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Reading with Pride: I'm unapologetically proud of this LGBTQ+ inclusive children's book list

Let's talk equality! Having LGBTQ+ conversations as adults can be fairly easy. But how do you approach conversations about gender equality with your children? Firstly, if you are asking that question, you're doing something right! Good parenting means teaching about equity, tolerance and love- and leading by example, even if you grew up influenced by biases or have a lack of understanding of the current gender spectrum. It's important that you remember that discussing sexuality is not discussing sex. Additionally, discussing gender identity and same-sex attraction will not change your child's identity. We are born this way! Guess what else won't change your child's identity? READING about gender identity and same-sex attraction! 

If parents don't support inclusive education and use inclusive language it will hurt their relationship with their child. Especially if the child is in the closet about their identity. Their trust will be broken and they will double their parent's unconditional love. Discrimination is a no-win situation on all sides. I was inspired to write this after discovering that an Ottawa Valley library was being attacked online after promoting a Pride Month event featuring a drag queen reading inclusive children's books to kids. This is a library where Keira and I have visited to read books to children.  

Bigotry like this is unacceptable, especially during Pride Month, given the history behind it. I've decided to fight back against discrimination by sharing inclusive children's books that promote LGBTQ+ equality! Since Paws For Reaction is celebrating 10 years, I'm sharing a list of 10 kid's books in honour of Pride Month. Whether you have a drag queen to read them to your kids or not, these books will help you facilitate easier conversations about equality with your little ones.

The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish

This seems like the perfect book to start with! The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish by Lil Miss Hot Mess (no, I'm not making that up!) and illustrated by Olga De Dios is a play on words, using the lyrics of Wheels on the Bus in a more glittery, swishy way. More about this book: "Encourages readers to boldly be exactly who they are, this playful picture book offers a quirky twist on a classic nursery rhyme by illustrating all of the ways to "work it". The story follows a drag queen who performs her routine in front of an awestruck audience. A fun frenzy of fierceness, this book will appeal to readers of all ages." via Indigo BUY IT HERE!

Being You: A First Conversation About Gender

If you're looking for a book to start a conversation about gender equality for the first time, Being You: A First Conversation About Gender by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli and illustrated by Anne/Andy Passchier is the book you need. This topic-driven board book was developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice. The colourful pages offer clear, concrete language young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion. More about this book: "While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice." via Indigo BUY IT HERE!

My Sister, Daisy

The powerful and moving picture book My Sister, Daisy by Adria Karlsson and illustrated by Linus Curci handled the sensitive subject of gender transitioning with love and acceptance. What makes this book so moving is that it's based on a true story. More about this book: "Daisy's older brother is thrilled when he gets a new sibling. They are best buddies who do everything together. But in kindergarten, things change. His sibling tells him she is a girl and wants to be called Daisy. Daisy's brother must adjust to the change--including what it means for him and their relationship." via Amazon. BUY IT HERE!

Pride Puppy

It wouldn't be a Paws For Reaction book list without featuring a book about animals! Pride Puppy by Robin Stevenson and illustrated by Julie McLaughlin is about a family who are enjoying the Pride Parade when they stumble upon a lost puppy. They make it their mission to reunite the puppy with its owner. More about this book: "This rhyming alphabet book tells a lively story, with rich, colourful illustrations that will have readers poring over every detail as they spot items starting with each of the letters of the alphabet. An affirming and inclusive book that offers a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year." via Indigo BUY IT HERE!

From Archie to Zack

Everyone remembers their first crush! It's a lot easier to talk about for some kids. From Archie to Zack by Vincent Kirsch is a celebration of first crushes that is inclusive to the queer community. It highlights the often difficult experience of loving out in the open. First love, last love, self-love, LOVE IS LOVE. More about this book: "An unapologetic celebration of friendship and first crushes. Archie loves Zack and Zack loves Archie! Everyone said it was so. But Archie hasn’t told Zack yet. And Zack hasn’t told Archie. They spend just about every minute together. Over the course of a few months, Archie tries to write a letter to Zack to tell him how he feels: 'From A to Z.' None of his drafts sound quite right, so he hides them all away. One by one, Archie’s friends find the letters and they know exactly whom they’re meant for." via Indigo BUY IT HERE!

It Feels Good to Be Yourself 

It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn illustrated by Noah Grigni shares a message of acceptance as it explores the gender spectrum in a straightforward way that can help the youngest readers. The title alone highlights the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion. Everyone hides parts of themselves out of fear, and embarrassment, and if they suspect they won't be accepted. But imagine hiding who you are. And how you love.  More about this book: "Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between. This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, it provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity." via Indigo BUY IT HERE!

Jack (Not Jackie)

A big sister realizes her little sister doesn't like the same things she does, like fairies and dresses. In fact, Jackie even wants to be called Jack. This heartwarming story will help siblings navigate a member of the family who identifies as a different gender. Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman and illustrated by Holly Hatam is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance. More about this book: "Susan thinks her little sister Jackie has the best giggle! She can't wait for Jackie to get older so they can do all sorts of things like play forest fairies and be explorers together. But as Jackie grows, she doesn't want to play those games. She wants to play with mud and be a superbug! Jackie also doesn't like dresses or her long hair, and she would rather be called Jack." via Indigo BUY IT HERE!

An ABC of Equality

An ABC of Equality by Chana Ginelle Ewing and illustrated by Paulina Morgan is about so much more than equality. This bestselling book introduces the complicated concepts of social justice to young children, focusing on a variety of topics. More about this book: "All people have the right to be treated fairly, no matter who they are, what they look like, or where they come from. From A to Z, simple explanations accompanied by engaging artwork teach children about the world we live in and how to navigate our way through it. Cheerful people from a range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities lead the way through the alphabet." via Indigo BUY IT HERE!

Too Bright to See

The award-winning book Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff is a story of love and understanding of the trans community. It's not just a coming-of-age story- it's also a ghost story! So, naturally I love it! More about this book: "It's the summer before middle school and eleven-year-old Bug's best friend Moira has decided the two of them need to use the next few months to prepare. For Moira, this means figuring out the right clothes to wear, learning how to put on makeup, and deciding which boys are cuter in their yearbook photos than in real life. But none of this appeals to Bug, who doesn't want to spend time trying to understand how to be a girl. Besides, there's something more important to worry about: A ghost is haunting Bug's eerie old house in rural Vermont. As Bug begins to untangle the mystery of who this ghost is, an altogether different truth comes to light- Bug is transgender." via Indigo BUY IT HERE!

Grandad's Camper

Harry Woodgate is a Stonewall Honor award-winning author and illustrator. 

There you have it: a spectrum of children's books for all kids and colours of the rainbow. Right now Indigo is offering a great sale on children's books: Buy 2, Get the 3rd Free on Select Picture Books. The sale includes many of the books on this list. The sale ends on June 26, 2022, so don't miss out! CLICK HERE to shop the sale. Happy Pride Month everyone! 

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