Celebrating Pride 2020 for Families: Reading with Pride
In the LGBTQ2S+ community, June is a time for celebrating, and its highlight is the Pride parade at the end of the month.
However, this year we find ourselves in a changed world.
The cancellation of Toronto’s traditional Pride celebrations is a huge loss. But we can still celebrate in smaller, more personal ways that embody the spirit of Pride. We can decorate our homes, buy from LGBTQ2S+ artists and support business owners. And happily, many Pride celebrations are going online, including a virtual parade and a lineup of programs from the Toronto Public Library.
Sharing books and stories is another safe way to celebrate. We have compiled a list of books for kids and families to enjoy during Pride and all year long. These fun and inclusive books all feature fierce self-expression and messages of unconditional love and acceptance. Above all, they celebrate every child and family for who and what they are.
While LGBTQ2S+ kids and families will delight in seeing themselves represented, these books should be shared with everyone. We know that children who read about people that are different from them learn empathy and develop a larger worldview. Books have an incredible power to break down barriers and change the world, so let's get reading!
And Happy Pride!
It Feels Good to be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity
2019, By Theresa Thorn; Illustrated by Noah Gringi
Equal parts information and affirmation, this picture book introduces younger children to the concept of gender identity. It is full of stories of kids who are transgenger, cisgender and non-binary. The stunning mixed-media illustrations are diverse and inclusive, representing different abilities and family structures. Written by the mother of a transgender daughter and illustrated by a trans artist, this gem of a book emphasizes how good it feels to be yourself, even if you haven’t completely figured out who that may be.
2019, By Catherine Hernandez; Illustrated by Syrus Marcus Ware
Toronto author Catherine Hernandez, who brought us the much beloved novel Scarborough, teams up with illustrator Syrus Marcus Ware in this lyrical picture book. This book is about the promises that paren'ts make to their children to love and care for them above all else. The story takes the form of a child questioning their mother. The child asks about friends who come from non-traditional families including same sex, single or multiple paren'ts. The mother’s answers remain constant: every child, regardless of origin, comes from love.
2014, By Gayle E. Pitman; Illustrated by Kristyna Litten
This winning picture book introduces very young children to the magic of Pride. Rhyming verse and colourful illustrations depict iconic Pride images such as Dykes on Bikes, rainbows, elaborate costumes, music, dancing and families of all kinds. The story captures the overall feeling of joy and celebration, while emphasizing messages of inclusivity and acceptance on this very special day.
2016, By J.J. Austrian; Illustrated by Mike Curato
Worm and worm love each other and decide to get married. But who will be the bride and who will be the groom? They both will! Quickly becoming a picture book classic, Worm Loves Worm shows the youngest readers that love is all that matters. And on June 22, you're invited to join us online for a virtual puppet show retelling of this delightful story.
Middle School's A Drag: You Better Werk!
2020, By Greg Howard
Twelve year old entrepreneur Michael Pruitt has no idea what he’s signing up for when he agrees to become a talent agent for his "popular for all the wrong reasons" schoolmate, Julian Vasquez. In fact, it’s not until later that he finds out what a drag queen even is. Despite being gay and sort of out himself, Michael is embarrassed about being associated with Julian. Actually, Michael doesn’t think he’s very good at being gay at all. But in the events that follow – some heartwarming, some hilarious – Michael learns a lot about courage, friendship, and most importantly, self-acceptance.
2018, By Jenny Manzer
Twelve year old Caspar "Caz”" Cadman is a great baseball player. When his family moves to a new town, he joins the local baseball team and hopes for a fresh start. Caz looks forward to getting away from his past in Toronto, where he once lived as a girl, and where his former teammates bullied him for being trans. This popular middle grade novel by Canadian author Jenny Manzer is a great addition to the growing list of reads for transgender and gender non-conforming kids.
Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle
2020, By Robin Stevenson
Canadian author Robin Stevenson returns with a revised and expanded edition of her critically acclaimed informational book for older kids and teens. As with the first edition, Stevenson frames the origins of Pride in the Stonewall Riots and the historical struggle for gay rights. Stevenson documents its transition from a protest movement to a celebration. She discusses tough issues including inequalities and the need for breakout movements such as the Trans March. The new edition focuses increasingly on activism, including profiles of young people who are using their voices to demand equality and inclusion. Robin Stevenson will be doing online author talk for school-aged kids on June 29, so be sure to check it out if you would like to learn even more.
Want more ways to safely celebrate Pride this year? Visit our Pride webpage for more online events in June 2020, watch one of our Pride program videos and take a look at our full Reading with Pride list for children and families.
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