October is LBGTQ+ History Month. The American Psychological Association publishes award-winning books for kids and teens exploring LBGTQ+ history and features biographies that focus on pioneering figures who fought for diversity and acceptance. Explore our collection:
The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford—Ally, Activist, and Co-Founder of PFLAG by Rob Sanders
This is a true story of parental support and unconditional love. When the son of Jeanne Manford, the cofounder of PFLAG, was beaten by New York City officials for handing out pro-gay leaflets, Manford wrote a powerful letter that was published in the New York Post. She came out as the mother of a gay son. Morty invited his mother to march with him in the June 1972 Christopher Street Parade. While marching, she had the idea to form a group to help parents and families of LGBTQ+ people. That was the beginning of PFLAG. Check out the book.
“In the tradition of picture books centered on a parent-child bond, rhythmic repetition reinforces messages of love and acceptance in this biography of PFLAG cofounder Jeanne Manford (1920–2013).” – Publisher’s Weekly
Hear 13 celebrities read The Mother of a Movement aloud.
Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX by Jen Barton
Title IX was designed to fight injustice based on gender. Today its protections extend to the transgender community. This lively, engaging biography drives home the message that it doesn’t take a person with power to make a difference. More often, it takes determination. When confronted with injustice, regular people can effect change. This book includes extensive backmatter about how to be an activist. Check out the book.
Read an interview with the author.
Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt by Rob Sanders
Mentored by Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones first had the vision for what became the AIDS Memorial Quilt during a candlelight memorial for Milk in 1985. Along with friends, Cleve created the first panels for the quilt in 1987. The AIDS Memorial Quilt grew to be one of the largest public arts projects ever and helped grow awareness of HIV and AIDS. The Quilt is an iconic symbol of hope and remembrance and is Jones’ shining achievement. It has since toured the world and been seen by millions. Check out the book.
★ “Its story is beautifully captured in the book’s smooth pacing and brief paragraphs. Readers will follow its journey from that march as it becomes both a monument to mourning and a means of changing the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS…the book is pretty darn impressive. Storytelling and history, beautifully stitched together.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
Read an excerpt from the discussion guide.
Hear Stitch by Stitch read aloud.
Evelyn Hooker and the Fairy Project by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD
This evocative biography tells the story of Evelyn Hooker, the extraordinary woman behind the research, advocacy, and allyship that led to the removal of the “Homosexuality” diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Check out the book.
“A true story of true allyship… this offers helpful materials for young researchers and audiences curious about LGBTQ+ history… Offers interesting information on a lesser-known hero.” —Kirkus Reviews
Read an excerpt from the Note to Readers about becoming an ally.
Sewing The Rainbow: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD
Sewing the Rainbow is the powerful story of Gilbert Baker and the creation of the rainbow flag. Follow the journey of a boy from a small Kansas town who made his gray life sparkle, unfurling a rainbow of color to galvanize the gay rights movement. Includes a Reader Note that provides a more in-depth discussion of the beginnings of the gay rights movement and a more detailed look into Gilbert Baker’s place in our shared history. Check out the book.
“A colorful tribute to Gilbert Baker…creating the rainbow flag after a conversation with Harvey Milk. The art is beautiful and bright, transitioning powerfully from a subdued Kansan landscape to a flamboyant Bay Area…It’s clear this book has a lot of love for the flag’s promise.” —Kirkus Reviews
When You Look Out the Window: How Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin Built a Community by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD
When You Look Out the Window tells the story of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, one of San Francisco’s most well-known and politically active lesbian couples. Describing the view from Phyllis and Del’s window, this book shows how one couple’s activism transformed their community — and had ripple effects throughout the world. Includes a Reading Guide that provides helpful historical context, and a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators about the importance of teaching LGBTQ history and culture to children. Check out the book.
“Extensive information about Lyon and Martin’s activism, marriage equality, and San Francisco itself (contained in a readers’ note) offers a useful overview of LGBTQ history and women’s rights.” —Publishers Weekly
This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD
In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBTQ community, This Day in June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united. Also included is a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBTQ history and culture, as well as a Note to Parents and Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways. Check out the book.
“It is a children’s book about queer history and diversity. I love that it teaches tolerance and acceptance and makes pride something everyone can celebrate. The book also includes a reading guide for parents.” —Erica Anderson, The Advocate “40 Under 40” Most Important Books of the Last Decade
Related Books from Magination Press
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Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX
In 1969 Bernice Sandler was finishing her doctorate in education at the University of Maryland, teaching part-time at the university, and trying to secure a full-time position. Despite her excellent credentials, it became clear she wasn’t even being considered. But why? she wondered.
