Starting a conversation around LGBTQ+ themes with your students can be difficult but it doesn't have to be. Normalising traditionally taboo topics such as gender and sexuality is one of the ways we can encourage inclusion and tolerance in our classrooms and books are the perfect way to do that!

We understand that your time is precious and researching age-appropriate, LGBTQ+ inclusive books isn’t going to be on the top of your to-do list. This is why we have asked our school staff for their top recommendations for various school ages.

Ages 2-4 

Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love - Julián sees three women dressed as mermaids and decides he wants to be a mermaid too. He worries about his Abuela being angry but once she sees his beautiful outfit she takes him to see more mermaids. The story is about acceptance, celebrating differences and intergenerational love.

Daddy, Papa and Me by Lesléa Newman - This book follows a toddler as they spend the day with their two dads. This story normalises same-sex parents and shows that each family, even if they are different, love each other the same.

Are you a boy or are you a girl? By Sarah Savage - When Tiny starts at a new school, all the students ask whether they are a boy or a girl. This book is a great way to start a conversation about gender stereotypes with your class.

Ages 5-7

My Footprints by Bao Phi and Basia Tran - On the walk home from school after being bullied, Thuy heads off on an imaginary adventure, putting herself in the shoes of different animals in the forest. With the help of her mums, Thuy comes to accept and love her heritage and family.

Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival - Norman is afraid of other people finding out he has grown wings so he hides them. However, hiding them gets increasingly more uncomfortable he stops hiding them and finds out everyone accepts them regardless.

I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel - Jazz was born with a girl’s brain in a boy's body, this confuses her parents until they take her to the doctor and find out Jazz is transgender.

Ages 8-11

The Manny Files by Christian Burch - Keat’s new male nanny encourages him to embrace his differences and teaches the family about acceptance. 

Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy by Bre Indigo - A modern twist on the classic Little Women tells the story of a family in New York dealing with issues including cancer and being a mixed-race family. Jo is also a lesbian in this retelling.

Fearless Fairy Tales by Konnie Huq and James Kay - A book of fairy tales for the modern age. The stories are funny and inclusive tackling issues such as racism, gender stereotypes, greed and fake news.

Age 12-14

Nothing Ever Happens Here by Sarah Hagger-Holt - Izzy finds it difficult coming to terms with her dad coming out as trans but her friend Grace is there to offer support despite the ups and downs of their friendship.

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan - The book follows the story of Paul and his best friends Joni and Tony (who have an uncommonly strict religious background) through their romantic experiences in a fictional gay-friendly town.

My Brother’s Husband by Gengoroh Tagame - A graphic novel that tells the story of Mike who goes to visit his dead husband's twin brother. It takes a while for him to adjust but they soon develop a friendship.

Age 15+

The Love and Lies of Rukshana Ali by Sabina Khan - When Rukshana’s family finds out she has a girlfriend they send her to Bangladesh to start the hunt to find a husband. Rukshana runs away to reunite with her girlfriend and after a dramatic turn of events, her family re-evaluate their opinions.

I Hope We Choose Love by Kai Cheng Thom - A series of poems on activism, community and embracing ethics of love.

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta - The book centres around the story of Michael, a young, mixed-raced gay man as he grows up. It focuses on what it takes to become comfortable with yourself.

We hope that some of these books can help get a conversation started with your children about LGBTQ+ themes and makes some of your students feel more seen and supported. 

If you’re looking for a new teaching role and want to work with an inclusive and diverse agency have a look at our latest roles.