As we celebrate Pride Month, we are reminded acceptance and allyship are values that should be fostered from an early age. One powerful way to introduce children to communities of all kinds and promote empathy and understanding is through reading books. By offering young readers stories that reflect a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, we can cultivate a generation of compassionate individuals who celebrate differences and stand up for their community or be a strong ally.
By reading to our children, we can help them:
Build Empathy: Reading books exposes children to a variety of perspectives and experiences. These stories help them develop empathy and compassion by allowing them to walk in the shoes of characters different from themselves. By immersing themselves in these narratives, children learn to embrace differences and appreciate the struggles and triumphs of the community.
Engage in Self-Discovery: For young readers who may be questioning who they are, books provide a vital resource for self-discovery and self-acceptance. These stories validate the experiences of individuals and offer comfort, support, and guidance. When children see characters who share similar feelings and challenges, they realize they are not alone, helping them navigate their own journeys of self-understanding.
Challenge Stereotypes: Reading books challenges stereotypes and misconceptions that may be prevalent in society. These stories present characters as fully developed individuals, breaking free from one-dimensional portrayals. By encountering protagonists who are strong, resilient, and varied in their personalities, children learn to question societal norms and appreciate the rich tapestry of human experiences.
Become Allies: Reading books is not only valuable for children who do not identify as heterosexual but also for their peers. By exposing all children to these stories, we can create a generation of allies who understand the importance of equality and acceptance. These books teach children to challenge unjust treatment and stand up against bullying.
Here are a few of our recommended reads:
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
This book shows that it doesn’t matter what your family looks like, the only thing that makes a family a family, is love! Each page showcases bright illustrations of a variety of types of families doing special activities together, from baking a cake to finding a lost shoe. (Ages 0-3)
Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick, illustrated by Juana Medina
Discover the history behind Pride month and how it became nationally recognized with this gorgeous picture book. Young readers will learn about Stonewall, AIDS, protests, and other significant events in an age-appropriate way. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in Pride history. (Ages 4-8)
Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker
Zenobia July is a hacking and coding prodigy who’s attending a new school as a girl for the first time. Though she’s recently lost her family of origin, she creates a chosen family in her community. (Ages 10+)
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
When this book came out, it seemed to be on everyone’s must-read list, and with good reason. I’ll Give You the Sun is the emotional and breathtaking story of twin brothers who no longer speak, and what—if anything—can bring them back to each other. (Young Adult)
