Let’s revel in how far we’ve come in terms of LGBTQ-inclusive kids’ books.Īdditionally, Open Library contains Free to Be…a Family, the 1987 book based on Marlo Thomas’ television special of the same name (and a sequel to her Free to Be…You and Me). I mention the book here mostly for parents who may be interested for historical purposes. The mere idea of being taken away from one’s real parents and given to others is rather horrific and likely to frighten most kids. In the end, the mysterious Zark, a friendly dinosaur-like creature, helps him reunite with his moms. He encounters a homophobic couple who tell him his moms’ relationship is “a sin” and try to place him with different-sex parents. A boy visits the zoo and gets separated from his moms. Another book from Alyson Wonderland, the publishing house that also put out Heather and Daddy’s Roommate.
1990. One of the earliest children’s books to feature same-sex parents, it holds up well, except for the euphemistic “roommate.” Like Zack’s Story, it features a child with divorced different-sex parents, one of whom is now in a same-sex relationship. Daddy’s Roommate, by Michael Willhoite.Zack describes everyday activities, vacations, and Pride parades, as well as how he dealt with a classmate who used the term “faggot.” It still feels fresh and relevant. Add this to the small list of books about a child being raised by a same-sex couple after one of them divorces a different-sex spouse. In this non-fiction book, an eleven-year-old boy describes life with his mother, divorced from his dad, her new partner, and his upcoming new sibling.
Zack’s Story: Growing Up with Same-Sex Parents, by Keith Elliot Greenberg photographs by Carol Halebian.Make your own decision based on your kids’ ages, temperaments, and experience. Even though the books take steps to counter such comments, some children may still be frightened by them. (See their Help page if you need assistance.)Īs with all LGBTQ-inclusive books of earlier eras, I advise parents to read through these before sharing them with your children. Many include characters who make negative comments about gay or lesbian parents. Only one borrower can check out a book at any given time, so please be considerate and return them as soon as you’re done. You can read them right in your browser or by using the free Adobe Digital Editions software.
Click the “e-book” link next to “Borrow” on each book’s page. Once you register for a free Open Library account, you can borrow up to five titles for two weeks each. (Mostly lesbian and gay, but if I’ve missed something, please leave a comment.) Open Library, a project of the non-profit Internet Archive, has the goal of creating one Web page for every book ever published-but also has a free e-book lending library that includes these children’s books featuring LGBTQ parents. Looking for LGBTQ-inclusive children’s books? Try some classics that are available free online.