Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2025 Issue
By Kelsey McCallum
As LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly targeted around the world, there’s never been a more crucial time to uplift and celebrate queer stories. These K–12 books highlight queer identities, voices, and communities, while also introducing students to real-life LGBTQ+ activists and changemakers who are fighting for a more inclusive future. They’re perfect additions to your classroom or library in recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (May 17), or Pride Month in June—and every day after that.
Call Me Gray
By Andrew Larsen and Bells Larsen
Illustrated by Tallulah Fontaine
Kids Can Press (October 2025)
Grade Level: K–3
This personal story is inspired by the author’s own child, Bells, and their experience as a transgender person. In Call Me Gray, a child asks their dad a question: “Do you ever feel mixed up about who you are?” This sets off a series of conversations about identity, sense of self, and what it means to have a safe and supportive family environment.
The Fabulous Edweena
By Edwin Dumont
Illustrated by Melissa Cho
Second Story Press (March 2025)
Grade Level: K–2
This delightful picture book offers young readers a fun and heartwarming introduction to drag. It tells the story of Edwin, a young boy who, when he puts on his sister’s dresses and high heels, transforms into the fabulous Edweena. This year, Edwin has decided to compete in a local figure-skating competition as Edweena. It will be the first time his classmates see him dressed up in drag, but despite being slightly nervous, Edwin is determined to steal the show! (Note that a dual-language edition is also available in both Anishinaabemowin and English.)
Family Week
By Sarah Moon
Knopf Books for Young Readers (April 2025)
Grade Level: 3–7
Family Week presents a necessary and timely celebration of identity and found family that is sure to resonate with middle-grade readers. This coming-of-age story follows four best friends who are spending Family Week together in Provincetown, MA—one of America’s most queer-friendly destinations. Avery, Milo, Mac, and Lina have attended this annual gathering of LGBTQ+ families for as long as they can remember, and even though this year it feels like everything is changing, things always stay the same in P-town, right?
Generation Queer: Stories of Youth Organizers, Artists, and Educators
By Kimm Topping
Illustrated by Anshika Khullar
Tu Books (May 2025)
Grade Level: 7–12
Through this biography collection, students will be introduced to LGBTQ+ leaders who are working to build a more inclusive world. Generation Queer features 30 young trailblazers whose are involved with protesting, collaborating with policymakers, creating inclusive art, and more. Each young leader also shares what helps to keep them motivated even when times are tough, and how they’re able to find hope and inspiration for a better future.
Like That Eleanor: The Amazing Power of Being an Ally
By Lee Wind
Illustrated by Kelly Mangan
Cardinal Rule Press (June 2025)
Grade Level: K–4
In this inspirational picture book, one young girl named Eleanor decides to take a stand for her non-binary friend by following in the footsteps of her namesake—Eleanor Roosevelt—and in doing so, discovers what it truly means to be an ally. The book also comes with a comprehensive Reader’s Guide.
The Queen Bees of Tybee County
By Kyle Casey Chu
Quill Tree Books (April 2025)
Grade Level: 3–7
Written by Kyle Casey Chu (aka. Panda Dulce, one of the founding queens of Drag Story Hour), this middle-grade novel presents an affirming story of queer identity. Derrick Chan may be the star of his school’s basketball team, but there are parts of him that no one else knows about, like his secret lip-sync performances or the feelings he’s starting to develop for his best friend and teammate, JJ. When an opportunity arises to compete in a local pageant, Derrick has to decide how much of himself he’s ready to share with the world—and how much it means to be accepted by the people around him.
A Rainbow in Your Cloud
By Amina Mucciolo
Illustrated by Elle Pierre
Scholastic Inc. (March 2025)
Grade Level: K–3
This semi-autobiographical picture book by queer autistic social media star Amina Mucciolo is a celebration of identity and all the things that make each of us unique. It serves as a reminder for young readers that we each have different backgrounds, abilities, and experiences, and those are things to be proud of, because they make us who we are. Mucciolo’s message of inclusivity and kindness is more important than ever in these divisive times.
The Rebel’s Guide to Pride
By Matthew Hubbard
Delacorte Press (May 2025)
Grade Level: 7–12
Queer life in small-town America is under threat in this coming-of-age YA novel. Zeke Chapman is newly out as gay, and isn’t quite sure how his queer identity fits with his bad-boy persona. Most days he’s just trying to figure out what it means to be a “good gay,” but when the mayor of his small town in Alabama decides to cancel all LGBTQ+ events, Zeke sees an opportunity to put his rebellious ways to good use by starting a series of “Pride Speakeasies” to help bring the community together.
Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
By Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett
Candlewick Press (May 2025)
Grade Level: 7–12
Trans creators Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett have teamed up to create a comprehensive introduction to trans history. Diversity in human sex and gender is nothing new, and through this graphic novel, readers will learn about historical figures and modern activists, along with stories and records of the many roles that trans people have played in society—from the ancient past all the way up to present day.
A Year of Pride and Joy: 52 LGBTQ+ Voices Share Their Life Passions
By Simon James Green
Illustrated by Ruth Burrows
Magic Cat (May 2025)
Grade Level: 3–7
Celebrate Pride all year round with this anthology of 52 LGBTQ+ voices—one entry for each week of the year. It includes contributions from Olympic diver Tom Daley, actor Stephen Fry, historian Blair Imani, and many more! Centred around the theme of joy, each story is tied to a particular season, day, or event, and is paired with vibrant illustrations to give the book an uplifting, positive feel.
Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Magazine. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat, Banksy.
