Pride Month is the perfect time to share inclusive LGBTQ+ stories with even the youngest readers in our lives. There is a wealth of books for kids and middle-grade readers that explore the multitudes of the LGBTQ+ experience - from history to family and friendship.

Whether you are looking for a middle-grade novel full of adventure or a picture book to teach little ones about diverse families, there is one read for everyone in this must-read list for Pride Month.

Harper Becomes a Big Sister by Seamus Kirst

Harper, excited to be a big sister, welcomes her new baby brother with open arms. However, as Dad and Daddy focus on the baby, Harper feels left out. Taco Tuesday is even disrupted! 

A tale of love, adjustment, and family dynamics unfolds in this delightful LGBTQ+ kids' book.

Melissa by Alex Gino

Melissa, who knows she's a girl despite being seen as a boy named George, faces a dilemma when her teacher casts her class play. Desperate to play Charlotte in 'Charlotte's Web,' Melissa devises a plan with her best friend, Kelly, to reveal her true self to everyone.

Saturday is Pancake Day by Bernadette Green and Daniel Gray-Barnett

It is Saturday morning, and Milo the Fox has made delicious pancakes, but Henry the Dad is not interested. Milo and the twins try to tempt him with various pancake creations, but nothing works. This funny story explores a picky eater and a family's love as they find a solution together.

How Lucky Am I? by Scott Hoying and Mark Hoying

This picture book is about a mayfly who only has one day to live. Despite its short lifespan, the mayfly explores the world, makes friends, and finds beauty in everything. The story encourages readers to appreciate the importance of life and the wonderful things around them.

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The ABCs of Queer History by Seema Yasmin

This is a children's book honoring the history of LGBTQ+ people in the US. It tells the tales of significant people and events using rhymes and vibrant pictures. This book addresses issues of acceptance, belonging, and love through the eyes of activists like Audre Lorde and historical occasions like Stonewall.

Ultimately, it hopes to impart to kids an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the value of recognizing and appreciating each person's unique story.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

This book is set in a zoo, telling the story of two male penguins who aspire to have a family. Unlike other penguins, Roy and Silo cannot lay eggs. A zookeeper helps them raise an abandoned egg, and together, they raise a chick they name Tango. 

The Insiders by Mark Oshiro

Héctor, a gay kid moving from a welcoming town to a new school, feels like an outsider. He seeks safety in a janitor's closet, where he somehow connects with two other abandoned children in the nation. Finding support and a sense of community in one another, they set off on a year filled with friendship, exploration, and perhaps even sorcery.

This Is Our Rainbow by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby

The book is a young reader's anthology that celebrates LGBTQIA+ experiences. Every narrative delves into a distinct letter inside the LGBTQIA+ acronym. The stories cover various topics - from fantasy adventures, including pirates and dragons, to realistic scenarios like a first crush. The book, full of happiness and pride, provides a varied and affirming portrayal of LGBTQIA+ identities.

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