18 Non-Fiction Books About the LGBT Community for All Ages
June is Pride Month, but did you know that October is LGBT History Month? It’s a great time for kids of all ages to learn about the LGBT community, including its history and the people in it.
Here are 18 great non-fiction books about different aspects of the LGBT community for all ages. Some of them are about real people and events, while others are focused more on the community as a whole. Who knows? You might find a new favorite book!
Psst…Check out Resources for LGBTQ Youth and Families in NYC
Young Queer America: Real Stories and Faces of LGBTQ+ Youth by Maxwell Poth
Ages 13 to 17
Dive into true stories of queer children alike all around the country. This book takes a look at the lives of 73 queer kids from 15 different states and the challenges they have faced with their identities or coming out to their families. Hear stories that feature some of the closest people in their lives including teachers, friends, and families, and how they ultimately came to accept themselves.
Love Lives Here by Rowan Jette Knox
Ages 14 to 18
Follow the story of Jetté Knox as she navigates sexual identity changes from both her son and her wedding partner. The story follows Knox as she finally gains the life she’s always wanted: a loving spouse, their own child, and stability. ALl of that is suddenly uprooted when who she knew as her son came out as transgender at the age of 11, and her spouse would soon follow suit. Enjoy the story of resilience and how the love of family conquers all.
It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, Gender, and Sexual Health by Robie H. Harris
Ages 9 to 12
It’s never too early to teach your children, and this book is a staple in the LGBTQ community. With more than 1.5 million copies sold, Its Perfectly Normal touches on gender-neutral vocabulary, a sensitive yet detailed explanation of the importance of consent and destigmatizing HIV/AIDS, the importance of safe contraception and more.
Queer, There, and Everywhere: 23 People Who Changed the World by Sarah Prager
Ages 13 to 17
Dive into LGBTQ history with this book from Sarah Prager. The book explores the lives of 23 LGBTQ people who defined love on their own terms and fought for their rights. It even includes figures from history such as Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt, and other figures who didn’t make it into the history books.
The Big Book of Pride Flags by Jessica Kingsley
Ages 4 to 8
Explore the pride flags with this fun and colorful book from Jessica Kingsley. The book goes through 17 different flags, explaining the meaning behind each one accompanied by colorful and thoughtful illustrations and lessons on Pride history.
Still Stace: My Gay Christian Coming of Age Story by Stacey Chomiak
Ages 14 to 18
Stacey loves being Christian. She loves Bible camp, her church friends and talks to God on a daily basis. But she found herself struggling with her identity when she figured out she was gay. Follow the true-life story as Stacey (the author) navigates keeping her faith while staying true to herself.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Ages 2 to 5
Read this true story about two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo, Roy and Silo, who get the chance to form a little family of their own when they welcome baby Tango.
It gives young readers a glimpse into families that may look different than their own, but are full of love nonetheless.
Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman
Ages 2 to 6
Pink isn’t just for girls–it’s for everyone! This picture book rethinks the traditional blue and pink gender binary and empowers readers of all ages to express themselves fully and completely.
The vibrant illustrations also help children learn about the colors in the world around them.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders
Ages 3 to 9
The rainbow pride flag is one of the most recognizable symbols of the LGBT+ community, and now children can learn about its history.
This empowering true story lets young readers learn about the life of the pride flag, starting with its creation in 1978 by activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker all the way up to its role in today’s world.
I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
Ages 4 to 8
Jazz Jennings, who is one of the youngest publicly documented people to identify as transgender, has become a household name as an LGBT rights activist over her 22 years of life so far. I Am Jazz is the story of a transgender child based on Jennings’ real-life experiences.
Rainbow Revolutionaries: Fifty LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by Sarah Prager
Ages 8 to 12
Rainbow Revolutionaries is an illustrated biography collection fused with pop culture that teaches readers about the lives of fifty influential LGBT+ people and how they’ve made their mark on the world over the course of centuries.
It celebrates individuals like Adam Rippon, Alan Turing and Frida Kahlo, and will inspire young readers to make a difference, too.
Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets by Gayle E. Pitman
Ages 10 to 14
The Stonewall Riots are considered the spark that ignited the LGBT+ movement that we know today. Pitman contextualizes American gay history in the lead up to Stonewall, the riots themselves and the aftermath.
Read the author’s interviews with people involved and look at newspaper clippings and contemporary photos. This is a great read for young readers looking to start learning about the history of the LGBT community.
Queer and Wonderfully Made by Leigh Finke
Ages 12 to 18
Questions of identity can be scary for everyone, but it can be extra challenging for Christians.
This book is a guide for LGBT+ Christian teens that provides insight from professionals and other young adult queer Christians and, most importantly, reminds teens that God loves them just as they are.
Coming Out: Insights and Tips for Teenagers by Kezia Endsley
Ages 13 to 17
This guide offers some answers to questions teens might have about coming out, whether they’re struggling with coming out themselves or they’re looking to support a friend or family member.
With firsthand accounts and insight from experts, readers will learn how to tell if they’re ready to come out, who to tell first, how to deal with unsupportive people and more.
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Ages 14 to 17
Despite the title, this book is for everyone. Author Juno Dawson covers the answers to lots of questions about the LGBT community, like stereotypes about the community, coming out, where to meet other people in the LGBT community and more.
It’s the perfect book for anybody looking to learn.
Here and Queer: A Queer Girl’s Guide to Life by Rowan Ellis
Ages 14 to 18
Author and YouTuber Rowan Ellis wrote this guide based on her own life experiences to help girls in the LGBT community live as the happiest and strongest version of themselves. The book also features guest essays from contributors across the LGBT spectrum.
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Ages 14 to 18
Described as a memoir-manifesto, activist George M. Johnson explores his life in New Jersey and Virginia in this series of personal essays. The book explores topics like gender identity, toxic masculinity, family, consent, Black joy and more.
The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater
Ages 14 to 18
This nonfiction book tells the true story of an agender teen who was set on fire by another teen while riding the bus in Oakland, California. The 2013 case brought attention to both teens, and this book tells both of their stories.
Psst…Check out Fifteen books to help kids understand LGBTQ issues
