Pride Month is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to foster inclusivity and celebrate diversity in their classrooms. Many educators are eager to support their LGBTQ+ students and create a welcoming environment but might not know where to begin. One effective way to introduce these themes is through picture books. Stories have the power to teach empathy, understanding, and acceptance. To help you get started, here are some of my favorite picture books that celebrate LGBTQ+ themes and promote a message of love and inclusion.
“Julian Is a Mermaid” by Jessica Love
This beautiful book follows a young boy named Julian who dreams of becoming a mermaid after seeing some on the subway. It’s a heartwarming story about self-expression and acceptance.
“And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Based on a true story, this book tells the tale of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who form a couple and raise a baby penguin named Tango. It’s a gentle introduction to different family structures and acceptance.
“Heather Has Two Mommies” by Lesléa Newman
This classic picture book tells the story of Heather, a little girl who has two moms. It’s a sweet and inclusive story about love and family diversity.
“Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag” by Rob Sanders
This book tells the inspiring story of Harvey Milk and the creation of the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. It’s a great way to introduce children to LGBTQ+ history and activism.
“Red: A Crayon’s Story” by Michael Hall
This book tells the story of Red, a crayon who is mistakenly labeled as red but discovers that he’s actually blue on the inside. It’s a powerful allegory about identity and self-discovery.
“This Day in June” by Gayle E. Pitman
This book captures the spirit of Pride parades and celebrations with colorful illustrations and joyful rhymes. It’s a fun and festive way to introduce children to the concept of Pride.
These are just a few examples of the many wonderful picture books celebrating LGBTQ+ themes and are perfect for reading during Pride Month!
Anne Walker is a high school social studies teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools and an eMediaVA Ambassador.