8 Children's Books About Families with Same-Sex Parents

Some schools may try to ban or discourage talk about homosexuality or about families with homosexual parents, but that doesn't belie the fact that there's a growing number of children who have parents who are gay. If there's no discussion of the diversity of families and no encouragement of acceptance of people who are different, children who are gay or who have parents who are gay can feel more confused and alone than ever. And, as one young student said, "That's not fair!" Whether you're a teacher who would like to explore this issue in your classroom, or a parent who wants to discuss it at home, there are several helpful resources available. To get the conversation started, we wanted to highlight these 8 picture books about families with same-sex couples:

King and King by Linda de Haan and Stern Nijland. 2004. (32 pgs) Gr. 2-5.
A prince reluctantly agrees to marry, but none of the eligible princesses strikes his fancy...and then he meets Prince Lee.

Mommy's Family by Nancy Garden. 2004. (32 pgs). Gr. K-3.
When a classmate tells her "No one has two mommies," Molly is upset and confused. But as her mommies and teacher help her understand that all families are different, she becomes proud of her own family.

Antonio's Card/La Tarjeta de Antonio by Rigoberto Gonzalez. 2005. (32 pgs) Gr. 2-5.
With Mother's Day coming, Antonio has to decide what is important to him when his classmates make fun of the unusual appearance of his mother's partner, Leslie.

Daddy, Papa and Me by Leslea Newman.  2009. (20 pgs) Gr. Pre-K-1.
This board book with rhyming text shows a toddler spending the day with his/her daddies.

Mommy, Mama and Me by Leslea Newman. 2009. (20 pgs) Gr. Pre-K-1.
This board book with rhyming text shows a toddler spending the day with her/his mommies.

In Our Mothers' House by Patricia Polacco. 2009. (48 pgs) Gr. 1-6.
The oldest of three adopted children recalls their childhood with their mothers, Marmee and Meema.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. 2005. (32 pgs) Gr. K–2.
Two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo become mates and work to hatch and raise their own baby penguin. (Based on a true story.)

A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager. 2010. (32 pgs) Gr. 1-4.
A young girl describes how her two daddies help her through her day.

~ Marsha

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