Child development experts say that children develop their own sense of gender identity early on. But some kids and adults may find the topic of gender identity challenging or confusing, especially regarding transgender or nonbinary people. Luckily, there are a bunch of great children’s books with trans and nonbinary characters who can help demonstrate the concepts in simple and playful ways.

While the eight titles below are just a few of the children’s books with trans and nonbinary main characters, we’ve chosen picture books that would especially appeal to young readers. But don’t be fooled — just because they were written for young readers, they have a lot to teach people of all ages, no matter their gender identity.

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20 exceptional LGBTQ+ children’s books your kids should read immediately

I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings 

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I Am Jazz is a picture book version of Jazz Jennings’ life as a transgender child. She says that she knew she was a girl from the time she was 2 years old, and her parents accepted her and let her live as she wanted. The book is great for kids experiencing gender identity issues, or for those who have a friend who is and want to better understand them.

Introducing Teddy by Jess Walton

Introducing Teddy is a tender exploration of friendship, understanding, and gender identity. Teddy, a teddy bear, confides in his friend Errol that she is actually a girl bear named Tilly. Errol’s supportive response models how we can accept and respect others’ identities; after all, a person’s friendship and happiness are what matter the most.

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff

This transgender children’s book, written by a trans male author, is about a family that accepts their trans child named Aidan. Aidan wants to make everything right for the birth of his new sibling, but what if he prepares something that doesn’t feel right for them?

Not only is this book one of the few transgender children’s books that feature a main character of color, but it’s also one of the few that shows a trans kid reflecting on their own gender expectations of others. If you like this book, consider checking out Lukoff’s Call Me Max, a book about a younger child’s gender exploration.

I’m a Girl! by Yasmeen Ismail

The donkey-eared girl in this book is loud, competitive, messy, fast, and strong — but everyone keeps mistaking her for a boy! Luckily, she’s proud and knows there’s more than just one way to express yourself in this world. While this award-winning book has joyful and energetic watercolor illustrations and a refrain that invites young readers to read along, its message is universal and timeless for all sorts of readers.

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis

This sensitive and compassionate book lovingly praises a four-year-old boy who likes to wear pink dresses, dance like a ballerina, and has a loving relationship with his older athletic brother. But when someone laughs at the boy’s style, the narrator asks the reader if they would do the same or if they would play with him and treat him kindly. It’s a great conversation starter for how we treat people who may look and act differently than how others expect.

Who Are You?: The Kid’s Guide to Gender Identity by Brook Pessin-Whedbee

This straightforward educational book starts with a pregnant person being asked, “Is it a boy or a girl?” but soon explains, “Gender is much more than the body we were born with.” After explaining that personal expression and identity can both change as someone grows up (or even from day to day), it asks young readers to point out interests and activities that they like and introduces the basic concept of cisgender and the gender spectrum.

For a similarly educational book that discusses the gender binary head-on, check out Meet Polkadot by Talcott Broadhead.

I’m Not a Girl: A Transgender Story by Maddox Lyons and Jessica Verdi

The young child in this transgender children’s book doesn’t wanna dress up “pretty” for picture day or Halloween — he’d rather dress like a pirate. But when he tries to explain that he’s not a girl, his own parents and friend don’t seem to understand.

Gradually, he builds the courage to tell them he’s a boy. The climactic conclusion shows the struggle and courage it takes for young people to express their transgender identity, especially when those closest to them don’t initially seem so accepting.

Pugdog by Andrea U’Ren

Mike the human loves watching his dog, Pugdog, chase squirrels and roll in mud in the park. But when his veterinarian tells Mike that Pugdog is actually a girl, he starts expecting Pugdog to look and act “like a lady.” The humorous conclusion shows that Mike has a lot to learn and that all animals (including humans) do best when they’re free to be themselves.

The lasting impact of trans & nonbinary representation

These books are small windows into how kids see themselves and each other. When a story includes a transgender or nonbinary character, it quietly expands what’s possible for every reader, no matter their age. For trans and gender-diverse kids, that reflection can be grounding and even life-changing; for others, it’s an early invitation to understand the world with more empathy and less assumption.

For parents, educators, and allies, reading these stories together is a chance to nurture empathy and curiosity early on. Conversations about gender don’t have to be intimidating; they can begin with laughter, color, and the simple act of turning a page. When kids learn that self-expression and acceptance are part of growing up, they carry those values well beyond the classroom or bedtime.

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