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Rainbow Book List
Rainbow Book List Top Ten 2023
Bathe the cat
by Alice B. McGinty

Dad has posted a list of chores for the family to do before grandma comes, including bathing the cat; but the cat does not want a bath, so she mixes up the instructions, and soon the family is mowing the floor, vacuuming the lawn, mopping the baby--and the house is in chaos
Mama and Mommy and me in the middle
by Nina LaCour

When her mother goes on a business trip, a little girl, who loves to sit between Mama and Mommy at the table, misses her a lot and feels empty until Mommy finally comes home, filling the void with love.
A song for the unsung : Bayard Rustin, the man behind the 1963 March on Washington
by Carole Boston Weatherford

This remarkable picture book biography of the gay Black man behind the March on Washington of 1963 details the life of this unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement. 
Artie and the wolf moon
by Olivia Stephens

Artie Irvin is thrilled to discover she comes from a line of werewolves, but as she dives into her family history and figures out her new abilities, vampires wait in the shadows.
The Civil War of Amos Abernathy
by Michael Leali

Through letters he writes in his journal, thirteen-year-old Amos finds a confidant in a queer historical figure from the Civil War
Different kinds of fruit
by Kyle Lukoff

When Annabelle learns that her father shares something big--and surprising--in common with her new nonbinary friend, she begins to see herself, and her family, in a whole new light.
Ellen outside the lines
by A. J. Sass

When a school trip to Barcelona to reconnect with her best friend doesn’t go as planned, Ellen, a neurodivergent 13-year-old, must expand her horizons as she makes new friends and learns to let go of old ones. 
Moonflower
by Kacen Callender

Overwhelmed by their depression, Moon escapes into the spirit realm every night where their friend Wolf lives, but when the realm is threatened, they embark on a magical adventure of love and acceptance that spills over into the real world. 
Tiger honor
by Yoon Ha Lee

Thirteen-year-old nonbinary tiger spirit Sebin must decide where their loyalties lie when their traitorous uncle hijacks the battle cruiser that happens to be Sebin's first assignment in the Cadet Program
You only live once, David Bravo
by Mark Oshiro

While wishing for a do-over, middle schooler David Bravo accidentally summons a talking, shapeshifting, annoying dog, Fea, who claims a choice made in David's past set him on the wrong timeline and that she can take him back to fix it.
Rainbow Book List 2021
Board Books
Pride 1 2 3
by Michael Joosten

A counting book that celebrates the LGBTQ community.
Section Header Text
We are little feminists: Familes
by Archaa Shrivastav

Beautiful photos of real-life families showcase all the wonderful forms of family, while poetic text builds both vocabulary and family connection. FAMILIES helps families and educators discuss sexuality and celebrate all genders. Created with 0-5-year-olds in mind.
Picture Book Nonfiction
Drawing on Walls : A Story of Keith Haring
by Matthew Burgess

Truly devoted to the idea of public art, Haring created murals wherever he went.
Our subway baby
by Peter Mercurio

"This is the story of how one baby found his family in the New York City subway. So begins the true story of Kevin and how he found his Daddy Danny and Papa Pete. Written in a direct address to his son, Pete's moving and emotional text tells how his partner, Danny, found a baby tucked away in the corner of a subway station on his way home from work one day. Pete and Danny ended up adopting the baby together. Although neither of them had prepared for the prospect of parenthood, they are reminded, 'Where there is love, anything is possible'"
A portrait in poems : the storied life of Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas
by Evie Robillard

Whimsically presented as letters to the reader, an insider’s tour of the lives of Gertrude Stein and her partner, Alice, explores the couple’s art collection, their relationship with their literary contemporaries and the writing of Stein’s The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas. Illustrations.
The fighting infantryman : the story of Albert D.J. Cashier, transgender Civil War soldier
by Rob Sanders

