By Morgan Lee
LGBTQ-inclusive picture books are strongest when they are not only trying to prove that inclusion matters. They should still have rhythm, character, humor, tenderness, visual surprise, or a family story worth rereading. The inclusion matters more when the book is also good as a book.
Julian Is a Mermaid remains one of the clearest examples: it is about imagination, beauty, and a grandmother's quiet affirmation. When Aidan Became a Brother is both a transgender child story and a new-sibling story. My Rainbow centers a Black transgender girl and the family care that helps her feel seen.
Why these books get challenged
Many inclusive books also appear on banned picture books lists or challenge lists because they name identities some adults would rather keep invisible. For children, the books can simply say: families are different, bodies are different, and love pays attention.
Related collections include picture books about identity, family picture books, and picture books about love.