Books in this category reflect the people of the world's nations, religions, and cultures, sometimes as a central feature of the story and other times as part of the story's background.
This is whichCatvalue: 2
Book Results for: Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender
And Tango Makes Three Justin Richardson (Author), Peter Parnell (Author), Henry Cole (Illustrator) Based on a true-life penguin family living in New York City's Central Park Zoo, this is the story of Roy and Silo, two male penguins that cuddle and share a nest like the other penguin couples. When all the others start hatching eggs, they want to be parents, too, and bring an egg-shaped rock back to their nest to care for. A watchful zookeeper decides they deserve a chance at having their own family and gives them an egg in need of nurturing. A daughter, Tango, arrives soon after and the three can still be seen at the zoo today. [Grade Level: Pre-K - 3]
3.
Forgotten Victims of the Holocaust Written by Linda Jacobs Altman Altman explores the expansion of Nazi Germany and the effect it had on the people of the countries that were invaded, including Poles, Russians, Gypsies, Homosexuals and others. She uses memories of survivors to discuss the experiences of those who were tortured and killed by the Nazis. [Grade Level: 5 - 9]
4.
From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun Written by Jacqueline Woodson Melanin Sun's mother, an African-American woman, tells him that she is in love with a white woman. Melanin feels confused and upset as he tries to understand issues about sexuality, racial identity and love. [Grade Level: 6 & Up]
5.
Gloria Goes to Gay Pride Russell Crocker (Illustrator), Leslea Newman (Author) While marching in the gay pride parade with her two mothers, Gloria sees many familiar faces and learns that "love is the most important thing of all." Some people along the parade route hold signs that say, "Gays go away." One of Gloria's mothers explains to her that some people don't think two women or two men should love each other, but that the parade is held to help ensure that all people can feel pride in who they are. [Grade Level: K - 3]
6.
King and King and Family Stern Nijland (Author), Linda de Haan (Author)
by Linda de Haan, Stern Nijland
In this sequel to King & King—in which lonely Prince Bertie rejects five fairy-tale princesses and marries a handsome prince—newlywed Kings Bertie and Lee go on a tropical honeymoon. Enamored by the animal families they see in the jungle, they wish for a little one of their own. Before long, they have a strange feeling that something is following them and, upon returning home, they discover a stowaway in their suitcase—a young girl from the jungle, whom they joyfully adopt. [Grade Level: K - 3]
7.
Mom and Mum are Getting Married Ken Setterington (Author), Alice Priestley (Illustrator) When Rosie’s two moms tell her about their decision to get married, she is disappointed that the small celebration planned will not afford her the opportunity to be a bridesmaid or flower girl. Rosie finds another option—she and her brother will carry the rings—and a happy wedding ensues. Marriage of same-sex couples is normalized and celebrated in this story without the issue ever being explicitly raised as contentious or a matter of right and wrong. [Grade Level: K - 3]
8.
My Two Uncles Written by Judith Vigna A young child's grandfather has trouble accepting the fact that his son is gay. [Grade Level: K - 3]
9.
The Different Dragon Jennifer Bryan (Author), Danamarie Hosler (Illustrator) Young Noah and his mom create a bedtime story with a fierce and ferocious dragon. As the story progresses, it turns out that the dragon is upset because he just can't be terrifying anymore, so Noah befriends the dragon and shows him that it's okay for him to be different. Noah has two mothers, who are presented as a normal part of his life, and not the central focus of the tale. A lesson plan for teachers to use this story in class is available at www.glsen.org. [Grade Level: Pre-K - 2]
The Harvey Milk Story Kari Krakow (Author), David Gardner (Illustrator) This picture-book biography is among the only titles for primary students on lesbian and gay history. It tells the story of the first openly gay elected city official in the United States, beginning with his childhood and taking us through his years in the Navy and career as a teacher. The author sensitively discusses how Milk kept his emerging gay identity a secret through young adulthood until he moved to San Francisco, where he ultimately became a politician and worked toward "laws to ensure the quality of life for all people." Harvey Milk was assassinated in 1978, becoming a martyr for the cause of gay rights in the U.S. [Grade Level: K - 3]
12.
The House You Pass on the Way Written by Jacqueline Woodson Fourteen-year-old Staggerlee, the daughter of a racially mixed marraige, spends a summer with her cousin Trout, and starts to question her sexuality. [Grade Level: 6 & Up]
13.
The Misfits James Howe (Author), Bagram Ibatoulline (Illustrator) Four best friends are trying to survive the seventh grade as they are teased about their weight, height, intelligence, and sexual orientation/gender expression. These four friends decide to fight back by running for student coucil and creating a platform aimed at wiping out name-calling of all kinds. [Grade Level: 5 & Up]
14.
Totally Joe Written by James Howe Howe continues the story of 13-year-old Joe, one of the protagonists from The Misfits, in this "alphabiography." As an English assignment, Joe is told to write about his life from A to Z, with each alphabetical chapter ending in a "Life Lesson.” Joe reveals his life in short vignettes, discussing with humor his struggles as a gay adolescent, including his relationship with his athletic brother, his first boyfriend, and dealing with bullying at school. [Grade Level: 4 - 6]
