LGBTQ+ booklist: inclusive stories for ages 5 to 14

Being able to access a diverse and inclusive reading experience is important for all children. This can enable children to see themselves and their own families reflected in the stories they read, and to gain insight and understanding about the experiences of other people, contributing to building empathy and connection.

Celebrating Pride Month in June

Stories that represent the LGBTQ+ experience can, and should, be shared all year round.

However, the month of June marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month. and this presents a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on books that reflect and celebrate LGBTQ+ identities, communities, and experiences.

Pride month is a UK-wide celebration that honours the 1969 Stonewall riots, and works to promote the affirmation, dignity, equality and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identities and communities.

Explore our LGBTQ+ booklist

Our booklist has been carefully compiled by our expert Young Readers Programme team. It is split into three age categories:

• 5 to 7 years (KS1, P2/3)
• 7 to 11 Years (KS2, P4-7)
• 11 to 14 (KS3, S1-3)

Each title is accompanied by a short summary and includes details of both reading age and interest age, to help you gauge the best choices for your own class, setting or school library. Download the full list from the files section below.

Find more ideas and support

To find more booklists covering a range of topics, genres, formats and ages, visit our Young Readers booklists page.

You might also like to catch up on recordings from our Diverse Libraries webinar series. These webinars feature a range of expert guests discussing how to create a more inclusive reading experience for all children and young people, and ways to respond to challenging conversations that may arise from the books that you share.