Neither by Airlie Anderson (ages 3-7)
This charming book challenges young readers to see beyond the binary by framing the main character’s struggle – born into the Land of This and That, but not quite fitting into either “this” or “that”- in a way that encourages empathy and discovery. Neither allows all of us to explore gender and what it means […]
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino (ages 3-7)
A simple and realistic portrayal of a gender non-conforming character’s struggle at school.
Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman (ages 3-8)
The author of the well-known Heather Has Two Mommies, Leslea Newman has several books about LGBTQ families. This one takes a somewhat heavy-handed approach about a gender non-conforming character, but the book’s clear, unwavering messages of support and acceptance are heartening.
Cliques Just Don’t Make Cents by Julia Cook (ages 4 to 8)
Cliques Just Don’t Make Cents is a book that helps kids understand the emotional toll that cliques can have on those who are excluded from popular social groups. It also teaches children how to build better relationships.
A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue by Julie Cook (ages 5 to 8)
Every adult that desires to help children understand the differences between unnecessary tattling and the necessity of warning others about important matters needs this book! Are you trying to help a friend or get them in trouble?
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson (ages 5 to 8)
Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get around the grown-ups’ rules by sitting on top of the fence together.
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts (ages 5 to 8)
All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for “want,” just “need,” when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes. Jeremy soon sees that the things he […]
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev (ages 5-7)
After a little boy and his tiny elephant are barred from the Pet Club, they befriend other children with unusual pets. In this sunny, smart, tongue-in-cheek tale, friendships are born out of mutual respect for the idiosyncratic choices of others. The first odd couple we meet consists of the story’s young narrator and the baby […]
Say Something by Peggy Moss (ages 5-8)
The girl in this story sees it happening, but she would never do these mean things herself. Then one day something happens that shows her that being a silent bystander isn’t enough. Will she take some steps on her own to help another kid? Could it be as simple as sitting on the bus with […]
The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill (ages 5-8)
A fresh and original twist on the common issue of bullying. Kids will relate, and parents and teachers will appreciate the story’s deft handling of conflict resolution, which happens without adult intervention.