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Recently, the Supreme Court decided that parents should be able to opt their kids out of reading certain picture books in school—specifically, the ones that teach love, acceptance, and the wild idea that families can look different from your own. Apparently, stories featuring LGBTQ+ families, transgender kids, and fabulous drag queens are just too radical for public education. Well, we say: Opt-out THIS. Here is a list of the very books they’re afraid of—stories that raise kids to be kind, inclusive, and unafraid of the beautiful diversity in our world. Read them, gift them, and let’s build the next generation on love, not fear.

Lil Miss Hot Mess,
Olga de Dios Ruiz
Hardback
$18.99
$17.70
This playful, sing-along picture book reimagines the classic “Wheels on the Bus” song with a fabulously inclusive twist. Written by a real-life drag performer, it celebrates creativity, confidence, and self-expression through bright, bold illustrations and rhythmic fun. Perfect for parents wanting to teach their kids that everyone can shine just as they are, it encourages movement, joy, and embracing your inner sparkle—whether you swish, twirl, or sashay through life.

Lesléa Newman,
Laura Cornell
Paperback
$8.99
$8.38
This classic picture book gently tells the story of Heather, who has two moms. When she starts preschool, she notices that some kids have a mommy and a daddy, some have one parent, and some, like her, have two mommies. The book beautifully reassures children that what matters most is that their family loves them. It’s perfect for parents who want to raise kids with the understanding that families come in many forms, and all are special and real.

Laura Kate Dale,
Hui Qing Ang
Hardback
$19.95
$18.59
This gentle, empowering story follows Nisha as she learns to understand and overcome the “dysphoria monster” that makes her feel uncomfortable in her body. It uses a child-friendly metaphor to explain gender dysphoria, helping kids understand themselves or others with clarity and compassion. Ideal for parents wanting to foster empathy, support trans and nonbinary children, and affirm that being yourself is brave and beautiful.

Ellie Royce,
Hannah Chambers
Hardback
$18.99
$17.70
This joyful story is about a child’s beloved relative who is both an uncle and a fabulous drag queen performer. When a community problem arises, Auntie Uncle shows bravery and kindness in both roles, teaching that being yourself is the greatest superpower. Perfect for parents wanting to teach kids that people can have many sides to who they are—and that loving someone means celebrating all of them with pride.

Denise Brennan-Nelson,
Cyd Moore
Hardback
$16.99
In this sweet, beautifully illustrated story, Willow is excited about her favorite uncle’s upcoming wedding—to his boyfriend, David. She wants to make their day extra special and imagines all the ways to celebrate their love. This book is perfect for parents who want to normalize same-sex weddings for their children, showing that weddings are about love, family, and joyful celebration, no matter who is getting married.

Mary Hoffman,
Ros Asquith
Hardback
$17.99
$16.77
This vibrant, detailed picture book explores the many different kinds of families that exist around the world. From family structures and homes to holidays, schools, and feelings, it shows that no two families are exactly the same—and that’s something to celebrate. Perfect for parents wanting to raise children with a broad, inclusive understanding of the world, it nurtures empathy and appreciation for diversity in everyday life.

Theresa Thorn,
Noah Grigni
Hardback
$19.99
$18.63
This clear, compassionate picture book introduces young readers to the concept of gender identity. It explains that some people are boys, some are girls, some are both, neither, or somewhere in between—and all identities are valid. Ideal for parents who want to teach their children that understanding and accepting yourself and others is a beautiful part of being human.

Airlie Anderson
Board book
$7.99
$7.45
In the Land of This and That, everyone fits into two groups—until a little creature called Neither hatches. Neither isn’t a “this” or a “that,” and is told it doesn’t belong anywhere. But when Neither discovers a colorful land full of different kinds of creatures, it learns that being yourself is wonderful. Perfect for parents wanting to teach their kids about acceptance, inclusion, and the beauty of being unique, this gentle story celebrates all the ways we can exist in the world.

Michael Hall,
Michael Hall
Hardback
$19.99
$18.63
This clever, heartwarming story is about a crayon labeled “Red” who is actually blue inside. No matter how hard Red tries to be what others expect, things don’t feel right—until a new friend helps Red see his true color. Perfect for parents wanting to teach children about identity, self-acceptance, and celebrating others for who they really are, this book uses a simple metaphor to spark deep, affirming conversations.

