Affirming Gender-Expansive Children’s Books

Kids need to see their identities reflected in the world. For kids and caregivers looking for ways to understand their own gender identities, as well as others’, books can be a helpful starting point. Share these affirming, gender-expansive books with the kids in your life.

Book Cover
Anderson, Airlie, author, illustrator.

Because Neither is unlike both the rabbits and birds of the Land of This and That, it sets out to find a new place where all kinds of creatures are welcome.

Book Cover
Boulay, Stéphanie, 1987- author.

"While his sister tries everything to help, a young boy isn't sure why he can't stop crying in this transitional picture book."-- Provided by publisher.

Book Cover
Gonzalez, Maya Christina, author, illustrator.

""This is our world. Like many things in nature it's round and holds everyone at the same time. This is the Gender Wheel. Like our world it's round and holds everyone at the same time too..." In 2010 Maya introduced the Gender Wheel and the Gender Team in the Gender Now Coloring Book. It was a jammed packed coloring extravaganza exploring bodies, nature and history in relation to multiple gender identities. It also opened up the possibility of play and expansion around our still limited language of "boy" and "girl." Now the Gender Team returns, expanded and stronger than before, inviting you on a picture book journey through the Gender Wheel. This body positive book is a powerful opportunity for a supportive adult and child to see a wide range of bodies, understand the origins of the current binary gender system, how we can learn from nature to see the truth that has always existed and revision a new story that includes room for all bodies and genders. The Gender Wheel offers a queer centric, holistic framework of radical gender inclusion in a kid-friendly way for the budding activists who will change our world. This is our world!"--Amazon.com.

Book Cover
Gonzalez, Maya Christina, author, illustrator.

Pronouns serve as a familiar starting point for kids and grown-ups to expand ideas about gender and celebrate personal expression with fun imagery that provides a place to meet and play

Book Cover
Loveless, Gina, author.

Provides readers with a humorous look at what happens to a teenager's body and mind when they reach puberty.

Book Cover
Lukoff, Kyle, author.

"Aidan, a transgender boy, experiences complicated emotions as he and his parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Cover
Pessin-Whedbee, Brook, author.

"What do you like? How do you feel? Who are you? This brightly illustrated children's book provides a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 5+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. An interactive three-layered wheel included in the book is a simple, yet powerful, tool to clearly demonstrate the difference between our body, how we express ourselves through our clothes and hobbies, and our gender identity. Ideal for use in the classroom or at home, a short page-by-page guide for adults at the back of the book further explains the key concepts and identifies useful discussion points. This is a one-of-a-kind resource for understanding and celebrating the gender diversity that surrounds us"--Publisher.

Book Cover
Pitman, Gayle E., author.

A child celebrates her Maddy, who is neither mommy nor daddy but a little bit of both, like so many things in nature. Includes note to parents.

Book Cover
Stinson, Kathy, author.

"Bodies, bodies! Big and small, short and tall, young and old--Every BODY is different! The Bare Naked Book has been a beloved fixture in libraries, classrooms, and at-home story times since its original publication in 1986. Now, this revised edition is ready to meet a new generation of readers. The text has been updated to reflect current understandings of gender and inclusion, which are also showcased in the brand-new, vibrant illustrations by Melissa Cho. Featuring a note from the author explaining the history of the book and the importance of this updated edition, readers will delight in this celebration of all kinds of bodies."-- Provided by publisher.

Summaries provided by DPL's catalog unless otherwise noted. Click on each title to view more information.

Help us make improvements to our content! I am a(n):