Books That Celebrate Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Kids
by Sarah Mangiola
It’s so important that children of all ages see themselves represented in books, and that includes transgender and gender-nonconforming character inclusion and stories that focus on these topics. The following books for kids — from colorful picture books to middle grade reads — celebrate transgender and gender-nonconforming kids. Read them in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance or any day throughout the year.
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Picture Books
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Calvin
Buy from:A beautiful book for children who worry about telling their family and classmates about their authentic selves. As the first day of school approaches, Calvin is nervous to introduce himself to his family and friends for the first time and keeps getting stuck in the “what-ifs.” But when Calvin finally tells them his name, everyone rallies around him with kindness and support.
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Princess Pete
Buy from:Pete likes flowery dresses and red trousers, playing with makeup and getting muddy outside. Sometimes Pete feels like a prince, sometimes a princess, and sometimes somewhere in between. While other people may be confused, Pete’s family knows exactly what matters: Pete is Pete, and they are loved just as they are. This joyful picture book is a sweet celebration of individuality, self-expression, and being wholly yourself.
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Julián Is a Mermaid
Buy from:After seeing three women dressed up like mermaids on the subway, Julián daydreams of dressing up like a mermaid, too! As he starts crafting his own mermaid ensemble, he worries what his abuela will think of the mess he’s made… and even more, what she’ll think about how Julián sees himself. This heartfelt story is a celebration of individuality and one’s true self. For more adventures with Julián, fans can read the newly-published book, Julián at the Wedding.
RELATED: Julián Is a Mermaid: A Heartwarming Lesson in Identity and Unconditional Love
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I Am Jazz
Buy from:A perfect book for kids who identify as transgender, those exploring their identity, and those looking to gain a better understanding of what their friends and classmates may be going through, I Am Jazz tells the real-life story of Jazz Jennings, who knew from the time she was two years old that she had a girl’s brain in a boy’s body.
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Dancing with Water
Buy from:Kit loves joining Grandpa as he digs wells for their community, using a tree branch to “dance with water” and find it beneath the earth. But as new hotels and factories make clean water harder to find, Grandpa teaches Kit, who is nonbinary, to listen to the water and carry on their family’s tradition. This beautiful intergenerational story celebrates community, connection, and the power of caring for the earth — and one another.
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Born Ready
Buy from:Penelope knows that he's a boy. Now he just needs everyone else to realize that as well. This story is sweet and warm and a great model of how all families should support their children, however they identify.
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My Rainbow
Buy from:Based on the real-life mother-daughter advocate (and now author!) duo, My Rainbow tells the story of a mother who creates a rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter. This beautifully told and illustrated story is a celebration of our true selves.
RELATED: 30 Great LGBTQ+ Picture Books for Kids
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A Kids Book About Being Transgender
Buy from:This book in the A Kids Book series is a groundbreaking and heartfelt exploration of gender identity tailored for young readers. There are no images or graphics included in this book and it is recommended to be read with a parent or adult. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to teach their child to be inclusive and respectful of all.
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A Kids Book About Being Non-Binary
Buy from:What does it mean to be nonbinary? Another book in the A Kids Book series, this title gives kids a clear introduction to what it means to live outside the gender binary, while reminding them that it’s okay to have questions. With a kid-friendly tone designed to start conversations between children and grown-ups, it’s perfect for young readers exploring their own identity and for anyone learning how to better understand and celebrate others.
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Middle Grade & Chapter Books
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A Song for You and I
Buy from:Rowan has always dreamed of becoming a ranger, but after their eagerness to prove themself leads to their flying horse getting hurt, they begin to question the path ahead. Paired with easygoing shepherd and violinist Leone, Rowan finds an unexpected friendship — and space to explore their identity. This tender graphic novel about self-discovery, acceptance, and finding your own way is perfect for middle grade readers.
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The Cardboard Kingdom
Buy from:The Cardboard Kingdom offers a less-direct look at gender and gender nonconformity, but rather at identity as a whole. Over the summer, 16 kids transform ordinary boxes into colorful costumes and a kingdom of their own. Their imaginations take them on one last quest before the school year begins, and they have to reencounter their own inner demons. This graphic novel tackles the importance of imagination, identity-searching, and emotional growth.
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Too Bright to See
Buy from:It's summer, and Bug and Moira are preparing to start middle school in just a few months. But while Moira wants to spend all summer picking out the right clothes and looking at boys in the yearbook, Bug wants nothing to do with learning how to be more like a girl. As Bug unravels the mystery surrounding a ghost who's haunting the family's rural Vermont home, the truth that Bug is transgender comes to light in this middle grade novel about navigating grief, identity, and growing up.
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Lily and Dunkin
Buy from:Lily and Dunkin are both going through a lot. Lily, who was born Timothy, is a girl — but middle school isn’t so easy when you look like a boy. Dunkin is dealing with bipolar disorder and has just moved after living in the same place for 13 years. When Lily and Dunkin meet one summer morning, their lives take a notable turn. Readers will love their story, as each of them tries to find themselves — both together and apart — in this beautifully-written tale.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2026.