In recent years, at least nineteen states have enacted legislation that restricts the teaching of LGBTQ+ concepts in educational settings or allows parents to exclude their children from queer-inclusive lessons. Consequently, many LGBTQ+ children's books have been banned or restricted in schools, limiting young readers' access to stories that explore diverse identities and communities.
This censorship is particularly regrettable because these books offer rare portrayals of queer youth and their families, alongside vital lessons about love, identity exploration, and self-expression. To counteract these limitations, we've compiled a list of frequently banned LGBTQ+ children's books. These titles can serve as essential resources for parents and educators committed to presenting young learners with ideas and stories they might not encounter in their school curriculum.
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo
Written by Marlon Bundo with Jill Twiss, this book is a pro-gay parody of a children's book published by former Second Lady Karen Pence about her family's pet rabbit. In the story, Marlon Bundo, a boy bunny, marries another boy bunny, challenging the anti-gay sentiments symbolized by a bug resembling Vice President Mike Pence. A Florida school investigated a first-grade teacher for reading this book in class, since it wasn't on the approved reading list.
And Tango Makes Three
Authored by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, this real-life tale of two male chinstrap penguins raising a chick together at New York's Central Park Zoo is often banned. The book faced restrictions in Florida due to the state's "Don't Say Gay" legislation, prompting its authors to take legal action.
Call Me Max
Written by Kyle Lukoff, "Call Me Max" tells the story of a young trans boy navigating social transition at his elementary school, supported by his parents. It has faced challenges in schools, deemed inappropriate in Texas and leading to a Utah school district ending its literacy program following a teacher's classroom reading.
Daddy’s Roommate
This book by Michael Willhoite, published before marriage equality, follows a boy spending time with his divorced father and his partner. Despite its lack of adult content, a Florida school district removed it from their shelves in 2023, citing inappropriate material.
Heather Has Two Mommies
Lesléa Newman's iconic book follows a young girl with two mothers on her first day of school. Removed by a Pennsylvania school district for focusing on gender identity, this book remains a staple in LGBTQ+ children's literature.
I Am Jazz
Co-authored by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel, this illustrated memoir offers insights from Jazz's own experiences as a trans youth activist. Despite being one of the most banned children's books, it remains a significant resource for understanding transgender identity.
King and King
Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland's story of a prince who falls in love with another prince instead of a princess has been the subject of controversy. Parents in North Carolina objected to its content, highlighting ongoing resistance to LGBTQ+ themes.
My Shadow is Purple
Scott Stuart's international bestseller about a boy with a unique shadow that isn't defined by traditional gender colors faced backlash in Georgia, where a teacher was fired for reading it to students. The case reflects broader debates about teaching "divisive concepts."
Pride Puppy!
Robin Stevenson's colorful ABC picture book involves a mischievous puppy attending a Pride event. It was central to a legal case after its themes were challenged by religious parents in Maryland.
Stella Brings the Family
Authored by Miriam B. Schiffer, this book showcases the diverse structures of modern families, as Stella navigates a Mother's Day celebration with two fathers. It was prominently featured in New Jersey's Banned Books Read-A-Thon during Pride Month.
The fight for inclusive stories is ongoing. Book bans restrict access to diverse perspectives, limiting the visibility of different identities for young readers. By actively seeking out these stories, sharing them with children, and supporting the authors and educators who champion them, we can help ensure that all children see themselves reflected in literature and know they are loved and accepted.
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