Books
Adult Transgender Reading List
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Young Adult Transgender Reading List
Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher: Logan Witherspoon discovers his girlfriend cheated on him. His life changes with the arrival of Sage Hendricks, a new student forbidden to date. Sage later reveals she’s actually a boy.
Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and their Families: by Peggy Gillespie and published by Skinner House Books, celebrates trans and nonbinary individuals and their families through powerful stories and photographs, in collaboration with PFLAG National and the Transgender Legal & Defense Fund.
Freak Show by James St. James: Meet Billy Bloom, a new student at the elitist Dwight D. Eisenhower Academy and an extraordinary drag queen. At seventeen, Billy defies the norms of his ultra-white, ultra-rich, and ultra-conservative surroundings. With the support of a good friend, he stands up for outcasts and underdogs in his own bold and unique way.
Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonski: Grayson Sender harbors a secret: she is a girl trapped in the wrong body. The burden of this truth is heavy, as revealing it could lead to ridicule and rejection. However, with the support of an unexpected friendship and a caring teacher, Grayson must find the courage to embrace her true self.
How Beautiful the Ordinary by Michael Cart, et al.: Stories of now bridge the past and future, exploring contemporary views on love, sexuality, and gender identity. They reflect the possibilities for young people learning to navigate relationships in a changing world.
I am J by Chris Beam: J felt like a boy trapped in a girl’s body. As he grew up, he hid from everyone, including his family and friends. After losing his best friend, he decides to embrace his true self.
Jumpstart the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde: Elle, a loner, moves to a new apartment to avoid her mother’s boyfriend. She meets her gentle neighbor, Frank, and falls for him, but is shocked to discover he is transgender. When an accident threatens Frank’s life, Elle must explore the true meaning of friendship and her own identity.
Kids of Trans Guide from COLAGE: This free PDF is the first guide created by and for individuals with transgender parents. It offers stories, advice, and resources to validate your experience when your parent comes out as transgender.
Luna by Julie Ann Peters: Liam struggles with his daytime identity and longs to be Luna, the girl he dreams of being. In his basement, he transforms with his sister's clothes and makeup, but now he must face whether his family and friends will accept his true self.
Parrotfish by Ellen Whittlinger: Angela Katz-McNair surprises everyone when she cuts her hair, buys men's clothes, and decides to go by Grady. While Grady is happy to be true to himself, others struggle to accept the news.
Rethinking Normal: A Memoir in Transition by Katie Rain Hill: Nineteen-year-old Katie Hill shares her personal experience with gender reassignment in a straightforward and powerful manner.
Some Assembly Required by Arin Andrews: Seventeen-year-old Arin Andrews shares the funny, painful, and touching details of going through gender reassignment while in high school in this engaging memoir.
Children's Transgender Reading List
Be Who You Are by Jennifer Carr: This charming children's story, penned by a mom, shares her experience of raising her transgender child and how she helped the school provide support.
Gender Now Coloring Book by Maya Gonzalez: A coloring book designed for reflection and unity, featuring multiple genders standing together. It includes stories, pictures, games, and more to remind you that you are free to be!
I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings: A story about a transgender child inspired by Jazz Jennings' real-life experiences as a spokesperson for transgender kids.
If You Believe in Mermaids…Don’t Tell by A. A. Phillips: Todd Winslow just finished seventh grade. He struggles with his identity as a boy, often feeling he is compared to his father's idea of the ‘perfect son.’ Philips explores this complex gender issue in a sensitive way.
Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah Hoffman: This story highlights the challenges that boys face when they do not fit traditional gender roles.
Meet Polkadot by Talcott Broadhead: Polkadot, along with her sister Gladiola and friend Norma Alicia, shares the challenges and joys of being a nonbinary, transgender kid.
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino: Morris is a boy who loves using his imagination and wearing a tangerine dress at school. His classmates tease him, and one day he stays home feeling upset. At home, he dreams of a space adventure with his cat, Moo.
My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis: Dyson loves pink and sparkly things. He sometimes wears dresses and jeans. He enjoys wearing his princess tiara, even when climbing trees. He identifies as a Princess Boy.
Pinky and Rex and the Bully by James Howe: Pinky loves the color pink and his best friend, Rex, who is a girl. Kevin, the bully in third grade, says this makes Pinky a "sissy." Pinky secretly believes Kevin is wrong, but he’s still concerned. Does he need to stop enjoying his favorite things or lose his best friend?
Pugdog by Andrea U’Ren: Mike has a dog named Pugdog, and they are good friends. However, Mike mistakenly thinks Pugdog is a male pug when in fact, she is a female dog. Mike wants to teach her how to behave like a girl dog, but he doesn’t know much about dogs himself.
Sissy Duckling written by Harvey Fierstein and illustrated by Henry Cole: Elmer is different from the other ducklings; he loves baking and performing instead of playing sports. When a hunter injures his father, Elmer shows that even the "biggest sissy" can be a hero.
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson: Ferdinand is a gentle and lovable little bull who prefers smelling flowers under his favorite cork tree instead of playing rough like the other bulls. The simple story and charming drawings in The Story of Ferdinand make it a classic.
What Makes a Baby by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth: A wonderful children's book that explains the process of making a baby without focusing on gender.