LGBTQAI+ Books for Children and Teens

Providing a Window for All

Christina Dorr, Liz Deskins

• Publisher: ALA Editions
• Year: 2018
• Print ISBN:
  9780838916490
• eBook ISBN:
  9780838916926
• Topic: Languages & Linguistics
• Subtopic: Library & Information Science
• Index: Languages & Linguistics

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Books and Conversation for Young Readers

When I was child, my cousin Andrew was on his way to becoming a talented ballet dancer. Unfortunately, the very posh boys’ private school he attended was full of idiots and bullies. One day a group of them grabbed Andrew’s tights and ballet shoes and threw them into a tree where they dangled, mockingly, for days. He never danced again. This story was written in a rage at that memory. It’s about being able to be different without being punished for it. Has the world changed since then? I doubt it, sadly. We are still made uncomfortable by those who refuse to live within our prescribed “straight” lines.

—MEM FOX, ON THE REASON SHE WROTE STRAIGHT LINE WONDER1

As revealed by Fox’s quotation, children wrangle with issues of identity at a very young age. Yet many librarians and educators seem to feel that LGBTQAI+ topics aren’t necessary in, and/or appropriate for, discussions with young children. They seem to think that these topics come to the fore in the middle grades or during the young adult years. We’d like to counter this argument with three assertions:

1. 1. Discussions of basic human rights are never begun too early. We discuss fairness and equality, though not necessarily in those terms, as soon as children need to learn what they can and can’t do or say—as soon as they start to become aware of others around them and realize that the world is not egocentric. Discussion is natural, as the occasion arises; so, too, is talk about LGBTQAI+ issues.
2. 2. Children often have families that are not the standard pattern of one mother and one father. All family structures need to be validated, and many books in this age category do just that.
3. 3. Children become aware of gender identity/expression at a very young age. They begin to identify with gender and to notice gender differences, and many of them experience a disconnect between what they feel and their biological orientation. The world around them, even before birth, begins to impose gender expectations. Children need to be allowed to express themselves as their inner selves demand. More and more authors and publishers have recently realized this and thus have begun to make available books that speak to gender identity/expression.

For all of these reasons, LGBTQAI+ books are needed for all children to read, listen to, and discuss. This chapter considers many titles—fiction and nonfiction, new and classic, although not the sum total of important books—that will help children see and understand both themselves and others.

REALISTIC FICTION

Baby’s First Words, written and illustrated by Christiane Engel. Barefoot Books, 2017. (G)

This sweet little board book takes baby through the differing experiences of the day. From what the baby sees and hears upon awakening to the various feelings the baby expresses to the bedtime routine, this colorful tabbed book is filled with labeled objects and two obviously doting fathers. This is a valuable addition to the body of board books.

Conversation Starters

1. 1. What does baby do all day? What do you do in a day?
2. 2. With whom does baby share the day? With whom do you share your days? How do those people make you feel?

Resources

• • Author-illustrator’s official website: https://chengel.myportfolio.com
• • Author-illustrator’s official blog: http://christianeengel.blogspot.com

Charlie and Mouse, written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Emily Hughes. Chronicle Books, 2017. (G, T)

This early chapter book is a fun, engaging title that includes the daily antics of siblings Charlie and gender-ambiguous Mouse. Throughout the four chapters, they play together, romp throughout the neighborhood, and establish new bedtime rituals, while gay parents, Mr. Erik and Mr. Michael, provide loving support. Kid-friendly illustrations rendered in graphite and Photoshop are a fun addition.

Awards and Honors

• • Starred reviews: Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 2017; Publishers Weekly, February 13, 2017

Conversation Starters

1. 1. If you have siblings, what do you like to play with them? Do you create your own games?
2. 2. Do other family members play along with you?
3. 3. What are your favorite family activities?

Resources

• • Author’s official website: http://laurelsnyder.com
• • Illustrator’s official website: http://ehug.tumblr.com

Daddy, Papa, and Me and Mommy, Mama, and Me, written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Carol Thompson. Tricycle Press, 2009. (G, L)

These delightful companion board books for toddlers show a day in the life of the little one with either two mothers or two fathers. They are a joyous look at how each parent loves and cares for the child, and each shows a happy relationship between the parents. The text is simple, rhyming, and totally engaging; the illustrations are boldly colored, childlike paintings. Toddlers will probably want to imitate some of the many appealing activities in which the families engage.

Awards and Honors

• • Stonewall Honor Book, 2010

Conversation Starters

1. 1. What are the children doing in the books? Who is with them?
2. 2. Do you do any of these activities? With whom?
3. 3. Who are the children’s parents? Do they look happy or sad? Do the children look happy or sad? Why do you think they look this way?

Resources

• • Author’s official website: www.lesleakids.com

Daddy’s Roommate, written and illustrated by Michael Willhoite. Alyson Wonderland, 1990. (G)

This is another classic LGBTQAI+ picture book with a simple, timeless theme. A boy’s parents divorce and his father moves in with a roommate, Frank, and together the men create a loving second home for the boy. The story relates the many activities they engage in and shows how the two men truly care for each other and the boy. The illustrations are full-page color paintings in a realistic style, with a slightly animated twist.

Conversation...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword: LGBTQAI+ Books Save Lives, by Jamie Campbell Naidoo
• Introduction: Windows into Reality
• Chapter One: Books and Conversation for Young Readers
• Chapter Two: Books and Conversation for Middle Grade Readers
• Chapter Three: Books and Conversation for Teen Readers
• Final Thoughts: It’s about Basic Human Rights
• Appendix: Additional Resources
• Glossary
• About the Authors
• Subject Index
• Author Index
• Title Index