Book Finder

A dedicated mom puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter, based on the real-life experience of mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna. One day, Trinity expressed that she needed long hair to feel like herself. The family took a trip to the beauty store, but none of the wigs seemed just right … so Mom crafted a vibrant wig perfect for her daughter. 

Inspired by the Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco, this picture book celebrates a church whose doors are open to all. On Sunday morning, we gather together. We are every color. Every age. Rich and poor. Our church is open, affirming, and accepting. We believe in love instead of hate. There’s room for everyone! This book celebrates a spiritual community that embraces all people ― no matter their age, race, class, gender identity, or sexual orientation―in love and faith.

Filled with saturated colors and vivid illustrations, this picture book uses rhyming couplets to convey the fun and exuberant feelings assocated with a pride parade for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and families … “Rainbow arches/Joyful marches/Motors roaring/Spirits soaring.” The diversity shown at the pride parade is realistic; both homosexual and heterosexual people, young and old, are depicted as well as individuals, couples, and families. A reading guide provides explanations for the images and text and a “Note to Parents and Caregivers” offers suggestions for talking to children about LGBT families. 

The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere. From a very young age, Jazz knew that she had a girl’s brain in a boy’s body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn’t feel like herself in boys’ clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz tells her story in a simple, clear way for young readers, their parents, and teachers.

A picture book that introduces the concept of gender identity to young readers. Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between. This straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, this book provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss this topic with sensitivity.

A powerful true story that introduces young readers to the history of the Stonewall Inn and its role in the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. The 1969 raid of the inn empowered members of the LGBTQ+ community to protest and demand their equal rights as citizens of the United States. 

If you plant bulbs and seeds and nurture their growth, you can grow a rainbow! Bright collage illustrations of flowers introduce young children to nature’s cycle and the colors of the rainbow.

As a first grader, Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. This was no easy task, especially for a six-year-old. Ruby’s bravery and perseverance inspired children and adults alike to fight for equality and social justice. (From the She Persisted series)

Fiction and fact combine as a young beaked whale shares information about his pod, whales, and other aspects of marine biology as he talks to other ocean inhabitants. Backmatter includes additional source notes, a whale glossary, and a human impact glossary. Altogether, this is an unusual approach to a key environmental issue. (Part of the Science Comics series)

A teenaged artist who was deaf until he was six years old shares his story and how the lives of well-known figures have inspired him, including the painting of Vice President Kamala Harris. Tyler’s inspirations come from many people, each presented here with a commentary from the artist about the subject and their impact on him. 

Art and lyrical language weave together a history of African Americans from the time when they were taken from their homeland to the Black Lives Matter movement. The history is intertwined with principles of Kwanzaa which was first celebrated in 1966. This handsome book is meant to be shared.

Readers of all ages are sure to find a topic to intrigue in one of the eight chapters in this large volume. From Whiz Kids to Game Changers, the information is presented in digestible portions perfect for browsing. The lighthearted tone is enhanced by many illustrations.

Alcatraz prison was considered inescapable. So how did three men get out and what happened to them? The unsolved mystery is presented in illustration and text in an open format. Actual period photographs and other graphics are included. The author presents another unsolved mystery in Escape at 10000 Feet: B.D. Cooper and the Missing Money (opens in a new window).

Prima ballerina Misty Copeland was 16 years old before she saw a Black ballerina on a magazine cover. In short, personal essays each accompanied by a stunning portrait, trailblazing dancers are introduced.

Written by a vocab virtuoso, this book is sure to add oomph to even the most blasé reader. A host of less often used words are presented with their meaning, a pronunciation guide, and roots all formatted to engage and entertain. 

She’s been around since 1941 but remains perhaps the best known and most popular female superhero. Wonder Woman’s evolution is also a look at women’s history presented here in lively illustration and accessible informative text with excellent backmatter.

Look closely. Notice the recurring shapes that create patterns that abound in nature. Senses are sure to be heightened when examining the highly realistic illustrations accompanied by minimal text in this attractive oversized volume just right to inspire.

Music is the intersection of cultures as this hopeful story of cellist Yo-Yo Ma reminds readers. He played Bach’s cello suites for people in two countries near the Rio Grande River, “a boundary dividing two countries that used to be one.” Sweeping illustration and lyrical text are completed by an afterward and additional information about the actual event. 

Ernie always had an interest in art but that was not a good thing when he was a kid. He grew up to become a professional football player, but a career-ending injury opened the door to art. Ernie’s story is sure to inspire young readers that more than one career is possible. Complete backmatter includes additional information including a bibliography and where to see Ernie’s artwork.

Readers are invited to “Come. Sit. Taste…” a female chef’s determination to succeed. Chef Niki became known for the fusion of Japanese and American foods bringing a unique flavor to America. A brief discussion of kuyashii (defeated feeling) and kaiseki (a traditional Japanese feast) plus a Wonton Pizza recipe concludes this fascinating book.

When Javier is having breakfast at 7 a.m. in Mexico, it’s 8 a.m. in New York City and Kayla is getting her backpack ready for school. Meet kids from around the world and find out what they’re doing one hour at a time. This brief look at different places, times, and cultures is expressively illustrated punctuated with visual and textual detail. 

Even as a kid, Leo was a tinkerer, always interested in fixing and inventing things. And although he wasn’t a musician, he built the first electric guitar! Illustrations capture the joy as well as the difficulties Leo confronted as he grew from a farm boy into a lauded inventor. Backmatter completes this absorbing book.

Luz Jimenez would not forget her Nahua culture even after the Mexican Revolution. When she and her family resettled in Mexico City, Luz became a resource for artists and scholars as an Indigenous voice. Illustrated in Tonatiuh’s signature traditional style, the straightforward narrative is enhanced by complete backmatter.

Readers are invited to dip in, browse, or read from cover to cover! This authoritative, fully sourced, informative, and positively fun book is filled with facts, all generously illustrated.