June is Pride month, which commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and aims to increase awareness of LGBTQ+ history, identity, and community. With rainbow Pride flags flying and events taking place all over the country, it’s likely kids will be curious about the history and significance of this important time. Here are a few books you and your family might enjoy reading together. For even more rainbow book month recommendations, listen to the Check it Out! podcast, which features expert children’s book reviews from literature specialists Rita, Whitney, Molly, Mary, and Toni. For more rainbow month resources, click here.
When Langston Dances
By Kaija Langley
Picture Book
Inspired by watching a performance of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Langston longs to dance and enrolls in ballet school.
King and the Dragonflies
By Kacen Callender
Junior Fiction
In a small but turbulent Louisiana town, one boy’s grief takes him beyond the bayous of his backyard to learn that there is no right way to be yourself.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
By Rob Sanders
Junior Nonfiction
This book traces the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today’s world.
Drama
By Raina Telgemeier
Junior Nonfiction
Callie rides an emotional roller coaster while serving on the stage crew for a middle school production of Moon over Mississippi as various relationships start and end, and others never quite get going.
For more titles, listen to the Check it Out! podcast found here.