"By the time she arrived in Belvidere, Illinois, and started working as a farmhand, Jennie had a new name and a new identity . . . Albert D. J. Cashier. In 1861, the winds of war blew through the United States. Jennie Hodgers, a young immigrant from Ireland, moved west to Illinois and soon had a new name and a new identity--Albert D. J. Cashier. Like many other young men, Albert joined the Union Army. Though the smallest soldier in his company, Albert served for nearly three years and fought in forty battles and skirmishes. When the war ended, Albert continued to live his life as a man. His identity fit him as snug as his suspenders. Decades later, a reporter caught wind of the news that an old man in the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home was actually a woman.The news swept through the country. What would happen to Albert and his military pension? Would he be allowed to continue to live as he wished? How would his friends, fellow soldiers, and others in the community react? This book is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance."
Picture Book Fiction
Uncle Bobby's wedding
by Sarah S Brannen

Fearing that her favorite uncle’s upcoming marriage to his boyfriend will make him less available, little Chloe enjoys a magically reassuring family visit, in a story produced in cooperation with GLAAD. 
From Archie to Zack
by Vincent X. Kirsch

Teased by classmates that say his best friend and he are in love, Archie writes secret letters trying to tell Zack how he feels, while other friends support the growing relationship. By the creator of How I Learned to Fall Out of Trees. Illustrations.
Papa, Daddy, & Riley
by Seamus Kirst

A little girl who loves both of her fathers wonders why she has to choose when a classmate asks her which of her dads is the real one, in a heartwarming tale that explains how families are made of love and that there are many ways to be part of one. Illustrations.
Call Me Max
by Kyle Lukoff

When Max starts school, the teacher hesitates to call out the name on the attendance sheet. Something doesn't seem to fit. Max lets her know the name he wants to be called by--a boy's name. This begins Max's journey as he makes new friends and reveals his feelings about his identity to his parents. Written with warmth and sensitivity by trans writer Kyle Lukoff, this book is a sweet and age-appropriate introduction to what it means to be transgender.
I'm not a girl : A Transgender Story
by Maddox Lyons

"A story of a transboy coming out and getting the haircut he's always wanted"
Plenty of hugs
by Fran Manushkin

Illustrations and gently rhyming text follow two mothers and their toddler on a sunny day
My rainbow
by Trinity Neal

An exuberant picture book based on the life of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal describes a family trip to the beauty supply store, where Mom gathers materials to make a vibrant wig that is as colorful as her transgender daughter. 
My Maddy
by Gayle E Pitman

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.
Auntie Uncle : Drag Queen Hero
by Ellie Royce

Told from the perspective of their adoring nephew, Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero is the story of a courageous drag queen who saves the day, and brings two communities together.
Juvenile Nonfiction
Who was Harvey Milk?
by Corinne Grinapol

A Who HQ biographical introduction to one of the most influential leaders in the fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights discusses Harvey Milk’s early start as a teacher, his rise as California’s first openly gay politician, his advocacy for equality and his post-assassination legacy. 
The every body book : the LGBTQ+ inclusive guide for kids about sex, gender, bodies, and families
by Rachel E. Simon

"An illustrated LGBTQ+ inclusive kid's guide to sex, gender and relationships education that includes children and families of all genders and sexual orientations, covering puberty, hormones, consent, sex, pregnancy and safety."
Juvenile Fiction
The Unbelievable Oliver and the sawed-in-half dads
by Pseudonymous Bosch

Hired to perform at a rehearsal brunch for Teenie and Bea’s fathers’ wedding, magical arts novice Oliver invites one of the grooms to volunteer for a classic sawed-in-half trick that leads to an unexpected disappearance. 
Genius Jolene
by Sara Cassidy

Eight-year-old Jolene enjoys a long road trip with her truck driver father, as she does every year, but this year it is different because her parents have separated and her father is with another man
Sal & Gabi fix the universe
by Carlos Alberto Hernandez

A follow-up to Sal and Gabi Break the Universe finds Sal struggling to prevent his cautious Papi from closing Sal’s wormholes to other universes, before a rogue Gabi from an apocalyptic alternate dimension starts wreaking havoc amid a classmate’s disappearance. 
Second dad summer
by Benjamin Klas

