|
Hi Reader, Now that I've finished my work on the 2026 Summer Reading Guide, I've had time to create and update book lists for LGBTQIAP+ Pride Month, which starts in just a few days. I've read so many wonderful books for all ages, from laugh-out-loud picture books about rainbow families to thoughtful novels about tweens figuring out who they are. Before I share the book lists, I want to give you a gentle reminder of just how important it is to supports books like these and their authors in our current political climate. Pen America recently finished an analysis of book bans in the 2024-2025 school year and found that of the more than 3,700 banned titles:
You can support authors of these books by purchasing their books and encouraging your library to stock them. New post: Chapter books for Pride Month and Beyondβ Some of my favorites on this list of 13 chapter books for 8 year olds through young teens are: πͺa graphic novel that captures the awkward process of moving from childhood to adolescence. It features lots of friend drama and the excitement of a first crush. π a book about two ex-friends who are forced co-exist at their theater summer camp. It's much more nuanced than a lot of tween friendship books. πthe story of a trans athlete (written by a trans athlete) that captures the joy of being fully yourself while not shying away from the realities of being bullied. Fantasy fans, there are also several great picks on the list for you!
Updated post: LGBTQ+ Affirming Picture Booksβ There's so much variety on this list of picture books that you're sure to find something your family will love: πa zany laugh-out-loud story of a family with two dads who's rushing to clean up before Grandma arrives, only to be foiled by their naughty cat. This one really made me miss having little ones to read out loud to. π³οΈβπa story of how a nonbinary kid who has sensory sensitives learns to enjoy a Pride festival despite the noise and crowds. π³οΈββ§οΈ a non-fiction guide that uses kids' own words to talk about different ways of experiencing gender. (Montessori educators, you'll love this one, especially the photographs!)
I also have a couple more book lists that you can explore for Pride Month: βChildren's books starring transgender and nonbinary charactersβ βChildren's books about LGBTQ+ historyβ Happy reading, Rebekah Rebekah Gienapp (she/her/hers) | rebekahgienapp.com | Connect on Instagram | Coffees for Gaza | Knit 4 Justiceβ |
Are you a parent, caregiver, or educator who wants to help children become brave justice seekers? Subscribe for practical tips, children's book recommendations, and resources for antiracist families and classrooms.
Hi Reader, If you've got a reluctant reader, you might wonder how you'll be able to get them to do any reading this summer without tears or grumbling. Believe me, I get it. My kiddo (though now that he's 14 I should probably stop calling him a kiddo π€) has always been a reluctant reader. He does however, love being read aloud to. I think a lot of his hesitancy stems from his ADHD and a learning disability. I'm sharing what's worked for our family in case in can help yours: Remember that...
Hi Reader, If you missed my last email, my 2026 Summer Reading Guide is now available for pre-order! If you pre-order now, you'll save 15%, and the guide will land in your inbox on May 20th. Since this is the first time I've offered a summer reading guide, you may be wondering what's inside. That's why I created a blog post with 7 of my favorite reviews from the 40+ titles you'll find in the full guide. Check out the sneak peek into the Summer Reading Guide β½ Would your soccer fan love to...
Hi Reader, The last week and a half has given me all the feelings, and I do mean ALL of them. You've probably heard that the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, perhaps the most important piece of civil rights legislation in the past hundred years. Just days later, the Tennessee State Legislature called a special legislative session to carve up Memphis' majority Black Congressional district. It was a three day clown show where legislators disrespected hundreds of protestors who showed...