Books

This picture book autobiography of one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperon to represent Kansas, is illustrated by an Ojibwe Woodland artist. It affirms that everyone’s voice deserves to be heard.

Casey loves things that shimmer and shine, even though his sister says glittery things are only for girls. Casey decides to go to storytime at the library wearing the clothes and jewelry he truly loves, and he’s affirmed and accepted, just as he is.

A blue crayon is mistakenly labeled as “Red.” The book is about knowing and being true to your authentic self, despite how others might see you or what they expect of you.

This true story tells about the creation of the Gay Pride flag in the late 1970s and the life of activist Harvey Milk. The book talks about the global significance of the pride flag and how it affects the world today.

When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy named George. (But she knows she’s a girl.) When her teacher says she can’t play a female character in the class play, she and her best friend come up with a plan that will change the way others see and know her.

Miguel is a young Latino boy who, with his two dads, loves to visit the public garden in his neighborhood. He learns about sunflowers, apricots, bell peppers, and much more. Most of all, he learns about sharing and how friendship blooms.

Amos Abernathy, a history buff and historical reenactor, wonders whether there were LGBTQ+ people in the 19th century. He learns about a real Civil War soldier who might have identified as a trans man if he had lived today.

Calvin, a trans boy, knows who he is. He explains to his family that he is a boy “in my heart and in my brain.” Happily, his family, friends, and teachers see, respect, and love Calvin for exactly who he is.

Cedric, a farm boy who becomes a knight, has many adventures, including vanquishing a dragon. But his best feat? Following his heart and finding his happily ever after with his very own charming prince.

A South Asian Hindu boy, fascinated by his mother’s bindi, asks for one of his own. His mother gives him a bindi, teaching him about its significance, as well as about the joy of being fully himself.

Be Who You Are celebrates diversity and variety, and empowers all people to be proud of their unique and authentic identities, ages, learning styles, backgrounds, feelings, and personalities. Parr says, “Always love yourself and be who you are!”

Annie is a confident girl who loves her plaid shirt and isn’t comfortable wearing dresses. The book affirms a child’s right to nonconformity in gender expression, as well as the gift of every child’s individuality.