In honour of Pride Month, Children’s Books Ireland has launched their annual Pride Reading Guide. This resource includes over 200 books narrating LGBTQ+ stories for readers aged 0–18. These new and well-loved stories celebrate queer love, joy and identity, with the list including titles written in both English and Irish. Each book was selected for its portrayal of diverse LGBTQ+ experiences.

The list was released by Children’s Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that supports every child’s right to develop a love of reading. They curated the list of stories with the goal of building empathy, understanding, and solidarity in their young readers.

In recent months, far-right groups have tried to forcibly remove some LGBTQ+ young adult books from libraries and bookshops. Additionally, recent research from Belong To demonstrates that 76% of LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe at school.

Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said: “Now, more than ever, it is critical that we continue to review and recommend books that foster a spirit of inclusion and empathy, including those with LGBTQ+ themes and by LGBTQ+ authors – not just for LGBTQ+ children and young people, but for everyone.”

“The Pride Reading Guide 2023 is a ringing endorsement of the positive change that’s occurred within the publishing industry in recent years, and we welcome the opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness of these brilliant books,” Ryan added.

One of the top picks for this year’s guide is Croí an Teaghlaigh an Grá by Sophie Beer. Shanna Ní Rabhartaigh and Gillian Nic Iomhain translated this board book into Irish. The book shows that love brings families together no matter what they look like, and it’s written for young babies.

Young readers will also enjoy Mr Wolf Goes to the Ball by Tatyana Feeney. This story teaches children aged 2+ about self-confidence as Mr Wolf exercises his personal choice to select a ballgown over a tuxedo to wear to the ball, thanks to some encouragement from a friend.

Making a Baby by Rachel Greener and Clare Owen is an inclusive guide about how people welcome children into their families. It explains IUI, IVF, and surrogacy by depicting diverse families and is an educational book for readers aged 5+.

Jamie by L.D. Lapinski tells the story of a non-binary student who is told that their class will be divided into separate schools for boys and girls. Jamie bravely fights for their right to attend a school that accepts them as they are. This book is for readers aged 9+.

This year’s collection also includes Irish LGBTQ+ charity ShoutOut’s guide called Glórtha Aiteacha – Queer Voices. This new resource aims to promote mental well-being, resilience, and queer joy by offering essays for LGBTQ+ young people as they navigate the joys and challenges of growing up and coming out. With original essays and poetry about community, loneliness, and mental health journeys, the book offers comfort and reassurance, reminding LGBTQ+ youth that even though growing up can feel isolating, you aren’t alone.

The complete list of books included in this year’s Pride Reading Guide is available now and free to download from the website of Children’s Books Ireland.