“Let’s face it,” a male colleague said, “you come on too strong for a woman.”
Those fateful words brought sex discrimination home for Sandler. Facing it herself, front and center in her own workplace, meant she could no longer be ambivalent about women’s rights. She could no longer buy the media coverage of feminists as “man-hating,” “abrasive,” and “unfeminine.” But what could she do? Sandler soon discovered that none of the obvious laws prohibiting discrimination covered sex discrimination in education. Sandler’s work led to the passage of Title IX—making it illegal, once and for all, for a federally funded institution to discriminate against someone based on their sex, including in education. This had a profound effect on women in the workplace, in school, and in sports.
Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX drives home the message that it doesn’t take a person with power to make a difference. More often, it takes determination. When confronted with injustice, regular people can effect change. Also includes extensive backmatter about how to be an activist written in partnership with Know Your IX, a survivor- and youth-led project of Advocates for Youth that aims to empower students to end sexual and dating violence in their schools.
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Evelyn Hooker and the Fairy Project
“She’s another Eleanor Roosevelt. You’ve got to meet her.” —Sam From
This evocative biography tells the story of Evelyn Hooker, the extraordinary woman behind the research, advocacy, and allyship that led to the removal of the “Homosexuality” diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. A pioneering psychologist, Hooker was also a poet herself and a towering figure in LGBTQ+ rights. Written by Stonewall award-winning author Gayle Pitman, Hooker’s groundbreaking work is captured like never before.
At the end of the book, a “Note to Readers” provides information about how to be an effective ally to LGBTQ+ people; other endmatter included are a timeline, discussion questions, reading list, and additional resources, written by Sarah Prager.
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The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford–Ally, Activist, and Co-Founder of PFLAG
The Mother of a Movement is a true story of parental support and unconditional love. It tells the story of Jeanne Manford, the cofounder of PFLAG. When her son Morty was beaten by New York City officials for handing out pro-gay leaflets, Manford wrote a powerful letter to the New York Post to complain about how Morty was treated. In the letter she came out as the mother of a gay son. The letter was published. Morty invited his mother to march with him in the June 1972 Christopher Street Parade. While marching, she had the idea to form a group to help parents and families of LGBTQ+ people. That was the beginning of PFLAG.
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Sewing the Rainbow: The Story of Gilbert Baker and the Rainbow Flag
Follow the journey of a boy from a small Kansas town who made his gray life sparkle, unfurling a rainbow of color to galvanize the gay rights movement.
Includes a Reader Note that provides more in-depth discussion of the beginnings of the gay rights movement and a more detailed look into Gilbert Baker’s place in our shared history.
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Stitch By Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt
From the blanket that his great-grandmother made for him as a boy, to the friends he gathered together in San Francisco as a young man, to the idea for a monument sewn of fabric and thread, Cleve Jones’ extraordinary life seems to have been stitched together bit by bit, piece by piece.
Mentored by Harvey Milk, Jones first had the vision for what became the AIDS Memorial Quilt during a candlelight memorial for Milk in 1985. Along with friends, Cleve created the first panels for the quilt in 1987. The AIDS Memorial Quilt grew to be one of the largest public arts projects ever and helped grow awareness of HIV and AIDS. The Quilt is an iconic symbol of hope and remembrance and is Jones’ shining achievement. It has since toured the world and been seen by millions.
This evocative biography is a touching tribute to Jones’ life of advocacy, the positive effects of a community working towards a common goal, and an inspiring story for young readers. Includes a timeline and extensive back matter.
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This Day in June
This day in June…
Parade starts soon…
Rainbow arches…
Joyful marches!In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBT community, This Day In June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united.
Also included is a Reading Guide chock-full of facts about LGBT history and culture, as well as a Note to Parents and Caregivers with information on how to talk to children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways.
This Day In June is an excellent tool for teaching respect, acceptance, and understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
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When You Look Out the Window: How Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin Built a Community
When You Look Out the Window tells the story of Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, one of San Francisco’s most well-known and politically active lesbian couples. Describing the view from Phyllis and Del’s window, this book shows how one couple’s activism transformed their community — and had ripple effects throughout the world.
Includes a Reading Guide that provides helpful historical context, and a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators about the importance of teaching LGBTQ history and culture to children.
This is a unique way to introduce children to untold stories in history while also being a clever tribute to two notable women.
