Celebrating Pride with MORE Children's Storybooks!

Happy Pride Month, friends!  

Pride is a celebration of the dignity, personhood, and the beauty of diversity in the LGBTQ+ community. It's also a reminder of the importance of visibility, of advocacy, and of the work yet to be done in a pursuit of equality for all.

Last year for Pride, I shared some of my family's very favorite Pride-themed children's storybooks. [Click here for last year's post]. As I mentioned in that post, while I loved each of the storybooks, I couldn't help but notice that our storybook library was lacking in the voices and perspectives of BIPOC individuals overall (and in Pride-themed titles in particular). After publishing the post, I also noticed a similar pattern with a lack of transgender authors on our shelves. I committed to doing better, and the good news is - over the past twelve months, our library has become significantly more diverse!

So for Pride 2021 I've compiled another list of children's storybooks, all of which we have on our shelves at home. Each of the five books below are either (1) written by a BIPOC author and/or illustrator; (2) written by a transgender author and/or illustrator; and/or (3) depicting the perspectives of BIPOC family life in a particularly meaningful way.

To all my LGBTQ+ family: You are seen. You are valued. You are loved.

---

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis (illustrated by Suzanne DeSimone)
© 2009 New York: Aladdin Publishing
Amazon

This is a book that was simultaneously ahead of its time, and right on schedule. I was admittedly surprised to see the 2009 copyright, as it fits our current discourse so well. My Princess Boy directly addresses the need for acceptance and a compassionate response to those who face bullying on account of who they are, how they dress, and what they like. This storybook has initiated a number of important conversations with our four year old boy, whose favorite color has often changed but which has been "pink" for some time now. In short, it has become a go-to resource for us anytime the topic of gender norms arises in his life. I'm so grateful for this book.

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
© 2018 Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press
Amazon

Are you looking for a storybook that sits back and lets the pictures tell the tale? Then this may just be the book for you!  The story tells of a boy who wants to dress up as a mermaid, just like the beautiful women he encountered on the subway. But it's the gorgeous illustrations that move the plot forward, and it's impossible to miss the beauty of the inclusive, abiding love Julián's Abuela has for him. (Don't be mistaken into believing that the words aren't important, though! I felt chills when reading his Abuela's final words: "[mermaids] like you, mijo.") The fact that this is the debut storybook for this author-illustrator has me excited and eager to see what she'll bring to the world next.

They, She, He: Easy as ABC by Maya Gonzalez & Matthew SG
© 2019 San Francisco: Reflection Press
Amazon

This simple storybook is designed to offer a fun, upbeat example of pronouns! It doesn't seek to educate about the ins and outs of gender identity. It simply uses pictures and words to playfully expand one's preconceived ideas about gender. The bonus? It also teaches the alphabet. Think of it as two lessons in one. :)  I appreciated that the end of the storybook includes some helpful tips from the authors regarding how to incorporate inclusive pronoun usage in one's life. A simple, yet profound resource for kids and adults alike.

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff (illustrated by Kaylani Juanita)
© 2019 New York: Lee & Low Books, Inc.
Amazon

In When Aidan Became a Brother, Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita present a beautiful picture of family life, as a child comes out as transgender, and later prepares to take on the new role of big brother. My heart was so deeply touched by the ways Aidan prepared to welcome his new sibling, and how he wanted to transform the pain -- and joys! -- he had once experienced to usher in a world more inclusive, inviting, and loving for his new sibling. Also worth mentioning is the author's note found at the end of the book, which speaks of how Aidan's story is similar to his own, and which compassionately highlights how others can find themselves in the story, too. Simply put: most any child can recognize the innate desire to simply be.  (This title is clearly worthy of the Stonewall Book Award proudly displayed on its cover!)  

Umi & Uma: The Story of Two Mommies and a Baby by Nyesha & Samantha Davis-Williams
© 2018 New York: Wooden Roses Publishing
Amazon

Umi & Uma is a semi-autobiographical story of this author-illustrator couple, a book which they also self-published. I appreciate how the story is partially set in the fictional world of Astrin, a world which -- not unlike Daniel Levy with the fictional Schitt's Creek -- imagines what the world would be like if it were to be wholly and unapologetically inclusive. I appreciate how the book demonstrates how two mommies prepare for the birth of a new bundle of joy, just as any other soon-to-be parents might. (My only hope? That our real-life world may someday be a little more like that of Astrin!)