Sooner than later we need to talk about sex with our kids – and by that I mean sexuality – and for that I have the 10 best children’s books about sexuality.
Nope, not talking about sexual intercourse, don’t worry. (Although all these conversations should start earlier than later.)
Nor am I referencing gender. Gender is separate from sexuality. Don’t forget: sexuality is the object of your attraction. Gender identity is how you identify inside.
I have a list of books about gender identity over here that can help you navigate this important topic with your young children (preschool through early elementary.)
My 10 best children’s books about sexuality deal with same-sex attraction.
These are surprisingly rare, especially given how society thinks of “gay” as being the umbrella term for most topics about unconventional identities.
Further, most children’s books are about another kid’s family looking different with two mommies or two daddies. Those are great ice-breakers.
But let’s talk about the protagonist of the book actually being the gay one, shall we?
THAT’S the rub…to have a central character be the gay character and therefore relatable, sympathetic and inspiring.
The following books have a gay character as the central hero who can inspire your kids regardless their own sexual identity.
Marlon Bundo
By Jill Twiss
Leaving aside the fact that John Oliver’s joyful and touching book was meant as a parody mocking Karen Pence’s “A Day in the Life of the Vice-President”, Marlon Bundo is a rollicking book about a rabbit, his love for another bunny, and their struggle to overcome the crabby man with whom they live. It’s not about sex, it’s about love. And justice.
And Tango Makes Three
by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole
One of the pioneering children’s books about gay love based on the true story of two male penguins at New York’s Central Park Zoo who nested together, tried to hatch a rock, and were given an egg to foster (which they did successfully.) Seen as an excellent introduction for children to learn who families differ and love is love.
Who Am I?
Brook Pessin-Wedbee & Naomi Bardoff.
Not a fiction book, but an interesting sociological study and beautifully illustrated book for children to analyze all the different ways they might identify, helping lay out the difference between sexuality and gender. (Possibly an excellent primer for confused parents, as well.)
Sometimes the Spoon Runs Away with the Spoon
by Jacinta Bunnell & Nat Kusinitz
By adapting classic nursery rhymes and melding them with true children’s accounts of their non-conforming identities, this book allows little boys and girls know that convention is passe and there’s lots of ways to be themselves.
Prince & Knight
by Daniel Haack
A modern fairy tale in which a prince and knight team up to fight a monster and end up finding love in the process. Can’t wait for the Disney adaptation.
King & King
By Linda deHaan and Stern Nijland
This fractured fairy tale takes readers on a journey down the wedding aisle of a prince and prince. A predictable fractured fairy tale that turns convention upside down. The illustrations are often confusing, but it adds another queer protagonist to your kid’s collection.
Jack & Jim
A parable celebrating a friendhsip (that borders on love) and celebrating diversity in many forms – be it race, interests, backgrounds, and socioeconomics. It’s an ambiguous book that doesn’t smack readers over the head with messaging, leaving lots to young imaginations.
Worm & Worm
by J.J. Austrian and Mike Curato
When two worms fall in love, their friends don’t necessarily understand as they wonder who will wear the dress or the tux? Such details don’t matter when a worm just loves a worm.
Princess Princess Ever After
By Katie O’Neill
This graphic novel by an award-winning authro is for emerging readers. It breaks gender norms, embraces same-sex love, takes readers on fractured fairy tale adventures, and is thrillingly unconventional. Even the stereotoypes of the prissy princess and the tom boy are manipulated.
This Day in June
By Gayle Pitman and Kristyna Litten
A non-fiction primer on Pride Month and the history and celebrations that make all the rainbows worth it after the struggles of acceptance and and rights.
That was 10, but another author always deserves a special mention for his clear embracing of all children and all differences and all ways to love one another:
It’s Okay to be Different
By Todd Parr
Almost anything by Todd Parr is going to empower children to be who they are, love who they want, and celebrate differences. With simple, beautiful illustrations and simple, beautiful messages, Parr shows us all the most profound lessons are easy for children to understand.
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This post was previously published on E.C. Knox and is republished here with permission from the author.
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Photo credit: E.C. Knox