avery Jackson,

told in her own words. Assigned male at birth, she has now transitioned into a young

girl. Covering themes of friendship, bullying and self-esteem, it lets readers know that

it’s okay to be who you want to be.

acob’s New Dress

. Sarah and Ian Hoffman. (Pre-K – 2) Jacob loves playing dress-

up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can't wear

"girl" clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress. Can he convince his parents to let him

wear what he wants?

Jacob's Room to Choose.

Sarah and Ian Hoffman. (K – 2) After being chased out of

the bathroom for what he was wearing, Jacob and his friend Sophie with the support

of their teacher and administration, lead change at their school as everyone discovers

the many forms of gender expression and how to treat each other with respect.

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Jack (Not Jackie).

Erica Silverman. (Pre-K – 1) A big sister realizes that her little

sister, Jackie, doesn't like dresses or fairies-she likes ties and bugs! Will she and her

family be able to accept that Jackie identifies more as "Jack"? A sweet story about

change and acceptance.

amie is Jamie: a book about being yourself and playing your way.

Afsaneh

Moradian. (Pre-K – K) There are so many fun things to play with at Jamie’s new

preschool— baby dolls to care for, toy cars to drive—and Jamie wants to play with

them all! But the other children are confused . . . is Jamie a boy or a girl?

Jamie and Bubbie: A Book About People’s Pronouns.

Afsaneh Moradian. (Pre-K –

2) JJamie is excited to spend the day walking around the neighborhood with great-

grandma Bubbie. They meet so many friends and neighbors throughout the day along

the way. Jamie helps Bubbie understand that it’s important not to assume a person’s

pronouns based on appearance, and to always use the name and pronouns they go

by: he, she, they, or something else.

Julián Is a Mermaid.

Jessica Love. (Pre-K – 2) While riding the subway with his

abuela. Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. When Julián gets home

all he can think about is dressing up just like them. But what will Abuela think about

the mess he makes — and even more importantly, about how Julián sees himself? A

story about the power of been seen and affirmed.

Julián at the Wedding.

Jessica Love. (Pre-K – K) When Julián and his abuela go to a

wedding, Julián finds a new friend, Marisol. Together they set off for some magic and

mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that

everything is easier with a good friend by your side.

ove Remains: A Rosh Hashanah Story of Transformation

. Rabbi Ari Moffic and

Jessica Leving. (Pre-K – 2) It's Rosh Hashanah, and that means one thing. The family

is headed to the grandparents' house for a special holiday dinner! Take a seat with this

family over the years and see what changes and what stays the same. This is a story

about love, transformation, and acceptance

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress.

Christine Baldacchino. (Pre-K – 2)

Morris loves wearing the tangerine dress in the dress-up center, but the others don’t

understand. When Morris feels all alone and sick from their taunts, he stays home.

With help from his mom and his imagination, he returns to school and begins to

connect with others.

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My Awesome Brother: A children's book about Transgender Acceptance

. Lisé

Frances. (K – 2) The book centers around a child whose adored older sister is pre-

transitioning. We follow the child's efforts to bring a smile to their sister's face, and

then revel in the joy both feel after the transition.

My Maddy.

Gayle Pitmam. (Pre-K – 1) Most mommies are girls. Most daddies are

boys. But lots of parents are neither a boy nor a girl. Like my Maddy. Some of the best

things in the world are not one thing or the other. They are something in between and

entirely their own. Includes a note with more information about parents who non-binary

or otherwise gender diverse people.

My Princess Boy.

Cheryl Kilodavis. (Pre-K – 1) Dyson loves pink, sparkly things.

Sometimes he wears dresses. Sometimes he wears jeans. He likes to wear his

princess tiara, even when climbing trees.

y Rainbow.

Trinity and DeShanna Neal. (Pre-K – 2) And on one quiet day, playtime

leads to an important realization: Trinity wants long hair like her dolls. She needs it to

express who she truly is. A dedicated mom puts love into action as she creates the

perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, based on the real-life

experience of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal.

Narwhal and Jelly.

Ben Clanton. (K – 3) Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is

a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love

waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole

wide ocean together. The first book in an early graphic novel series. Note: There are

no pronouns used for Jelly.

either.