"Jeremiah just wants a normal summer with his dad, but it's clear that isn't happening. His dad just moved to an apartment near downtown Minneapolis to live with his new boyfriend, Michael. Michael wears shorts too short, serves weird organic foods, and is constantly nagging Jeremiah to watch out for potholes and to stay hydrated. Worst of all Michael rides the Uni-cycle. Okay, it's a bicycle decorated to look like a unicorn! This is going to be a long summer!"
Goldie Vance : the hotel whodunit : an original novel
by Lilliam Rivera

Complemented by 16 full-color comic pages that contain essential clues, a series debut inspired by the popular comic introduces teen sleuth Goldie Vance, who investigates the theft of a jeweled cap when her mother is wrongly accused. 
Kenzie kickstarts a team
by Kit Rosewater

Fifth-grade best friends Kenzie "Kenzilla" and Shelly "Bombshell" dream of becoming roller derby superstars one day, but when a junior league forms and they must recruit teammates, will their friendship survive?
Middle Grade Nonfiction
Lgbtq Discrimination in America
by Duchess Harris

LGBTQ Discrimination in America highlights the laws, opinions, and social norms that lead to discrimination of people in the LGBTQ community. It examines common elements of discrimination in the community, from bullying in schools to employment discrimination. 
LGBTQ service in the armed forces
by Duchess Harris

LGBTQ Service in the Armed Forces looks at enlisted LGBTQ people and legislation that made their experience in the US military difficult. It also discusses how LGBTQ soldiers served during times of war but were often discharged for their gender identity or sexuality after the war. 
Lgbtq Social Movements in America
by Duchess Harris

LGBTQ Social Movements in America looks at social change movements in the country's LGBTQ history, including the Stonewall riots that started the modern gay rights movement and die-ins that pressured the US government to take note of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s.
Trouble maker for justice : the story of Bayard Rustin, the man behind the March on Washington
by Jacqueline Houtman

Recounts the life and accomplishments of Bayard Rustin, focusing on his nonviolent protest methods and his organization of the March on Washington in 1963
Pride : the celebration and the struggle
by Robin Stevenson

Looks at the Pride events of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities from around the world, exploring the history of Pride celebrations and the multifaceted meanings and purposes of the events
Middle Grade Fiction
The ship we built
by Lexie Bean

Ostracized at school and abused at home for being different, a trans teen writes his secrets in letters that he attaches to balloons and releases into the skies before making a trustworthy friend who understands how it feels to be lonely and scared. 
A high five for Glenn Burke
by Phil Bildner

After researching Glenn Burke, the first major league baseball player to come out as gay, sixth-grader Silas Wade slowly comes out to his best friend Zoey, then his coach, with unexpected consequences
King and the dragonflies
by Kacen Callender

A 12-year-old boy spends days in the mystical Louisiana bayou to come to terms with a sibling’s sudden death, his grief-stricken family and the disappearance of his former best friend amid whispers about the latter’s sexual orientation. 
A home for goddesses and dogs
by Leslie Connor

Moving in with her welcoming last family members after losing both parents, 13-year-old Lydia struggles to bond with a disruptive rescue dog while dealing with increasingly painful secrets. 
Birdie and me
by J. M. M. Nuanez

Losing their home when their mama dies, a girl named Jack and her gender-diverse little brother, Birdie, find unexpected healing and transformative family love in the homes of their eccentric uncles
Into the tall, tall grass
by Loriel Ryon

Hiding her lack of magical powers from her family of witches, Yolanda agrees to accompany her estranged twin and friend on a quest to uncover long-buried secrets that have overshadowed her loved ones. 
Ana on the edge
by A. J. Sass

"Twelve-year-old figure skater Ana strives to win competitions while learning about gender identity--Ana's own and that of a new friend--and how to navigate the best path forward"
The list of things that will not change
by Rebecca Stead

Despite her parents' divorce, her father's coming out as gay, and his plans to marry his boyfriend, ten-year-old Bea is reassured by her parents' unconditional love, excited about getting a stepsister, and haunted by something she did last summer at her father's lake house
Lumberjanes : ghost cabin
by Mariko Tamaki

A conclusion to the series based on the best-selling graphic novels focuses on the enduring bond between Mal and Molly, who discover a cabin full of ghosts at their Lumberjane camp. 

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