(Most of these books are available in the LAUMC Library)
Books for Young Children
And Tango Makes Three, Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell – This is the true story of two male Chinstrap penguins at the Central Park Zoo who become a couple and make a nest. Their keeper recognizes their relationship and gives them one of two eggs laid by a female. The three of them become a family.
Antonio’s Card, Rigoberto Gonzalez – A young boy makes a Mother’s Day card for his two moms and struggles with fears about how the other children will react to his unique situation. English and Spanish.
Heather Has Two Mommies, Leslea Newman – Preschool story about a little girl who goes to a preschool where children are taught that the important thing about a family is that all the people in it love each other.
King & King, Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland – Whimsical story of a prince whose mother, the queen, decrees he must marry, and how he convinces her that he doesn¹t care for princesses.
Oliver Button is a Sissy, Tomie dePaola – Classic story of a boy who is ridiculed by the other boys in his school for being different, but finds solace and redemption in pursuing his passion: dance. Beautifully told. A must read for teaching children about compassion.
Who’s in a Family?, Robert Skutch – This is another preschool book exploring the many kinds of families, both human and animal.
Books for Young People in Middle School and High School
Living in Secret, Cristina Salat – Amelia’s father is given custody in the divorce, but Amelia wants to live with her mother and her lesbian partner.
Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence, Edited by Marion Dane Bauer – Original stories about growing up gay or lesbian by noted authors for young adults.
Geography Club, Brent Hartinger – Gay high school students, tired of hiding their truth, form the “Geography Club,” where they can be authentic and their “secret” is “safe.”
The God Box, Alex Sanchez – “Sexuality or spirituality – why does it have to be a choice?” “The God Box may well be a book that not only changes lives but saves them.” – James Howe, author of Totally Joe
Is It a Choice? Answers to Most Frequently Asked Questions about Gay and Lesbian People, Eric Marcus – Candid and “no nonsense” – this book deals with the issues directly.
What if Someone I Know is Gay?, Eric Marcus – Answers to questions about what it means to be gay and lesbian
Beyond Acceptance: Parents of Lesbians and Gays Talk About Their Experiences, Carolyn Welch Griffin, Marian J. Wirth & Arthur G. Wirth