Happy Pride!! 6 books to help you celebrate!

Happy Pride!!

June 1st marked the beginning of Pride Month and I've got 6 books to share!  We are already out of school, so I am reading these to my son, Murphy, this week.  My thoughts and prayers go out to anyone still in school!!  Having to write June anything on the whiteboard is a crime!!

First up is Love is Love by Michael Genhart.

(click on the images of this book to view on Amazon)

A story about a child who talks with a friend about his family, saying that people question if he has a "real family" since he has two dads, rather than a mom and a dad.  They discover that their families really aren't that different at all.  I really enjoy the way this book doesn't sugar coat anything or talk around the issue; it goes right into an honest discussion about his dads being gay and him feeling proud that they are his family.  There are even several pages at the end with advice and talking points for teachers and parents.  If you want to have a great, straight-forward conversation with your class, this book is the way to go!

Next is And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson.
 

(click on the images of this book to view on Amazon)

This book tells the true story of Roy and Silo, two male penguins at the NYC Central Park Zoo who hatched and raised an abandoned egg, who the zookeepers there recognized as a couple just like every other penguin family at the zoo.  It is a really sweet story about the two penguins as they raise their baby, Tango.  This is a great book for kids to identify with because they see these two daddy penguins just as they would any other animal family.

Third on my list is A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O'Leary.

(click on the images of this book to view on Amazon)

This is a really cute book where everyone in the class describes their family.  One lives with her grandmother, one has two dads, one has a mom and dad who've known each other since they were little.  This is the perfect book to start conversations about how we are all different and alike in many ways we might not realize.  This would be a great way to start a writing unit about families as well!!

Next up is Pink Is For Boys by Robb Pearlman.

(click on the images of this book to view on Amazon)

This book needs to be read in ALL classrooms and homes!!  It's really time to eliminate the thought that there are "boy colors" and "girl colors".  With a Kansas State alumnus husband, we've got plenty of purple in our closets- for all of us to wear!

The last two on my list are by the amazing Todd Parr!!  Love him and all of his books!!!  His illustrations are so fun and his message behind every story is always one of acceptance and love for everything unique and special!

I love The Family Book.  Such a fun book about celebrating differences!!

(click on the images of this book to view on Amazon)

Last is It's Okay To Be Different.

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This is perfect for Pride, but it's also one of my favorites to read during the first week of school!!  It's such a great way to kick off a unit about what makes us all unique and special.  So many writing ideas can stem from this book, too!

I really hope you'll read any or all of these books with your class and your own children at home.  We have had so many great conversations with Murphy, and he's only 4.  I know there is still a lot of work to be done, but I am so glad that he is growing up in a time where these books are available for all to read and learn from!

{Disclaimer- All of the titles and images contain affiliate links, which means I receive a tiny commission from the purchase of these books, at NO additional cost to you!  Thanks for supporting my future book purchases!}