Reading LGBTQ+ Children’s Picture Books

A collection of essays that covers specific topics in Q+ picture books. The authors of these academic writings include experts in the areas of English, queer and gender studies, education, and more. While some acknowledge current censorship attempts, all speak to the profound need for these books, as well as their most impactful uses by families, educators, librarians, mental health professionals, and the global publishing industry. One common thread is the deep investigation into how these books can be perceived in such opposite ways within the Q+ community. For example, animal characters can be seen as universally appealing or can be read as dehumanizing. One researcher points out the potential harm to Q+ young people who read books with bullying themes, while others acknowledge the importance of preparing kids for that potential reality. A similar assertion is that some themes, such as anatomical discussions, might confuse children who aren’t ready for them; but again, those same books might be perfect for the right child. Ultimately, these Q+ community scholars recommend that adult readers must follow the child’s lead. Each essay’s use of vocabulary is also enlightening: j wallace skelton presents the term GIaNT for “gender independent, nonbinary, and trans” children. One essay claims there has never been a Newbery or Caldecott winner that centers a Q+ character; however, Kyle Lukoff’s Too Bright to See, with a transgender main character, won the Newbery Honor in 2022.