Any book list is only as good as the teacher who reads them. In reality, any book could be on this list. What is maybe more important than reading these books is taking the time to unpack any book

your class reads. Gender roles and the gender binary come up in almost everything we share with our classes. It is important that we stop and teach students to think critically about gender no matter

which book they are reading. This is a list to get you started, but even some of the books on this list should be viewed with a critical lens. Happy reading!

Explore identity and intersectionality one letter at a time, including accessibility, gender, justice, LGBTQIA, privilege, sex, transgender, and ze! The colorful illustrations and simple, thoughtful definitions are relatable to kids of all ages.

A little boy is thrilled to have a relative with two identities: Uncle Leo, an accountant, and Auntie Lotta, a performer. However, a celebratory event for Lotta threatens to out her to her friends who only know her as either Leo or Lotta.

Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, & Anne/Andy Passchier

With illustrations that uplift and celebrate big bodies, disabled bodies, and body hair, this book celebrates all the ways people of varying gender presentation happily go about their lives (swimming, painting, being with friends). The rhyming text on each page repeats the refrain, "Bodies are cool."

A sweet ABC picture book featuring Rapper Lil' Nas X as a little kid in a bright pink cowperson suit and matching hat, from when he wakes up on the farm to when he goes to sleep. Illustrations by Theodore Taylor III.

Fred sneaks into his parents' separate closets and decides to use his mom's clothes to dress up. When his parents catch him, they decide to join in on the fun. Note: while this book does feature a male-identified child playing dress up in dresses and with makeup, the book is very binary-driven (it is made clear that dads wear suits and ties, and moms wear dresses and makeup).

In this sweet book about first crushes, Archie and Zack are friends who spent all of their time together, but neither can figure out the right way to reveal their love for the other. Archie decides to write a letter to Zack, revealing his feelings, but the letters keep falling into the wrong hands of other Z-named kids.

While traveling in a VW van, a young Brown child listens as their Grandad tells stories of he and Gramps (also Brown skinned), who recently died. Though Grandad is still grief-stricken, his grandchild convinces him to fix up the van and take a road trip.

Ho'onani doesn't see herself as wahine (girl) OR kane (boy) and feels comfortable "in the middle." The problem is, she wants to be a part of the traditional kane hula chant performance, but only boys are allowed.

Written in both English and Spanish, this delightful, affirming story features 10 year-old gender nonconfirming Frankie who lives with her Abuela and narrates their joyful day walking around their city. Frankie joins her chosen family for a parade and a potluck with food from a community garden. The book celebrates Black and Latinx history and culture and its detailed illustrations are excellent jumping-off points to conversations around these topics. **Note: Earlier editions may list the author as 'Molly Allis.' Their name is Sunny Allis.**

When Charlie decides to bring his bright red purse to school, his family and friends initially respond by reminding him of how boys should look and behave. But eventually, Charlie's unapologetic self expression inspires them express themselves, too.

Courtney Gonzalez and Diana Karczmarczyk

Older sister Susan assumes her sibling, assigned female at birth, is a girl. But when Jack gets old enough to speak, he tells everyone he is a boy. GIC Note: This book heavily reinforces the binary stereotype. It is a description of one type of transgender child, but does not represent the trans* community as a whole.

Jamie (of 'Jamie is Jamie: A Book About Being Yourself and Playing Your Way') goes out to eat with his Bubbie, but when Bubbie mispronouns someone, Jamie has to teach her about pronouns and respecting others' genders.

Julián sees mermaids while he is out with his grandma. When they return home he decides to dress up as one too. His grandmother surprises him by taking him back out to celebrate with the mermaids in the streets.

This rhyming picture book features Larry the Llama, who loves to dance. When he finds a secret group of other dancing llamas, he is overjoyed, but worries what the animals back at the barn will think of him. Ultimately, Larry realizes that everyone has characteristics that make them different and unique.

Fairytale/fantasy story: "When a fisherman's daughter inherits a map and joins the crew of a courageous female captain, a bond between them soon forms into love. Pursuing them on their high seas adventure is a fierce band of pirates, bewitched by a wicked Queen who is determined to keep her dark secret from surfacing."

Morris loves his tangerine-hued dress, but not all of his classmates agree with his choice. Morris' mom helps him to love his identity and clothing choices, and he returns to school with a renewed sense of self.