Best Children's Books on LGBTQ+ Families of 2025

The Sun and the Star is a thrilling adventure that sees Nico di Angelo and Will Solace journeying through Tartarus to rescue a friend. This standalone adventure, co-written by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro, features two of the most popular characters in the Percy Jackson saga and will delight fans of the series. The book is unique in its portrayal of a queer relationship between Nico and Will, making it a valuable addition to children's books on LGBTQ+ families.

This children's book titled "Love Makes a Family" is a heartwarming celebration of love and family diversity. The book showcases different families engaging in loving activities, from baking cakes to reading books, to demonstrate that love is what makes a family. Written by Sophie Beer, the book is a simple and charming read-aloud for preschoolers that promotes inclusivity and acceptance. The colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text make it an excellent addition to any family's bookshelf. Overall, "Love Makes a Family" is a delightful book that teaches children the importance of love in families and celebrates the uniqueness of each family's structure.

Jessica Love's debut picture book, Julián Is a Mermaid, is a mesmerizing and heartwarming celebration of self-love and individuality. The story follows Julián, a young boy who becomes fascinated with mermaids after seeing three women dressed as them on the subway. He daydreams of becoming a mermaid himself and creates a costume out of a curtain and ferns. The spare text and vivid illustrations bring the story to life, and Love's use of a muted yet lively color palette makes even the subway cars and apartment rooms feel as expansive as the ocean. This book is a must-have for one-on-one and small group sharing and is a unique addition to children's books on LGBTQ+ families.

The Girl from the Sea: A Graphic Novel is a story about a girl named Morgan who wants to escape her mundane life on a small island. After being saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie, Morgan's life takes a turn for the better. As the two fall in love, they must confront their secrets and the consequences that come with them. Molly Knox Ostertag, the author of The Witch Boy trilogy, delivers another heartfelt story about family, love, and self-discovery. The graphic novel is a must-read for fans of science fiction and fantasy comics, especially those geared towards teens and young adults.

Some Girls Do is a YA contemporary queer romance novel that follows a gay track star, Morgan, who falls for a closeted, bisexual teen beauty queen, Ruby. The two are drawn to each other but struggle to navigate their different paths towards living their truth. This novel explores themes of coming out, safety, and the difficulties of being true to oneself. Jennifer Dugan creates well-crafted multidimensional characters that make for a fast-paced read you won't want to put down. Some Girls Do is a beautiful and necessary addition to LGBTQ+ fiction for teens and young adults.

Ellie Engle Saves Herself is a heartwarming middle-grade debut from award-winning author Leah Johnson. The story follows Ellie, an ordinary girl who finds herself with the power to bring anything back to life with just a touch after a freak earthquake hits her town. As Ellie's powers go viral, she finds herself thrust into the spotlight, struggling to navigate her newfound fame while dealing with her own internal conflicts. This book is a delightful tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of love, perfect for young readers.

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen is a powerful and beautifully illustrated graphic novel about a young boy, Tien, who struggles to find the words to tell his Vietnamese immigrant parents that he's gay. Through the fairy tales he reads to his mother, Tien finds a way to communicate with her despite their language barrier. However, he still fears how his parents will react to his sexuality. The book explores the complexity of family and the enduring magic of stories. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in a children's book makes it a unique and important addition to any library.

Fake Dates and Mooncakes is a delightful, heartfelt rom-com that follows Dylan Tang's journey to win a mooncake-making competition. The story takes an interesting turn when he fake-dates a charming, wealthy customer, Theo Somers, at a family wedding in the Hamptons. The two come from different worlds, and their romance is supposed to be pretend, but Dylan finds himself falling for Theo. The book is a perfect blend of romance, family drama, and delicious food that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy. Overall, it's an adorable tribute to young love, family, and food that is worth the read.

I Am a Rainbow! is a picture book that tells the story of Mark, a professional dancer and LGBTQIA+ advocate, who loves to dance and dress up. However, he gets teased at school for his unique style. To help him shine, Mark's parents give him a beautiful cape that makes him feel invincible and free to express himself. The book is a celebration of self-acceptance, relatable, and inspired by real-life events. The illustrations by Richard Merritt are bright and energetic, bringing joy to children across the world. Overall, I Am a Rainbow! is a unique and inspiring read for children who feel different and need a reminder to embrace their uniqueness.

"I Am Jazz" is a heartwarming children's book based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, a transgender child who has become a spokesperson for transkids worldwide. The book provides a simple and clear explanation of what it means to be transgender and tells Jazz's story of living her truth. The book is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children, whether they identify as trans or not. With beautiful illustrations and a powerful message, "I Am Jazz" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and support the transgender community."