Jessica Love,
Jessica Love
Hardback
$17.99
$16.77
This beautifully illustrated story follows Julián, who, after seeing women dressed as mermaids on the subway, dreams of becoming one himself. When he dresses up at home, his Abuela surprises him with love, acceptance, and a special trip to join the mermaids. Perfect for parents wanting to encourage self-expression, imagination, and acceptance, this gentle book celebrates the joy of being exactly who you are.

Ian Hoffman,
Sarah Hoffman,
Chris Case
Hardback
$17.99
$16.77
In this thoughtful follow-up to Jacob’s New Dress, Jacob and his friend Sophie face teasing when they use the bathroom that matches their gender expression. With the help of their teacher, their classmates learn that everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome. Perfect for parents wanting to teach children about respect, gender inclusion, and standing up for fairness, this book nurtures empathy and confidence in being yourself.

Marcus Ewert,
Rex Ray
Ebook
$9.99
This groundbreaking story follows Bailey, a child who dreams every night of wearing beautiful, magical dresses. But when Bailey shares these dreams, her family tells her that “boys don’t wear dresses.” Undeterred, Bailey finds friendship and understanding with someone who helps bring her dreams to life. Perfect for parents wanting to teach their kids about gender expression, courage, and the importance of supporting others to be who they truly are, this book is a powerful celebration of identity and creativity.

Linda De Haan,
Stern Nijland,
Linda De Haan,
Hardback
$18.99
$17.70
In this bright, playful fairy tale, a prince is told he must marry a princess—but none are quite right for him. Then he meets a visiting prince, and they instantly fall in love. The story ends with a joyful royal wedding. Perfect for parents wanting to teach children that love comes in many forms and fairy tales can celebrate all kinds of happy endings, this book brings warmth, acceptance, and fun to any storytime.

Daniel Haack,
Stevie Lewis
Hardback
$17.99
$16.77
This modern fairy tale follows a brave prince searching for a partner to rule beside him. When a dragon threatens the kingdom, he teams up with a courageous knight to save the day—and they realize they’ve found true love in each other. Perfect for parents wanting to share stories that celebrate courage, kindness, and LGBTQ+ love with their children, this book offers a heartwarming and inclusive happily-ever-after.

Carolyn Choi,
Chelsea Johnson,
Latoya Council,
Hardback
$18.95
$17.66
This beautifully illustrated, poem-like picture book introduces nine children from diverse backgrounds—spanning race, ability, gender, religion, and family structure—and shows how they support one another. It teaches that everyone deserves a welcoming space and that solidarity helps build strong, inclusive communities. Perfect for parents who want to nurture empathy, awareness of intersectionality, and the practice of allyship in their young children

Charlotte Sullivan Wild,
Charlene Chua
Hardback
$19.99
$18.63
This tender, beautifully illustrated story follows Violet, who has a crush on her classmate Mira. She wants to give Mira a special Valentine but feels too shy. With warmth and gentle courage, Violet finds a way to share her feelings. Perfect for parents wanting to show children that love can be sweet, brave, and come in many forms, this book celebrates first crushes, kindness, and the beauty of being true to your heart.

Robin Stevenson,
Julie McLaughlin
Board book
$10.95
$10.21
This joyful, colorful ABC picture book follows a family and their puppy as they attend a Pride parade. Along the way, their mischievous puppy gets lost, and they search through the bustling celebration to find him. Perfect for parents wanting to introduce young children to Pride celebrations in a playful, accessible way, it teaches alphabet skills while celebrating love, family, and LGBTQ+ community with bright, engaging illustrations.

Jodie Patterson,
Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Hardback
$17.99
$16.77
This inspiring true story, written by activist Jodie Patterson about her son Penelope, follows Penelope as he shows his family who he truly is: a strong, confident boy. It beautifully captures his bravery, his family’s journey to understanding, and the power of self-acceptance. Perfect for parents wanting to raise children who are compassionate, open-minded, and affirming of transgender identities, this book is a loving celebration of courage and being yourself.

Sarah S. Brannen,
Lucia Soto
Hardback
$17.99
$16.77
This sweet, affirming story follows Chloe, who worries that Uncle Bobby won’t have time for her anymore when he marries his boyfriend, Jamie. As she spends time with them, she realizes she isn’t losing an uncle—she’s gaining another one to love. Perfect for parents wanting to introduce young children to same-sex marriages in a warm, family-centered way, this book celebrates love, change, and the joys of expanding family.
Special Note to the Justices Who Voted for This Ruling:
Screw you and thank you for reminding us exactly why these books matter. May your world remain small while ours grows bigger, brighter, and full of stories that show ALL of the loving families in our country.