10+ Best Lgbt Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect way to introduce themes of diversity and acceptance to young readers? Our curated list of LGBT books for 10-year-olds is just what you need! These books are not only engaging and age-appropriate but also shine a light on different identities and experiences. Keep reading to discover a variety of LGBT books that will help broaden your child’s understanding of the world and its diverse communities.

Fun Lgbt Books for 10-Year-Olds

• George by Alex Gino
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: This middle-grade novel tells the story of George, a child who knows she's a girl even though everyone else sees her as a boy. She dreams of playing Charlotte in her school's production of Charlotte's Web.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gentle introduction to transgender issues and identity, told in a way that's accessible and relatable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids exploring their own identity and those looking to understand their peers better.

• The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Family, Humor
  • Synopsis: Follow the Fletcher family, which includes four adopted boys, two dads, and a variety of pets, through a year full of laughs, adventures, and mishaps.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and heartwarming story that showcases the everyday life of a diverse family, promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories about family dynamics and humorous real-life situations.

• Drama by Raina Telgemeier
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel follows Callie, a middle schooler who loves theater, as she navigates friendships and crushes while working on her school's drama production.
  • Why we recommend this book: With its vibrant artwork and engaging story, Drama captures the excitement and challenges of middle school while also subtly addressing themes of sexuality and identity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in theater and are starting to explore more complex social relationships.

• Star-Crossed by Barbara Dee
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Romance
  • Synopsis: Mattie, an eighth grader, finds herself crushing on Gemma, a girl playing Juliet in their school's production of Romeo and Juliet. Mattie begins to understand her feelings as she navigates the roles of both Romeo and her own identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sweet story of young love and self-discovery that handles the topic of a same-sex crush with sensitivity and realism.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are beginning to question their own feelings and those interested in stories of first crushes and self-acceptance.

• Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Humor
  • Synopsis: Nate Foster, an ambitious 13-year-old, sneaks away to New York City to audition for a Broadway musical, without his parents knowing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a hilarious and uplifting adventure that encourages readers to follow their dreams, no matter how big, and to be true to themselves.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young performers and anyone who enjoys a good laugh while reading about big dreams and bigger adventures.

Educational Lgbt Books for 10-Year-Olds

• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, illustrated by Henry Cole
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming book tells the true story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, at New York's Central Park Zoo who create a family together by hatching and raising a chick named Tango.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of diverse family structures, empathy, animal behavior
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that introduces children to the concept of different types of families in a gentle and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animal stories and those learning about diversity and acceptance.

• Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as red learns to accept and express his true color.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-discovery, identity, acceptance, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: This clever story uses a simple metaphor to discuss the importance of being true to oneself and recognizing one's potential.
  • Perfect for: Children grappling with identity and the pressures of expectations.

• I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: Based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, this book details the story of a transgender girl discovering and expressing her gender identity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of transgender issues, self-expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an authentic and accessible introduction to what being transgender means, told through the perspective of a child.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for real-life stories about gender identity and those interested in learning about being true to oneself.

• Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Julian, a young boy, dreams of becoming a mermaid. After seeing women dressed as mermaids, he creates his own mermaid costume, exploring his identity with the support of his abuela.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, self-expression, acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that celebrates individuality and unconditional love.
  • Perfect for: Young dreamers and creators who are exploring their own identities and those who appreciate supportive family narratives.

• Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian, illustrated by Mike Curato
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This delightful tale challenges traditional roles and norms through the story of two worms who love each other and want to get married, prompting their friends to question what roles they will play in the wedding.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of gender roles, creativity in problem-solving, acceptance
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses humor and simplicity to address the themes of love and marriage equality.
  • Perfect for: Children beginning to understand social roles and those enjoying stories that challenge norms in a fun way.

Challenging Lgbt Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: In a magical community where boys become shapeshifters and girls become witches, a young boy named Aster secretly learns witchcraft, challenging his community's rigid norms.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex themes of non-conformity and gender roles within an engaging fantasy context, requiring readers to think critically about societal expectations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling story that encourages understanding and acceptance of individual differences, wrapped in an adventurous magical tale.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in fantasy and magic, and those questioning traditional gender roles.

• The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Part of the "Heroes of Olympus" series, this book features a diverse group of young heroes navigating the underworld and coming to terms with their identities, including a significant exploration of a gay character's struggles and strengths.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of friendship, loyalty, and identity within a richly detailed mythological framework, demanding a higher level of comprehension and empathy.
  • Why we recommend this book: Offers a mix of thrilling adventure and thoughtful exploration of personal and social issues, encouraging readers to think deeply about friendship and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mythology, adventure, and stories that promote understanding of LGBTQ+ issues.

• Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the dual narrative of Lily, a transgender girl, and Dunkin, a boy dealing with bipolar disorder, as they navigate the trials of middle school and friendship.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles significant issues such as mental health, transgender identity, and acceptance, requiring readers to engage with emotionally complex and mature themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt story of resilience and friendship that offers a compassionate look into the challenges faced by young people with diverse identities.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are looking for stories about mental health, identity, and the power of friendship.

• Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Drama
  • Synopsis: Grayson, a transgender girl, struggles with her identity in secret until an opportunity to play a female role in a school play opens a door to self-acceptance and the challenge of revealing her true self to others.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores the emotional journey of a transgender protagonist with sensitivity and depth, presenting complex issues of identity and acceptance.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel provides a moving narrative that can help foster empathy and understanding, encouraging readers to embrace their true selves.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are exploring their own identities or seeking to understand the experiences of transgender peers.

• Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender
  • Genre(s): Magical Realism, LGBTQ+
  • Synopsis: Being born during a hurricane is unlucky, and twelve-year-old Caroline, living in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has had her share of misfortune. She's bullied at school, and her mother left one day, never to return. Caroline's search for her mother leads her to new friends and her first crush.
  • Why this book is challenging: It blends elements of magical realism with the real issues of abandonment, bullying, and same-sex attraction, requiring readers to navigate between what is real and what is metaphorical.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique story that combines an enchanting setting with the harsh realities of growing up, providing a narrative that is both captivating and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that blend reality with elements of fantasy and are dealing with or curious about complex personal and emotional challenges.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the colorful world of LGBT books for 10-year-olds, it's a brilliant opportunity to develop strong and positive reading habits. Here are some engaging exercises to enhance your reading experience and make the most out of every book. Let's get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Helps maintain a consistent reading schedule and builds anticipation for reading.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special corner or area in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and dedicated space that can enhance concentration and enjoyment.
  • Tips: Decorate your reading nook with cushions, good lighting, and maybe some posters of your favorite books.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the books you read with friends or family members.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the book’s themes and characters.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evoked in you during these discussions.

• Book Selection Day
  • What it is: Set a day to choose the next book to read.
  • How it helps: Makes the process of selecting a new book exciting and gives you something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Research books beforehand or ask for recommendations to make your selection day fun and informed.

• Reading Reflections
  • What it is: Take a few minutes after reading to reflect on what you’ve read.
  • How it helps: Helps deepen understanding and personal connection to the story.
  • Tips: You could write down your reflections or simply think about them quietly.

Remember, the key to building good reading habits is consistency and enjoyment. Use these exercises as a fun way to enhance your reading routine and make every book count. Happy reading!