All Ages

Books That Celebrate Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Kids

by Sarah Mangiola

Background image credit: Yaroslav Melnik/Shutterstock

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.

Picture Books

Calvin

Calvin

by Vanessa Ford and JR Ford, illustrated by Kayla Harren

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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

Julián Is a Mermaid

by Jessica Love

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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

I Am Jazz

by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

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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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My Rainbow

My Rainbow

by DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal, illustrated by Art Twink

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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

10,000 Dresses

by Marcus Ewert, illustrated by Rex Ray

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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.

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Middle Grade & Chapter Books

The Cardboard Kingdom

The Cardboard Kingdom

by Chad Sell

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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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The Ship We Built

The Ship We Built

by Lexie Bean

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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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Too Bright to See

Too Bright to See

by Kyle Lukoff

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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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Zenobia July

Zenobia July

by Lisa Bunker

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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.

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Lily and Dunkin

Lily and Dunkin

by Donna Gephart

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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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