We can raise our children to be inclusive, empathetic, and anti-racist by having ongoing conversations with them and sharing LGBTQ/gender inclusive and anti-racist stories and activities with them now.
Tips for Reading Diverse Children’s Books
Many of our RAN programs utilize diverse children's books for providing opportunities to talk about diverse families, gender, race, and standing up against unfairness with children. Here are some tips for reading diverse children's books with kids!
How to Talk about LGBTQ Pride Month with Your Child
1.Talk about universal values and your family’s values. 2. Keep it simple. 3. Have an ongoing conversation about diversity, difference, and discrimination rather than one “big talk”. 4. Kids love the colors of the flag. Talk to them about the meaning of the colors.
LGBTQ Inclusive Books with Characters of Color
We recommend the following LGBTQ inclusive books that include character of color. In order to work towards equity and justice, parents and educators should be talking with children as early as possible about race, gender, diverse families, and LGBTQ people. These books are meant to help parents take action or "protest" by having conversations with their children.
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
This story is full of love, acceptance, and rainbows. It’s a celebration of being different. Kelp was born in the sea with narwhals. But one day, he realizes he’s actually a unicorn. He isn’t sure if he belongs with the narwhals or the unicorns but ultimately realizes he doesn’t have to decide. They all accept and love Kelp for who he is.
Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian and Mike Curato
Two worms love each other and want to get married. But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux? The answer is: it doesn't matter. Because Worm loves Worm. The Cricket says, “But that isn’t how it’s always been done.” And the answer is still: it doesn’t matter. Because Worm loves Worm. This picture book celebrates that “all you need is love”.
Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne and Max Lang
This book uses cartoon-ish animal family portraits to depict all sorts of types of families, including two dads, two moms, single parents, grandparent caregivers, etc. It provides the simple message that families come in all shapes and sizes – if you love each other, you are a family!
Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima
From the author and illustrator of Not Quite Narwhal comes a sweet story about a little child who loves dressing up and goes on an imaginary adventure while going to the market. There are not enough books out there that represent same sex parents, and this one has two dads. The book is not about the fact that they are same sex parents in any way, which is so refreshing to see.