A list of LGBTQ2S+ books for young and teen readers

BY KATE ODAMS

There is now such a range of amazing children’s and young adult books amplifying LGBTQ2S+ experiences that it can be hard to know where to start.

Here are some diverse, joyful, and affirming books for children of all ages (and their grownups) that celebrate Queer voices, culture, and history.

Pride, the Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders

Where did the iconic rainbow flag first come from? Did you know it originally had a pink stripe? Do the colours mean something? In this narrative nonfiction picture book, readers can trace the history of the Rainbow Flag from its beginnings in 1978 with Harvey Milk, famed US LGBTQ+ activist, and flag maker Gilbert Baker to its status as a global symbol. This is a story of love, hope, struggle and pride, and an informative and accessible read for children and families.

The Meaning of Pride by Rosiee Thor, illustrations by Sam Kirk

Another ‘Pride primer’ in the nonfiction picture book category. Colourful illustrations and simple factual text guide readers through the central question of ‘What does Pride Mean?” This book explores some of the history of the Pride movement, highlighting several pioneering people along the way. Although leaning towards highlighting Americans, the book is definitely diverse, and you’ll see lots of familiar faces, even one or two Canadians! The quick ‘Pride Flags 101’ at the beginning is a useful addition as you head out to the parade and beyond.

Pink, Blue and You!: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes by Elise Gravel

Many of us are familiar with the writing and wonderfully funny, diverse illustrations of Montrealer Elise Gravel. Pink and

SEPTEMBER 9: WESTBORO LEGION’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER & DANCE IN THE DOWNSTAIRS HALL: Tickets ($15) on sale at the upstairs bar, 391 Richmond Rd. Spaghetti & meat sauce dinner 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Snap, Crackle, Pop from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS: WEEKLY BINGO IN THE WESTBORO LEGION’S DOWNSTAIRS HALL: Door opens at 4:00 p.m., kitchen at 5:00 p.m. and the first of 17 games, including a $500 jackpot, begins at 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAYS: HINTONBURG NIGHT MARKET: Stroll through the Hintonburg Night Market every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to pick up local eats, treats and all things handmade. Sit back, relax, eat and be entertained by Local Musicians, Buskers and Entertainers. Located at the UAC Art Hub, 1088 Somerset Street W. (between Yakko Takko & Tinseltown).

Got a Kitchissippi area virtual or COVID-19-safe event to share? We’d love to hear about it. Send your info to editor@kitchissippi.com For the full list of events please go to kitchissippi.com.

Blue and You!, available in both English and French, is a great read aloud about gender, restrictive stereotypes, and the joy in diversity. “Are some things for boys and some for girls? Who made these rules?” asks Gravel as her funny illustrations lead you through a narrative of great conversation-starting questions and ideas.

A Plan for Pops by Heather Smith

Full disclosure – I’ve included this book because it made me cry. This story is so gentle and touching I suggest the adult reader proceed with tissues at hand! This is the story of Lou and his beloved Grandpa and Pops. One day, their usual Saturday fun day is interrupted when Pops has a fall. When they learn that Pops will now be confined to a wheelchair, Lou and Grandpa come up with a plan (and a complex contraption!) that has one simple goal: to make Pop’s smile again.

This beautiful story not only normalizes same-sex couples as family members but shows how feeling sadness and helplessness are not only valid emotions, but ones that can, and will, get better. The power of compassion, led by a child, is strong and meaningful in this lovely story.

Pride: An Inspirational History of the LGBTQ+ Movement by Stella Caldwell

This inspiring, colourfully illustrated history of the Queer community enlightens young readers on the true timeline of LGBTQ+ history around the world, the lives of important figures and groundbreaking events. Peppered with first person stories by young Queer writers, this book is easy to dip into.

Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words edited by Dr. Lindsay Herriot and Kate Fry

This accessible anthology shares short stories, essays, art and poetry created by trans youth aged 11 to 18, mostly based in B.C. First-person stories of struggle and joys, both big and small, make this book not only an empowering read for trans or nonbinary youth, but useful and insightful reading for all young people and adults, transgender or not, about what understanding, acceptance, and support for the trans community looks like.

View the full list on Kitchissippi.com.