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
Available 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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Julián Is a Mermaid
Available 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
Available 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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Born Ready
Available 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
Available 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.
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10,000 Dresses
Available from:While sleeping, Bailey dreams about the most beautiful dresses you can imagine. But in the morning, no one wants to hear about these dresses — telling Bailey to act more like a boy. When Bailey meets Laurel, and she’s inspired by Bailey’s imagination and courage, they end up making dresses together! This touching tale about becoming the person you feel inside will resonate with young readers.
RELATED: 30 Great LGBTQ+ Picture Books for Kids
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A Kids Book About Being Transgender
Available 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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Middle Grade & Chapter Books
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The Cardboard Kingdom
Available 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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Who Is RuPaul?
Available from:RuPaul is a renowned drag queen, actor, model, singer, and television personality known for hosting the Emmy-winning reality competition show "RuPaul's Drag Race." As an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community, RuPaul has used his platform to advocate for self-expression, equality, and empowerment. This biography follows his story from a little kid playing dress up to becoming the most famous drag queen in the world.
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The Ship We Built
Available from:Rowan doesn’t know where he belongs — he’s not the “right kind” of girl or the “right kind” of boy, so the kids at school don’t want to spend time with him and his parents both ignore and abuse him. Rowan finds comfort in writing down his secrets in letters and attaching them to balloons — in hopes someone out there will read them and understand. This tender novel will pull at kids’ heartstrings and remind them to be accepting of everyone — just as they are.
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Zenobia July
Available from:After moving from Arizona to live with her aunts in Maine, Zenobia July is finally able to live openly as a girl. She used to sit behind a computer to improve her coding and hacking skills, but now she’s becoming more of a social butterfly at her new middle school. When someone posts a hateful meme on the school’s website, Zenobia must use her computer skills to solve the mystery — all while grappling with finding her new place as a girl.
RELATED: Bullies Be Gone! Middle Grade Books on Bullying
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Too Bright to See
Available 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
Available 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 2024.