Oliver Button Is a Sissy


Tomie dePaola - 1979
    “There is a good balance between the simple text . . . and the expressive pictures . . . an attractive little book.”--School Library Journal

Being You: A First Conversation About Gender


Megan Madison - 2021
    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.This second book in the series begins the conversation on gender, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.

Perfectly Norman


Tom Percival - 2017
    That was until the day he grew a pair of wings!Norman is very surprised to have wings suddenly - and he has the most fun ever trying them out high in the sky. But then he has to go in for dinner. What will his parents think? What will everyone else think? Norman feels the safest plan is to cover his wings with a big coat.But hiding the thing that makes you different proves tricky and upsetting. Can Norman ever truly be himself?A poignant yet uplifting story about individuality, with stunning artwork in a striking minimal palette from the author/illustrator of Herman's Letter. Fans of Oliver Jeffers and Benj Davies will love it.

I Love My Colorful Nails


Alicia Acosta - 2019
    His father and those around him paint their nails to stand against Ben's bullies, encouraging him to be himself, despite what others think. This picture book touches on emotions, being yourself, and peaceful solutions to negative confrontation.

The Best Man


Richard Peck - 2016
    But that’s getting ahead of the story, and a wonderful story it is. In Archer’s sweetly naïve but observant voice, his life through elementary school is recounted: the outspoken, ever-loyal friends he makes, the teachers who blunder or inspire, and the family members who serve as his role models. From one exhilarating, unexpected episode to another, Archer’s story rolls along as he puzzles over the people in his life and the kind of person he wants to become…and manages to help his uncle become his best self as well.

Meow or Never: A Wish Novel


Jazz Taylor - 2021
    and learning to take center stage!Avery Williams can sing, but that doesn't mean she can sing in front of people. She likes to stay backstage at her new school, which is where, to her surprise, she finds a cat tucked away into a nook. Avery names the stray Phantom and visits any time she's feeling stressed (which is a lot these days).As she sings to Phantom one day, her crush, Nic, overhears her and ropes Avery into auditioning for the school's musical. Despite her nerves, Avery lands the lead role!She knows she should be excited, but mostly Avery is terrified. Can Phantom help her through her stage fright? And what will happen if anyone finds out about her secret pet?

Lola The Mermaid and The Splish Splash Olympics


Lily Lexington - 2012
    

The Answer (Steven Universe)


Rebecca Sugar - 2016
    Why would a Gem turn against her Homeworld to protect the messy, pointless planet Earth?What would make an aristocratic Gem risk everything for a common guard?And how could a humble soldier alter the track of fate forever?It's up to Sapphire and Ruby to find The Answer.

Mixed Me!


Taye Diggs - 2015
    He has LOTS of energy! His parents love him. And Mike is a PERFECT blend of the two of them.Still, Mike has to answer LOTS of questions about being mixed. And he does, with LOTS of energy and joy in this charming story about a day in the life of a mixed-race child.

Promised Land


Adam Reynolds - 2017
    However, when the Queen re-marries, her sinister new husband seeks control of the enchanted forest and the land the farm boy’s family are responsible for protecting. In a Kingdom where all are considered equal regardless of what they look like or who they love, Promised Land is a brand new fairytale about friendship, responsibility, adventure and love.  Written by Adam Reynolds & Chaz Harris it features 32 stunning illustrations by Christine Luiten & Bo Moore sure to delight kids young and old. "From every point-of-view, including artistically, it's a beautiful book." ~ Sir Ian McKellen "Promised Land is the most loved fairy tale in the Albertalli house!" ~ Becky Albertalli (What If It's Us/Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda/Leah on the Offbeat) "The exact kind of fairy tale that should be on every kid's required reading list." ~ Teen Vogue

Papa, Daddy, and Riley


Seamus Kirst - 2020
    She loves her two fathers! When Riley's classmate asks her which dad is her real one, Riley is confused. She doesn't want to have to pick one or the other. Families are made of love in this heartwarming story that shows there are lots of ways to be part of one.

To Night Owl from Dogfish


Holly Goldberg Sloan - 2019
    Bett Devlin, who's fearless, outgoing, and loves all animals as well as the ocean, lives in California. What they have in common is that they are both twelve years old, and are both being raised by single, gay dads.When their dads fall in love, Bett and Avery are sent, against their will, to the same sleepaway camp. Their dads hope that they will find common ground and become friends--and possibly, one day, even sisters. But things soon go off the rails for the girls (and for their dads too), and they find themselves on a summer adventure that neither of them could have predicted. Now that they can't imagine life without each other, will the two girls (who sometimes call themselves Night Owl and Dogfish) figure out a way to be a family?

C Is for Country


Lil Nas X - 2021
    Every day is a brand-new start!B is for boots—whether they’re big or small, short or tall.And C is for country.Join superstar Lil Nas X—who boasts the longest-running #1 song in history—and Panini the pony on a joyous journey through the alphabet from sunup to sundown. Experience wide-open pastures, farm animals, guitar music, cowboy hats, and all things country in this debut picture book that’s perfect for music lovers learning their ABCs and for anyone who loves Nas’s signature genre-blending style.Featuring bold, bright art from Theodore Taylor III, with plenty of hidden surprises for Nas’s biggest fans, C Is for Country is a celebration of song and the power inside us all.

Jamie Is Jamie: A Book About Being Yourself and Playing Your Way


Afsaneh Moradian - 2018
    . . is Jamie a boy or a girl? Some toys are just for girls and others are just for boys, aren’t they? Not according to Jamie! This bookchallenges gender stereotypes, shows readers that playing is fundamental to learning, and reinforces the idea that all chil­dren need the freedom to play unencumbered. A special section for teachers, parents, and care­givers provides tips on how to make children’s playtime learning time.

Owl Bat Bat Owl


Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick - 2017
    A mother owl and her three little owlets live happily on their branch. That is, until the bat family moves in. The newfound neighbors (owls up top, bats hanging below) can t help but feel a little wary of one another. But babies are curious little creatures, and that curiosity, along with a wild, stormy night, might just bring these two families together. With subtly and hilariously shifting facial expressions and gestures, Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick brings her accessible graphic style to a warm and ingenious wordless tale that is sure to bring smiles to readers of all ages."