Jun 01, 2024 by The Editors of Fabled Films Press

Happy June, everyone! It’s officially Pride Month! We think the best stories for kids are about inclusivity, community, and being yourself. We’ve picked out some excellent reads that highlight the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community—all written by LGBTQIA+ authors. Check them out below!

Not He or She, I’m Me by A. M. Wild (they/them)
This heartwarming Stonewall Award-honored picture book follows a non-binary child as they go about their day. As they get ready, go to school, play with friends, and spend time with family, the story’s “bouncy” writing style will convey gender euphoria to readers and remind them of the importance of empathy! (Ages 3–6)

The Curse of Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling (she/her)
The Curse of Eelgrass Bog introduces readers to the whimsical life of Kess Pedrock, a twelve-year-old girl who lives in her family’s “Unnatural History Museum,” hunts for fossils, and has a demon best friend named Shrunken Jim.  When Kess meets Lilou, the new girl in town, they set off into Eelgrass Bog on a curse-breaking quest full of witches, demons, and dark secrets. A fantastical story with an endearing LGBTQIA+ lead! (Ages 8–12)

Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes (she/her)
Winner of the 2024 Stonewall Book Award, Cross My Heart and Never Lie follows the story of twelve-year-old Tuva. As Tuva enters seventh grade, she hopes to fit in, but life has other plans! Her friends split into two teams: the girls who fall in love versus the girls who NEVER fall in love. When Tuva develops her first crush—on another girl—she must grapple with her own feelings, keeping them a secret, and surviving adolescence. (Ages 10+)

The Otherwoods by Justine Pucella Winans (they/she)
A Stonewall Award honoree, Indie Next Pick, and PW Best Book of the Year, The Otherwoods chronicles the adventures of non-binary twelve-year-old River Rydell, born with the ability to see monsters. They can also travel to the spirit world—the Otherwoods. When River’s crush, Avery, is suddenly kidnapped, River must venture into the Otherwoods and confront nightmares, monsters, and more. (Ages 8–12)

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