At the end of last year, the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) issued new guidance on how to ensure that schools are friendly and inclusive places for gender diverse students and staff. Backed by leading LGBTQ campaign group Stonewall, the government and Ofsted, the guidance is the first of its kind in the UK, and covers key issues including harassment, discrimination, bullying and lack of visibility, and underlines the role and responsibilities of key leaders.
In order to make gender diverse students, teachers and pupils with trans relatives feel welcomed and positively represented, the guidance suggests that: “Primary school leaders may want to ensure books featuring trans parents or celebrating gender identity and difference are included in the curriculum.”
We have a collection of books that feature trans and non-binary characters, perfect for use with primary school pupils in the classroom.
This book introduces children to gender as a spectrum and shows how people can bend and break the gender binary and stereotypes. It includes an interactive wheel, clearly showing the difference between our body, expression and identity, and is an effective tool to help children 5+ understand and celebrate diversity. Read more.
‘A much-needed non-fiction children’s book exploring gender. Who Are You? will benefit every child!’
– Pamela Wool, Director of Family Services, Gender Spectrum
Are You a Boy or Are You a Girl?
Tiny loves costumes! Tiny likes to dress up as an animal, or a doctor, or a butterfly. Tiny also prefers not to tell other children whether they are a boy or a girl. Tiny’s friends don’t mind, but when Tiny starts a new school their new friends can’t help asking one question: “Tiny, are you a boy or are you a girl?”
This brightly illustrated book will open a dialogue with children aged 3+ about gender diversity in a fun and creative way. Featuring a gender neutral protagonist, the book imparts an important message about identity and being who you want to be. Tiny’s story will assist parents, family and teachers in giving children the space to express themselves fully, explore different identities and have fun at the same time. Read more.
Can I tell you about Gender Diversity?
Kit, a 12 year old who identifies as a boy, explains all about gender variance, the experience of medical transition and how his family, friends and school can support him. This illustrated introduction to gender diversity will be a helpful guide and discussion starter for children 11+, as well as for older readers. Read more.
‘A much needed piece of work! The pedagogies outlined in this book have made a positive, significant difference to the lives of young trans people in our schools. By following the practical strategies we can together begin the journey to inclusion. This guide will help you take the first steps to educate and then support you to create an environment that actively celebrates gender diversity! A definite go-to-guide for all schools.’
– Dr Elly Barnes MBE, CEO of Educate & Celebrate
All You Need Is Love
A charming celebration of the different kinds of families and relationships. Through colourful images and rhyming stories, the author depicts a range of families and lifestyles all grounded in love and acceptance. With light-hearted humour and positive discussion around diversity, this book promotes a healthy understanding of differences. Read more.
‘All You Need is Love is a resource that has been welcomed by primary school PSHE co-ordinators in Brighton & Hove as it offers enrichment to the current work they do on developing children’s understanding of the range of families we are all part of. The rich diversity of families covered by this book and the engaging way they are described make it a ‘must have’ resource for Primary PSHE.’
– Sam Beal, Partnership Adviser: Health and Wellbeing Families, Children and Learning (Education and Skills) Brighton & Hove City Council
Coming Soon
Vincent the Vixen
Vincent is a fox who is assigned male at birth, but who knows they are actually a girl. With the help of family and friends, Vincent begins to understand their gender identity and the importance of accepting and being authentic to who they truly are. Part of the Truth & Tails series for children ages 4-8. Read more.
The Prince and the Frog
This reimagining of a classic fairytale helps children understand that love isn’t always between a boy and a girl. Starring a prince who was magically turned into a frog and needs to find true love to break the spell, it is a funny, uplifting story that introduces the importance of equality and diversity to children aged 3-7. Read more.
How to Transform Your School into an LGBT+ Friendly Place
LGBT+ inclusion is not part of standard teacher training or induction, which makes it difficult for schools to provide inclusive learning environments, and support for LGBT+ pupils. Drawing on a Ofsted and DFE recognised ‘Best Practice Award Programme’, this book provides everything you need to know to make your school an LGBT+ friendly place. Read more.
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