Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Books About LGBTQ+ Youth

Last updated: July 9, 2026

More and more of today's youth are queer. Thankfully, LGBTQ+ representation in media is increasing, giving queer and straight kids alike more choices that reflect their world and lived experiences. But no other entertainment type has embraced telling stories about queer youth as much as the book publishing industry. Below you'll find a vast selection of books for all ages that feature lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender nonconforming, and other queer kids and teens. From beautifully illustrated picture books and empathetic coming-of-age novels to swoon-worthy tales of first loves and suspenseful mysteries, there's something here to interest every kid and young adult. Once you're done here, check out our lists of movies and TV shows about queer youth and LGBTQ+ history.

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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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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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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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Child in blue overalls with small dog

BOOK

Call Me Max

age 5+

Warm story of a child sharing that he's transgender.

Kyle Lukoff Picture Book (2019)

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Calvin Poster Image

BOOK

Calvin

age 5+

Trans boy embraces his identity in bold, inclusive story.

J.R. Ford , Vanessa Ford Picture Book (2021)

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Desert Queen book cover: Dancer with brown skin and colorful clothing raises arms with audience looking on

BOOK

Desert Queen

age 6+

Stunning art, joyful bio of gender fluid Rajasthani dancer.

Jyoti Rajan Gopal Picture Book (2023)

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Pride book cover: Harvey Milk, White-skinned, dark, curly hair, in a suit waves rainbow flag, crowd behind him

BOOK

PRIDE The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

age 6+

Iconic story of Harvey Milk's colorful life and dream.

Rob Sanders Picture Book (2018)

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Ellie Engle Saves Herself Book Cover: Black girl in half-lotus seated position with flowers and butterflies surrounding her

BOOK

Ellie Engle Saves Herself

age 8+

Girl discovers superpowers in fun, sensitive novel.

Leah Johnson Fantasy (2023)

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Lunar Boy book cover: Boy with white hair, white shirt and tie, blue pants, barefoot, sitting on pile of household items backlit by a big white moon

BOOK

Lunar Boy

age 8+

Heartening, wholesome interstellar trans tale of belonging.

Jacinta Wibowo , Jessica Wibowo Graphic Novel (2024)

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A line of green turtles make a backward ess across the cover, with two in the middle having rainbow shells.

BOOK

Answers in the Pages

age 9+

Insightful, sweet, funny, exciting exploration of book bans.

David Levithan Contemporary Fiction (2022)

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A girl with curly hair hovers over iconic sites of Barcelona

BOOK

Ellen Outside the Lines

age 9+

Touching story of girl with autism navigating change.

A. J. Sass Friendship (2022)

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Rick Poster Image

BOOK

Rick

age 9+

Sixth-grader faces bullying bestie in sweet, queer story.

Alex Gino Coming of Age (2020)

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A World Worth Saving book cover: Boy in a white smily face t-shirt runs through wind storm with intensity

BOOK

A World Worth Saving

age 10+

Fierce and fantastical trans tale of triumph over hate.

Kyle Lukoff Adventure (2025)

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Birdie and Me Poster Image

BOOK

Birdie and Me

age 10+

Intense story of orphans' search for family, acceptance.

J. M. M. Nuanez Family Life (2020)

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Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World Poster Image

BOOK

Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

age 10+

First stirrings of girl's same-sex crush gently handled.

Ashley Herring Blake Coming of Age (2018)

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King and the Dragonflies Poster Image

BOOK

King and the Dragonflies

age 10+

Beautifully told coming-of-age tale full of grief and hope.

Kacen Callender Coming of Age (2020)

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Lily and Dunkin Poster Image

BOOK

Lily and Dunkin

age 10+

Sensitive story of misfits striving to be their real selves.

Donna Gephart Friendship (2016)

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