Books About Gender Identity

The Best Gender Identity Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about gender identity? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Graphic Nov.
The 57 Bus
Melissa
The Breadwinner
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 7 Favorite Books About Gender Identity

Jovita Wore Pants
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2023

Jovita Wore Pants

By Aida Salazar, Molly Mendoza (Illustrator)

A woman defies norms, disguises herself, and joins a war for freedom. Will her courage change history?

Caldecott Honor (2024)
48 pages· 913 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 972 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jovita dreams of freedom, not skirts. When her family joins the Cristero War, she's forbidden to fight. Undeterred, she cuts her hair, dons pants, and leads a battalion in disguise. As she challenges societal norms and battles for religious freedom, will her daring actions inspire change or lead to peril? Discover the true story of a revolutionary who defied expectations and fought for her rights.
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

By Deya Muniz

A disguised noblewoman and a princess find unexpected love amidst secrets and grilled cheese.

256 pages· 9,668 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 25,803 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Paperback
Summary: Lady Camembert, disguised as Count Camembert, seeks freedom in the Kingdom of Fromage. But when Princess Brie, known for her activism and style, captures her heart, secrets threaten their budding romance. Can Camembert maintain her disguise, or will love unravel her carefully woven identity? This romantic comedy explores mistaken identities, true love, and the irresistible allure of grilled cheese.
Jamie Is Jamie
Sale price
$1248
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Jamie Is Jamie

By Afsaneh Moradian, Maria Bogade (Illustrator) · Jamie Is Jamie series

A preschooler challenges gender norms through play, teaching peers empathy and creativity.

32 pages· 562 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 151 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Jamie, a spirited newcomer at preschool, defies gender norms by playing with all toys, sparking confusion among classmates. As Jamie navigates this, the children learn about cooperation and empathy. Will they embrace Jamie's perspective and redefine playtime? Discover how Jamie's journey challenges stereotypes and fosters understanding in this heartwarming tale.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

It Feels Good to Be Yourself

By Theresa Thorn, Noah Grigni (Illustrator)

Explore gender identity with a vibrant, child-friendly guide.

40 pages· 586 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,852 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Discover a world where gender is a spectrum in this vibrant picture book. With simple language and colorful illustrations, young readers learn that some people are boys, some are girls, and others are both, neither, or somewhere in between. This engaging exploration offers children and parents the tools to discuss gender identity with understanding and sensitivity. How will this new perspective change the way they see themselves and others?
The 57 Bus
Sale price
$1899
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2017

The 57 Bus

By Dashka Slater

A bus ride turns tragic, intertwining two teens' lives in a complex tale of justice and identity.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2018)Stonewall Book Award – Children's & Young Adult Literature (2018)
320 pages· 47,344 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 45,473 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In Oakland, two teens' lives collide on the 57 bus. Sasha, an agender teen, is set on fire by Richard, a fellow student. This reckless act thrusts them into a legal and moral spotlight, challenging perceptions of justice and identity. As the world watches, the lines between victim and perpetrator blur, revealing a deeper, more heartbreaking story. Can understanding emerge from tragedy?
Melissa
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Melissa

By Alex Gino

Melissa must reveal her true self to play Charlotte in the school play.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2016)
224 pages· 29,107 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 48,210 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Melissa knows she's a girl, but everyone sees a boy named George. Desperate to play Charlotte in the school play, Melissa faces a teacher's refusal. With her friend Kelly's help, she devises a plan to show the world her true identity. Will Melissa's courage be enough to change perceptions and claim her role on stage?
The Breadwinner
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2000

The Breadwinner

By Deborah Ellis · Book #1 in the Breadwinner series

A girl disguises as a boy to save her family under Taliban rule.

152 pages· 28,510 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 32,853 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, young Parvana faces a dire choice when her father is arrested. With her family on the brink of starvation, she must disguise herself as a boy to become their sole provider. As Parvana navigates a world of danger and deception, will her courage be enough to keep her family alive? Discover a tale of resilience and hope in the face of oppression.
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