LGBTQIA+ themed books for primary-aged children
Children’s books with LGBTQIA+ themes for primary schools. School libraries should endeavour to feature LGBTQIA+ themed books for primary-aged children to help foster understanding, reflect diversity, and promote acceptance, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive and inclusive educational environment. This list features books by Jessica Love, Simon James Green, Ian Eagleton, Juno Dawson, Raina Telgemeier, Sarah Hagger-Holt, Alex Gino, Jen Carney and Benjamin Dean.
LGBTQIA+ books for primary schools – our recommendations
LGBTQI themed books for EYFS and KS1
Remixed by Arree Chung. 
The Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant. 
Julian at the Wedding by Jessica Love. Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Young Julián daydreams of becoming a mermaid after encountering them on a subway ride. Worried about what the people around him might say, he transforms himself in secret. This enchanting picture book celebrates self-identity, acceptance, and the power of love with warmth and charm.
Llama Glamarama by Simon James Green. 
Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate. 
‘Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick. 
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. 
My Awesome Brother by Lise Frances. 
Heather Has Two Mummies by Lesléa Newman. 
You Need to Chill by Juno Dawson. 
Aalfred and Aalbert by Morag Hood. 
Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton. 
The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman. 
Uncle Bobby’s Wedding by Sarah Brannen. 
My Daddies! by Gareth Peter. 
Out of the Blue by Robert Tregoning. 
I Love You Because I Love You by Muợn Thị Văn. 
Pansy Boy by Paul Harfleet. The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince by Ian Eagleton
Kai, a woodcutter, spends each Christmas Eve carving amazing statues. But no one visits and each year he grows more and more lonely. Remembering his grandmother’s stories, he decides to seek out the mysterious Snow Prince. Will his life change from gloominess into joyful happiness? With a stunning wintry cover adorned with metallic silver sparkles and vibrant full-colour illustrations throughout, this LGBT+ inclusive picture book exudes warmth and positivity.
LGBTQI themed books for KS2
Drama: a Graphic Novel by Raina Telgemeier. 
My Brother’s Name Is Jessica by John Boyne. 
Rick by Alex Gino. The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean
When a family tragedy turns Bea’s life upside down, her big sister Riley is determined to bring joy and pride back to their lives. So with the help of friends, Secret Sunshine Club is formed. But can their rays of sunshine overcome a small-minded village? With a stunningly vibrant cover, exuberant diversity, and a rainbow printed fore-edge this book will leap out of any library display and demand to be explored.
Nothing Ever Happens Here by Sarah Hagger-Holt. 
Lumberjanes by ND Stevenson, Grace Ellis and Gus A. Allen. 
Proud of Me by Sarah Hagger-Holt. Glitter Boy by Ian Eagleton
Ten year old James grapples with bullies at school and a challenging relationship with his father when not everyone is enthusiastic about an upcoming surprise choir performance. In this emotional rollercoaster that tackles bullying, self-discovery, and LGBTQ+ acceptance, the character of James sparkles with positivity and resilience, and the supportive cast of his teacher, friends, and loving Nan will offer readers hope. Addressing the realities of LGBTQ+ youth and promoting compassion and empathy, Glitter Boy is a vital addition to UKS2 and KS3 libraries. Eagleton’s uplifting narrative is a heartfelt triumph that will provide solace and inspiration to those reading it.
Polka Dot Shop by Laurel Remington. 
King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender. 
Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow by Benjamin Dean. Son of the Sea by Richard Pickard
Caspar dreams of swimming but has to hide his uniquely webbed feet. But then he discovers how he’s linked to the sea and his life changes forever. Perfect for more able readers in Year 4, Son of the Sea will make for an enthralling and thought-provoking class reader and or a sparkling tale of positivity for 9+ year-olds. Read Tracy Wood’s review.
The Accidental Diary of B.U.G. by Jen Carney. 
Green by Alex Gino. 
Ana on the Edge by A. J. Sass. 
Pink, Blue, and You! by Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais. 
Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution by Rob Sanders. 
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders. Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this LGBTQIA+ themed book list for primary schools, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.
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Primary school LGBTQIA+ resources for teachers
- Stonewall’s extensive free website resources include a guide for schools on creating an LGBT-inclusive primary curriculum, with examples of best practices.
- LGBT Youth has procured an excellent resource for teachers – ‘Responding to homophobia in primary schools‘ which is useful for CPD sessions and utilising for PSHE planning and whole school assemblies.
- The HFL blog features an interesting and thought-provoking piece: ‘Why we should include LGBTQ+ people in our primary curriculum‘ which will spark ideas for curriculum planning and useful discussion in staff meetings.
- Just Like Us resources for schools include a pack explaining how to run a School Diversity Week and practical resources to help deliver and run Pride Groups in schools.
- Amnesty International’s LGBTI rights activity pack includes seven teaching activities and curriculum links which cover the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and sexual orientation and gender identity. There are also downloadable teaching notes for Two Weeks with the Queen by Morris Gleitzman.
- Rainbow Flag Award’s classroom downloads feature cross-curricular LGBTQIA+-themed science, music, maths and computing lesson activities.
