16 Best Books to Read During Pride Month – New York Family

16 best books to read during Pride Month

Pride Month is in full swing and there are many ways to celebrate this year! Picking up a book for any age group and learning more about the LGBTQ+ community is a great way to show your appreciation during this month and hear some inspiring stories at the same time.

Psst… Check out Pride Month events in NYC for kids and families!

Early readers

And Tango makes three by Justin Richardson

Ages 2-5

This adorable children’s book tells the story of two penguins at the Central Park Zoo who are a little different from the other penguins. Roy and Silo want to start a family of their own and with the help of a friendly zookeeper, the two can welcome a little bundle of joy of their own! $7.99

Julián is a mermaid by Jessica Love

Ages 2-6

On the way home from the pool, Julián sees 3 beautifully dressed women on the train. When he got home, Julián kept thinking about the women and how he just wanted to dress up as the ladies in his own mermaid costume.

This story is beautifully written by Jessica Love and gives a great message about self-love and how to embrace your individuality. $9.89

Red: the story of a colored pencil by Michael Hall

Ages 3-7

This book tells a heartwarming story about why it is important to stay true to yourself! This blue crayon is labeled red, and the people around her are trying to help it become redder.

While he may be wearing a red tag, he’s blue and miserable pretending to be someone he’s not. It isn’t until a new friend comes along that he realizes that being himself will help him become his true self. $18.89

Who you will be by Taylor Rouanzion

Ages 4-8

Journey through all the colors of the rainbow as a pair of new parents introduce their babies to the countless and limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

Perfect for read-alouds and read-alouds, this rhyming picture book teaches readers of all ages about the importance of self-expression and the unconditional love between a parent and a child. $18.99

The big family book by Maria Hofman

Ages 5-8

Every family looks different and now is the time to celebrate! The big family book shows the lives of many different types of families and their dynamics. Not only is this a fun book to read with kids, but it’s also a great way to celebrate diversity. $15.02

Mid-level readers

Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O’Neill

From 8 years and older

This book has won many awards and is a great graphic novel to read during Pride Month! This story follows Princess Amira as she rescues Princess Sadie from her tower. As they travel through the kingdom, the two princesses must work together to defeat their worst enemy. $9.99

Pride: An Inspiring History of the LGBTQ+ Movement by Stella Caldwell, foreword by Layton Williams

Ages 10-12

If you want your children to learn about the history of the LGBTQ+ community, this is the perfect book to buy.

Readers can learn about queer icons and events that were groundbreaking for the community. The book also includes a few personal essays so readers can hear from others and learn how to be proud! $14.99

High school is a drag, you better work! by Greg Howard

Ages 10-13

Twelve-year-old Mikey Pruitt is a true entrepreneur through and through and is still on the hunt for his big break! It isn’t until he meets drag queen Coco Caliente, Mistress of Madness and Mayhem (aka Julian Vasquez from eighth grade) that he comes up with the idea of ​​the Anything Talent and Pizzazz Agency.

This book is perfect for someone looking for a little laugh while being reminded that anything can happen with a little love and hard work. $13.88

Young adult

You should see me with a crown by Leah Johnson

From 12 years and older

You should see me with a crown follows the story of Liz Lighty as she struggles to leave her hometown and start her new life.

When her financial aid at Pennington College unexpectedly falls through, Liz chooses the only other option: competing for her school’s scholarship to prom king and queen. Things get a little more complicated for Liz when she starts developing feelings for a new girl at school who is also running for prom queen. $11.06

Every time you hear that song by Jenna Voris

From 12 years and older

Darren Purchase is a 17-year-old aspiring journalist and lifelong fan of country music legend Decklee Cassel, who is famous for her classic songs and collaborations with songwriter Mickenlee Hooper, especially after the two unexpectedly parted ways at the height of their careers.

When Decklee’s long-awaited time capsule is opened at her funeral and found to be empty, an epic treasure hunt begins with a huge prize for whoever finds the real capsule. And Darren knows she has a story to tell here.

Imogen, of course by Becky Albertalli

From 13 years and older

Imogen Scott has locked up the title of World’s Greatest Straight Ally. But when her strange best friend, Lili, tells her new college friends that she and Imogen used to date, Imogen’s world is turned upside down.

While spending time with Lili’s crew and cool, weird college friends, Imogen begins to wonder if she’s as straight as she previously thought.

The latest release from author Becky Albertalli, Imogen, of course is a heartwarming and current story about friendship and identity. $15.95

The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

From 13 years and older

After being exposed by her lover/ex-best friend, Yamilet Flores’ priorities at her new, mostly white Catholic school are to keep her brother out of trouble, make her mother proud, and not fall in love.

But staying in the closet can be harder than planned, especially after Yami meets Bo, the only openly queer girl at school. Yami doesn’t want to risk being rejected again, or worse, getting back at her mother, so she has to ask herself, “what would a straight girl do?” $14.89

I kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

From 14 years and older

Chloe Green is so close to victory after four years of dodging the puritanical government of Willowgrove Christian Academy. Her only rival is the director’s prim daughter, Shara Wheeler.

But a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe and disappears.

Chloe isn’t the only one who’s kissed Shara: she’s also kissed Smith, her old quarterback boyfriend, and Rory, her crush neighbor. Chloe, Smith and Rory set out to follow Shara’s trail of clues in the hopes of finding her. $16.99

Nate plus one by Kevin van Whye

From 14 years and older

Nate Hargraves is getting ready to go to his cousin’s wedding in South Africa when he finds out his ex-boyfriend will be there. Not wanting to come to the wedding alone, he invites his best friend and secret crush Jai Patel as his date for the evening.

Will this evening be one to remember for the two? This book was written by the author of Date me, Bryson Keller, and is a fun rom-com, the perfect book for older children to read. $17.99

Julia breathes by Gabby Rivera

From 14 years and older

Juliet Milagros Palante recently opened up to her parents about who she really is, and the interaction didn’t go as she had hoped. Unsure of what the outcome will be with her family, Juliet heads to Portland, Oregon to intern with her favorite feminist writer.

While away, she develops a relationship with a librarian she meets and learns how to reveal her true identity to her family, the world, and ultimately, herself. $8.09

Home court advantage by Dahlia Adler

From 15 years and older

Amber McCloud wants nothing more than to be captain of the cheer team, but leading the school spirit becomes difficult when the school team’s quarterback is killed in a car accident. When he is replaced by newcomer Jack (short for Jaclyn) Walsh, all hell is breaking loose.

Amber tries to promote unity, but neither the cheerleaders nor the football team are enthusiastic about Jack leading the football team. To make matters worse, Amber and Jack fall for each other, and Amber must choose between her dreams and her heart. $14.99