ALL: A Look into LGBTQ+ Representation in Picture Books
The following books are featured in the online exhibition ALL: A Look into LGBTQ+ Representation in Picture Books.
Introduction
ABC Pride, by Dr. Ella Barnes and Louie Stowell, illustrated by Amy Phelps, DK Publishing, 2022.
All Loving
The following titles explore the universality of romantic love.
Jerome by Heart, by Thomas Scotto, illustrated by Olivier Tallec, Enchanted Lion Books, 2018.
Love, Violet, by Charlotte Sullivan Wild, illustrated by Charlene Chua, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021.
Prince & Knight, by Daniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie Lewis, Little Bee Books, 2018.
Tourmaline: A Queer Fairytale, by Davide Calì, illustrated by Fatinha Ramos, Tate Publishing, Limited, 2023.
All People
The following titles look at many identities within the LGBTQ+ community.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself, by Theresa Thorn, illustrated by Noah Grigni, Henry Holt and Company, 2019.
Julian is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love, Candlewick Press, 2018.
My Paati’s Saris, by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Art Twink, Penguin Young Readers Group, 2022.
My Rainbow, by Trinity Neal and DeShanna Neal, illustrated by Art Twink, Penguin Young Readers Group, 2020.
This Day in June, by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna Litten, Magination Press, 2014.
All Overcoming
The following titles acknowledge the different sources people can face discrimination and hardship from for being LGBTQ+.
Oliver Button is a Sissy, by Tomis DePaola, Simon and Schuster, 1979.
Ho’onani: Hula Warrior, by Heather Gale, illustrated by Mika Song, Tundra, 2019.
Me and My Dysphoria Monster, by Laura Kate Dale, illustrated by Hu Qing Ang, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2022.
All Valid
The following titles show moments of acceptance of LGBTQ+ people as they are from the people around them.
Calvin, by JR Ford and Vanessa Ford, illustrated by Kayla Harren, Penguin Young Readers Group, 2021.
Jacob’s New Dress, by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, illustrated by Chris Case, Albert Whitman & Company, 2014.
Miss Rita, Mystery Reader, by Sam Donovan and Kristen Wixted, illustrated by Violet Tobacco, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2022.
Worm Loves Worm, by J.J. Austrian, illustrated by Mike Curato, Balzer + Bray, 2016.
All Families
The following titles depict families supporting and loving each other, regardless of their differences.
Grandad’s Camper, by Harry Woodgate, Little Bee Books, 2021.
Grandad’s Pride, by Harry Woodgate, Little Bee Books, 2023.
Phoenix Gets Greater, by Marty Wilson-Trudeau and Phoenix Wilson, illustrated by Megan Kyak-Monteith, Second Story Press, 2022.
Real Sisters Pretend, by Megan Dowd Lambert, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell, Tillbury House Publishers, 2016.
When Aidan Became a Brother, by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita, Lee & Low Books, 2019.
All Together
The following titles are reported by the Office of Intellectual Freedom as some of the most frequently banned books in the United States since their publications.
And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole, Simon and Schuster, 2005.
I Am Jazz, by Jessica Hershel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas, Dial Books, 2014.
In Our Mother’s House, by Patricia Polacco, Philomel Books, 2009.
King & King, by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland, Tricycle Press, 2003.