Books with LGBTQ+ Characters

Last updated: June 30, 2026

From books with main characters who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender or who are exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation to stories of kids and teens with queer friends or parents, these books portray many aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience. For other compelling reads, check out our Coming-of-Age Books and Books That Promote Diversity and Inclusion.

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Love in the Wild book cover: Two lions with rainbow manes facing each other, foreheads touching

BOOK

Love in the Wild

age 2+

Gorgeously illustrated celebration of love has cute rhymes.

Katy Tanis Picture Book (2021)

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Heather Has Two Mommies Poster Image

BOOK

Heather Has Two Mommies

age 3+

Lively illustrations add charm to inclusion classic.

Lesléa Newman Picture Book (2015)

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Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship Poster Image

BOOK

Introducing Teddy: A Gentle Story About Gender and Friendship

age 3+

Gentle teddy bear tale about gender identity.

Jessica Walton Picture Book (2016)

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Julián at the Wedding Poster Image

BOOK

Julián at the Wedding

age 3+

Julián and friend find fun, magic in sweet, affirming tale.

Jessica Love Picture Book (2020)

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Papa's Coming Home book cover: Papa greets daughter at the airport while his son and husband, carrying a 7-layer chocolate cake, run toward them

BOOK

Papa's Coming Home

age 3+

Kids await their papa's return in cute queer family tale.

Chasten Buttigieg Picture Book (2025)

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And Tango Makes Three Poster Image

BOOK

And Tango Makes Three

age 4+

Touching love story of male penguins teaches acceptance.

Justin Richardson , Peter Parnell Picture Book (2015)

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Bathe the Cat Book Cover

BOOK

Bathe the Cat

age 4+

Hilarious, relatable tale showcases a diverse family.

Alice B. McGinty Picture Book (2022)

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Daddy & Dada Poster Image

BOOK

Daddy & Dada

age 4+

Lovely picture book shows many ways families are made.

Ryan Brockington , Isaac Webster Picture Book (2021)

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From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea Poster Image

BOOK

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea

age 4+

Loving fantasy tale of gender, identity, and acceptance.

Kai Cheng Thom Body Awareness (2017)

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Harriet Gets Carried Away Poster Image

BOOK

Harriet Gets Carried Away

age 4+

Fanciful story of birthday girl spirited away by penguins.

Jessie Sima Picture Book (2018)

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I Am Jazz Poster Image

BOOK

I Am Jazz

age 4+

Sweet, straightforward story of young transgender girl.

Jessica Herthel , Jazz Jennings Picture Book (2014)

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It Feels Good to Be Yourself book cover: 4 kids, 1 in a wheelchair, plant sprouts, wave, play music; bordered by flowers

BOOK

It Feels Good to Be Yourself

age 4+

Inclusive, clear, loving story of gender affirmation.

Theresa Thorn Picture Book (2019)

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Jacob's New Dress Poster Image

BOOK

Jacob's New Dress

age 4+

Cheery book on dismantling gender norms helps kids, parents.

Sarah Hoffman , Ian Hoffman Picture Book (2014)

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Julián Is a Mermaid Poster Image

BOOK

Julián Is a Mermaid

age 4+

In touching story and art, boy imagines he's a mermaid.

Jessica Love Picture Book (2018)

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Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo Poster Image

BOOK

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo

age 4+

Cute story of two boy bunnies who get married.

Jill Twiss Picture Book (2018)

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Marley's Pride book cover: Marley, a black child with short dreds, sits on Zaza's shoulders at a Pride Parade

BOOK

Marley's Pride

age 4+

Joyful, tender story of child's first Pride celebration.

Joëlle Retener Family Life (2024)

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One Day in June book cover: Colorful Marsha P. Johnson with flowers in her hair and people cheering

BOOK

One Day in June

age 4+

Dazzling story of the life and legacy of Marsha P. Johnson.

Tourmaline Picture Book (2025)

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Peanut Goes for the Gold Poster Image

BOOK

Peanut Goes for the Gold

age 4+

Super-positive hamster sets goal, delivers in upbeat tale.

Jonathan Van Ness Picture Book (2020)

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Sparkle Boy Poster Image

BOOK

Sparkle Boy

age 4+

Strong family, acceptance rule in sweet stereotype-buster.

Lesléa Newman Picture Book (2017)

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Worm Loves Worm Poster Image

BOOK

Worm Loves Worm

age 4+

Love wins in sweet, unconventional wedding tale.

J.J. Austrian Picture Book (2016)

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