Airlie Anderson. (Pre-K – 1) In the Land of This and That, there are only two

kinds: blue bunnies and yellow birds. But one day a funny green egg hatches, and a

little creature that's not quite a bird and not quite a bunny pops out. It's neither! When

not accepted in the Land of This and That, Neither searches and finds a place where

all are welcome.

Normal Turtle.

Doug Reynolds.

(Pre-K – 1) This story is different from “normal,” it's

said, A boy born as a fox, raised a turtle instead! Will he be brave? Only time can tell If

our poor little fox will come out of his shell...

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One of a Kind, Like Me /Ú Como Yo

. Laurin Mayeno. (Pre-K – 2) Tomorrow is the

school parade, and Danny knows exactly what he will be: a princess. A sweet story

about unconditional love and the beauty of individuality.

Peacock Among Pigeons.

Tyler Curry. (Pre-K – 1) Peter, the peacock, tries to blend

in with the pigeons but he can’t no matter how hard he tries. Finally, he meets colorful

birds that accepted him and themselves for the ways they were unique, helping him

accept himself.

Peanut Goes for the Gold.

Jonathan Van Ness. (Pre-K – 1) Peanut, a non-binary

guinea pig does everything with their own personal flare. So when Peanut decides to

be a rhythmic gymnast, they come up with a routine that they know is absolutely

perfect, because it is absolutely, one hundred percent Peanut.

Phoenix Goes to School: A Story to Support Transgender and Gender Diverse

hildren.

Michelle and Phoenix Finch. (K – 1) Phoenix is excited to go to school but

scared of being bullied because of her gender identity. When she arrives at school

she finds help and support and finds she is brave enough to talk to other kids about

her gender.

he Rabbit Listened.

Cori Doerrfeld. (Pre-K – K) When something sad happens,

Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer.

Finally, rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen…which is just what Taylor needs.

Note: there are no pronouns used for Taylor.

Red: A Crayon's Story.

Michael Hall. (Pre-K – 1) A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as

"red" suffers an identity crisis. Almost everyone tries to “help” him be red until a friend

offers a new perspective. He’s blue! About finding the courage to be true to your inner

self.

am!

Dani Gabriel. (Pre-K – 2)

Nobody knew Sam was a boy except for him. He feels a

sense of relief when he finally confides in his annoying but caring sister Maggie, and

then his parents, even though it takes them a while to feel comfortable with it. With lots

of love and support, Sam and his family embrace his true self.

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Sparkle Boy.

Lesléa Newman. (K – 2) Casey loves to play with his blocks and dump

truck, but he also loves things that sparkle and glitter. A story about acceptance,

respect, and the freedom to be yourself in a world where any gender expression

should be celebrated.

Teddy's Favorite Toy.

Christian Trimmer. (Pre-K – K) Teddy has a lot of cool toys. But

his very favorite doll has the best manners, the sickest fighting skills, and a fierce

sense of style. Then one morning, something truly awful happens. And there’s only one

woman fierce enough to save the day. Can Teddy’s mom reunite Teddy with his

favorite toy?

hey Call Me Mix / Me Llaman Maestre.

Lourdes Rivas. (K – 1) Lourdes shares their

journey of being non-binary and what it all means. Join them as they learn to change

and play with words to make them fit just right. Not "she". Not "he". They! Not Ms. Not

Mr. Mx! Bilingual (Spanish and English)

They, She, He easy as ABC.

Maya and Matthew Smith-Gonzalez. (Pre-K) Inclusive

pronouns are learned alongside the alphabet. Shows that including everyone is all part

of the dance. Meet 26 kids showing us their dance moves. “No one left out and

everyone free.”

hey She He Me: Free to Be!

Maya and Matthew Smith-Gonzalez. (Pre-K – 2) Looks

at pronouns and gender fluidity by featuring many smiling people, with different skin

colors and unique styles. Minimal text with the pictures. Includes a guide for adults to

help with discussion and understanding in the back.

hat Riley Wore.

Elana K. Arnold. (Pre-K – 1) Gender-creative Riley knows just what

to wear for every occasion during a busy week with family and friends. A gentle

exploration of self-expression and a source of encouragement for being true to oneself

despite the expectations of others.

hen Aidan Became a Big Brother.

Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita. (Pre-K – 2)

When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl, but as he grew older, he

realized he was a trans boy. When he finds out he is going to be a big brother, he

learns the most important thing about being an older sibling: how to love with his

whole self.