On January 17, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States announced that it would hear the case of Mahmoud v. Taylor. The case involves nine LGBTQ picture books, including my book Pride Puppy. You can read more about the case here.
The nine books are listed below. For more information about each title, please contact the publishers.
Pride Puppy!
Robin Stevenson, author
Julie McLaughlin, illustrator
Orca
A young child and their family are having a wonderful time together celebrating Pride Day—meeting up with Grandma, making new friends and eating ice cream. But then something terrible happens: their dog gets lost in the parade! Luckily, there are lots of people around to help reunite the pup with his family. An affirming and inclusive book that offers a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year.
“This engaging introduction to Pride parades for the youngest readers successfully testifies to the warmth and power of queer community.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope
Jodie Patterson, author
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, illustrator
Crown Books/Random House
Penelope knows that he’s a boy. (And a ninja.) The problem is getting everyone else to realize it. In this exuberant companion to Jodie Patterson’s adult memoir, The Bold World, Patterson shares her son Penelope’s frustrations and triumphs on his journey to share himself with the world. Penelope’s experiences show children that it always makes you stronger when you are true to yourself and who you really are.
“This representation of a Black family and transgender child shines with joy and affirmation… A triumphant declaration of love and identity.” —Kirkus, starred review
IntersectionAllies: We Make Room for All
Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, Carolyn Chai, authors
Ashley Seil Smith, illustrator
Dottir Press
In poetic stanzas, IntersectionAllies introduces the stories of nine kids from diverse backgrounds. Each character’s story explains how children’s safety concerns are shaped by their intersecting identities, such as class, sexuality, dis/ability, race, religion, and citizenship—what is known in academic and activist circles as “intersectionality.”
“If ever a book belonged in every pediatrician’s office, clinic, daycare, shelter, classroom and home, this is it.” —Literary Hub
Jacob’s Room to Choose
Ian and Sarah Hoffman, authors
Chris Case, illustrator
Magination Press
Jacob, the beloved character who made national headlines by wearing a dress to school, is back in an encouraging story about gender expression. When Jacob goes to the boys’ bathroom, he is chased out—the boys think he looks like a girl because of the way he is dressed. His classmate, Sophie, has a similar experience when she tries to go to the girls’ bathroom. When their teacher finds out what happened, Jacob and Sophie, with the support of the administration, lead change at their school as everyone discovers the many forms of gender expression and how to treat each other with respect.
Winner of the 2020 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People by the National Council for Social Studies and Children’s Book Council Award.
Love, Violet
Charlotte Sullivan Wild, author
Charlene Chua, illustrator
Farrar, Straus & Giroux
Of all the kids in Violet’s class, only one leaves Violet speechless: Mira, the girl with the cheery laugh, who races like the wind. If only they could adventure together! But every time Mira comes near, Violet goes shy. As Valentine’s Day approaches, Violet is determined to show Mira just how special she is. Charlene Chua’s luminous watercolors bring to life this tender #LGBTQ+ picture book about friendship, love, and the courage it takes to share your heart–even when it’s pounding!
“A sweetly empathetic, child-friendly girl-girl romance.” —Kirkus, starred review.
What Are Your Words?
Katherine Locke, author
Anne Passchier, illustrator
Hachette/Little, Brown
Follow Ari through their neighborhood as they try to find their words in this sweet, accessible introduction to gender-inclusive pronouns that is perfect for readers of all ages.
★ “An affirming, conversational picture book that models the ease with which our language can adapt to gender diversity and pronoun use. A recommended first purchase for all libraries.” —School Library Journal, starred review
My Rainbow
Trinity and DeShanna Neal, authors
Art Twink, illustrator
Kokila
Warm morning sunlight and love fill the Neal home. And on one quiet day, playtime leads to an important realization:Trinity wants long hair like her dolls. She needs it to express who she truly is. So, her family decides to take a trip to the beauty supply store, but none of the wigs is the perfect fit. Determined, Mom leaves with bundles of hair in hand, ready to craft a wig as colorful and vibrant as her daughter is.
“A joyful family story that emphasizes the importance of listening and loving people for who they are.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Prince & Knight
Daniel Haack, author
Stevie Lewis, illustrator
Little Bee Books
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far from here, there was a prince in line to take the throne, so his parents set out to find him a kind and worthy bride. The three of them traveled the land far and wide, but the prince didn’t quite find what he was looking for in the princesses they met.
While they were away, a terrible dragon threatened their land, and all the soldiers fled. The prince rushed back to save his kingdom from the perilous beast and was met by a brave knight in a suit of brightly shining armor. Together they fought the dragon and discovered that special something the prince was looking for all along.
Uncle Bobby’s Wedding
Sarah S. Brannen, author
Lucia Soto, illustrator
Little Bee Books
When Chloe’s favorite uncle announces that he’s getting married, everyone is excited. Everyone except Chloe, that is. What if Uncle Bobby no longer has time for picnics, swimming, or flying kites? Chloe just wants to keep having fun with her favorite uncle, but she’s afraid everything is going to change. In this sweet, love-filled story, Chloe learns just what family means.
“A joyous, heartwarming, sweet—and essential—update.” – Kirkus, starred review