Did you know that around 1.6% of U.S. adults identify as nonbinary? It’s a number on the rise, particularly in younger generations, as gender identities outside the male-female binary — including genderfluid, agender, and two-spirit — are becoming more widely known, understood, and accepted. This is especially promising for nonbinary kids, as children begin to understand their own gender and how it influences expression as early as 3-4 years old.
With that in mind, one excellent way for caregivers and educators to support gender safety and exploration is to introduce and normalize the concept of nonbinary genders, and these ten picture books are here to do just that.
Neither: A Story About Being Who You Are by Airlie Anderson
Starting off our list with a much-loved standard of nonbinary-themed picture books, this story opens in a land where there are only two types of critters: blue bunnies and yellow birds. That is, until the day that an animal hatches that is a bit of both and yet neither: a green creature with the body of a bird and the ears and tail of a bunny. Neither tries to force themselves to fit into one of the two groups, but it never feels right — until they meet a community of creatures who welcome them to a Land of All.
Dancing with Water by Gwendolyn Wallace, Illustrated by Tonya Engel
Kit’s grandpa has the ability to “dance” with water; that is, to divine for water and dig wells for people in their town. However, as factories and companies begin to exploit the area’s natural resources, water becomes harder to find, discouraging Kit. Grandpa encourages them, though, letting Kit listen for the water themselves. And when Kit suddenly feels the power of the water under the earth, he feels proud that he has his Grandpa’s ability, too. A beautiful look at African American heritage, as well as a moving parable for trusting one’s natural instincts.
Ho’onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale, Illustrated by Mika Song
Young Ho’onani has never felt like much of a wahine (girl), the gender she was assigned at birth, but she’s not a kāne (boy) either; she’s happy just to be Ho’onani. Yet when the opportunity to join a traditional hula chant troupe is offered, Ho’onani is interested, despite it being something typically only open to kāne. Ho’onani works hard, however, and becomes the leader of the troupe; but how will the people react to her leading the chant? Based on the documentary A Place in the Middle, this moving story explores many aspects of Hawaiian heritage, including the cultural importance of māhū (nonbinary people).
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea by Kai Cheng Thom, Illustrated by Wai-Yant Li and Kai Yun Ching
Miu Lan was born at a magical time, when both the moon and the sun were in the sky, so it would follow that they are a bit magical themselves. They can shapeshift into anything they imagine, from fish to flowers to shooting stars; in fact, they can never decide on one form, so they frequently shift into a blend of what makes them feel happy. But what doesn’t make them happy are the kids at school, who exclude and even bully them for their differences. Yet with the love of their mother, Miu Lan finds the courage to be themselves, gaining friends who accept them for exactly who they are.
Marley’s Pride by Joëlle Retener, Illustrated by DeAnn Wiley
Every year, Marley’s grandparent Zaza goes to Pride, and while Marley would love to join them, they are too nervous about the big crowds and loud noises. This year is going to be different, however, as Marley is determined to see Zaza accept an award from the local LGBTQIA+ community. Armed with adaptive devices and regulation tools, Marley braves the celebration, but still struggles with the overwhelming sensory input. However, Zaza and some new friends are there to help Marley, reminding them that Pride isn’t just a party; it’s a community that is there to support those who need it.
Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson, Illustrated by Daniel Sousa
Oftentimes, nonbinary genders are incorrectly thought of as a “new” concept, and this stunning retelling of an Indigenous Hawaiian legend is an excellent example of why that belief is unfounded. Taking place in the 15th century, the book recounts the tale of four Mahu — spirits who were neither male nor female — sailing from Tahiti to Hawaii to share gifts of healing and knowledge. Based on the authors’ gorgeous short film of the same name and told in both Olelo Niihau and English, this beautiful tale offers critical nonbinary representation in folklore as well as a powerful ode to Hawaiian history and heritage.
A Song for Nolan by Rushie Ellenwood, Illustrated by Sally Chen
Nolan is excited to attend a friend’s birthday party at the skating rink and dons a bright pink feather boa to match their hair. At the party, however, their anxiety begins to build: they overhear one of the other guests referring to them as a boy, and when the DJ calls for a Boys-only then Girls-only skate, Nolan feels left out. Both a reassuring encouragement for nonbinary kids to advocate for themselves and a gentle reminder to create inclusive spaces for all genders, this colorful tale is one that readers of all ages can benefit from.
47,000 Beads by Koja Adeyoha and Angel Adeyoha, Illustrated by Holly McGillis
As Auntie Eyota is tucking Peyton into bed one night, Peyton makes a confession: she no longer wants to perform the jingle dance at Pow Wow. Auntie is surprised: she knows that Peyton loves to dance. Peyton begins to cry, claiming that there are no dances for “kids like me.” Thankfully, Auntie knows just what to do: she consults her two-spirit friend, L, and together they form a plan to create a special regalia and dance for Peyton. A thorough introduction to two-spirit identities that is both authentic and affirming, this is a beautiful exploration of how important community can be for children exploring their gender.
A Kids Book About Being Non-Binary by Hunter Chinn-Raicht
Yet another fantastic entry to DK’s A Kids Book About series, this introduction to the concept of nonbinary genders is written and designed in the series’ trademark no-frills, no-nonsense approach. In partnership with the nonprofit The GenderCool Project, nonbinary performer and advocate Chinn-Raicht gives young readers a crash course in nonbinary genders that covers everything from assignment at birth, gender expression, and even bigotry with child-friendly language and engaging color-block visuals. Like most of the A Kids Book About titles, this one covers a lot of ground yet remains accessible to young readers.
Over the Shop by JonArno Lawson, Illustrated by Qin Leng
A small child and their grandparent have an apartment to rent above their home and shop, but prospective tenants are repeatedly frightened off by the work that would need to go into it. One couple, however, is ready to take on the challenge, and in doing so, they begin to connect with the child and slowly melt the gruff exterior of the grandparent. This wordless picture book offers a touching ode to the families one can build through community and kindness, while subtly acting as proof that gender — as none of the characters’ genders are explicitly identified — matters very little to the tender heart of a story.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy these books and that they give you the space and courage to accept and explore gender outside the binary in your own lives. Happy reading!
Looking for more picture books that explore nonbinary and trans identities? Be sure to check out our article on Timely Children’s Books With Fantastic Transgender Representation!
For all of our reading recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
