June is Pride Month. While the following picture books celebrate LGBTQ+ specifically, the messages of acceptance and celebrating differences have wide-ranging applications.
AND TANGO MAKES THREE, by Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, Henry Cole, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 1st edition, June 1, 2005, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 2-6)
And Tango Makes Three is the bestselling, heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family.
At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo get the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own. — Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
And Tango Makes Three is often on “banned book” lists, and it’s quite frankly, ridiculous. This sweet picture book tells the true story of actual penguins living at the Central Park Zoo. Roy and Silo were given the opportunity to hatch Tango when her parents weren’t able to care for two eggs. It’s the story of love and family, and that’s just about it. It’s gentle and kind, and the illustrations are tender. There’s a reason why this book is also on a lot of “best books” lists, too.
OUT OF THE BLUE, by Tregoning Robert, BLOOMSBURY, Feb. 1, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
This picture book about a boy who overcomes his fear of being different is a celebration of diversity, acceptance, and pride, perfect for fans of Julián is a Mermaid.
In a very blue house, on a very blue street, in his very blue bedroom, sits a little boy who’s feeling very blue. He has a secret: he loves the color yellow. And in a world where only blue is allowed, he knows in his heart that loving a different color must be bad.
Can the boy find the courage to share his true self with his dad? Can the world see the benefits of letting everyone love any color they want to?
A stunning celebration of being yourself and living in ALL the colors of the rainbow, from debut author Robert Tregoning and rising star illustrator Stef Murphy. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury
Out of the Blue is relatable on numerous levels. It’s overarching message of being yourself will call to all children. It’s a gentle story that rings true with lovely text and accompanying illustrations that, at times, radiate joy.
DOOR BY DOOR: HOW SARAH MCBRIDE BECAME AMERICA’S FIRST OPENLY TRANSGENDER SENATOR, by Meeg Pincus and Meridth McKean Gimbel, Crown Books for Young Readers, May 9, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A nonfiction picture book about Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride, who dreamed of making a difference as a kid and grew up to become the highest-ranking openly transgender political official in America.
As a kid, Sarah McBride dreamed of running for office so she could help people in her community. When her friends asked for bicycles for Christmas, Sarah asked for a podium. Her friends and family encouraged her to follow this path, but there was one problem: they saw Sarah as a boy, and Sarah knew she was a girl. Every night, she’d replay the day in her head, watching how it would have played out if she was able to live as the girl she knew herself to be.
In college, she finally came out as Sarah, and in 2020 she won her election to become a Delaware State Senator, making her the highest-ranking trans political official in the country and a hero to kids everywhere who want to live their dreams and be themselves. —Synopsis provided by Crown Books for Young Readers
Door by Door tells the story of someone who wanted to live her truth but it wasn’t until she was an adult that she felt comfortable doing so. Author Meeg Pincus does an excellent job conveying Sarah’s internal and external conflicts in this nonfiction biography. It’s easy to see and understand her progression and excellent backmatter includes notes from Sarah and the author as well as notes on how to be an ally and a politics glossary. This book removes stigma and gets straight to the heart of celebrating being true to yourself.
Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
