Read with Pride this year

At Children’s Books Ireland we champion diverse and inclusive books that best reflect the world, with characters of all genders and sexualities, families of all kinds.

Everyone deserves to see their story within the pages of an excellent book; representation matters, and as the canon of excellent books with queer representation for young readers continues to grow, we will continue to shout loud about the best of them and point out the gaps that still exist. Page by page, reading can help build greater empathy and understanding in all children and young people – an impact which cannot be underestimated. This month, we have launched our 2024 Pride Guide which is packed full of stories and non-fiction books celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. This guide is free to download from our website and features 100 reviews and a further 100 book recommendations for all ages from 0 through to 18.

While the guide contains stories of queer joy and identity it doesn’t shy away from the adversity faced by the queer community. Over the past 18 months, the Irish book sector has been met with opposition from small, staunch and vocal groups who enjoy whipping up panic and spewing antiLGBTQ+ sentiment. In the face of this, we remain steadfast in our solidarity and support, and unwavering in our commitment to defending writers’ and illustrators’ freedom of expression alongside readers’ right to access excellent, representative, inclusive books, free from unwarranted censorship.

Some of our favourite picks from this year’s guide follow. Discover the full selection from the authors and illustrators who bring these stories to life in our reading guide. We hope you Read with Pride today and every day.

Everything Possible by Fred Small

Illustrated by Alison Brown

Nosy Crow

Beautifully lyrical, this is a book that is a delight to read aloud and is based on the author’s classic folk song. Strong and bold, or quiet and kind, this book celebrates all types of children with diverse messages about what boys and girls can be that will inspire and engage readers. With vividly bright and gentle illustrations, the message of the story centres around the message that children can create their own dreams and make them as big as they want. Age 2+

My Momma Zo by Kelly and Zoey Allen

Illustrated by Tara O’Brien

UCLan Publishing

Addressing a big topic such as the transition of a parent can seem overwhelming, but this heartfelt, easy-to-read book makes a good start. Molly shares the story of how unhappy her Momma Zo was when she used to be called Daddy. Since becoming Momma Zo, she is much happier and so is everyone else. With colourful illustrations, through Molly’s eyes we see what is important about family: that they support and love one another, helping each other through good times and bad. Age 5+

Elaina Ryan. CEO of Children’s Books Ireland.

Growing Up: An Inclusive Guide to Puberty and Your Changing Body

by Rachel Greener Illustrated by Clare Owen

Nosy Crow

Written in line with the UK PSHE curriculum, the tone of this book combined with Clare Owen’s colourful illustrations makes it ideal for introducing children to the facts of puberty in an accessible and modern way. Bodily changes, gender identity and periods are all discussed without going into too much scientific detail and an additional reading section with a list of trusted sources is also provided. A must for parents, this is a gentle, open book which normalises puberty for everyone. Age 8+

The Fights that Make Us by Sarah Hagger-Holt

Usborne

Jesse, who has recently come out as non-binary, joins their mother at the funeral of their cousin, Lisa. When Jesse discovers Lisa’s diary, they are enthralled with Lisa’s secret life in 1980's UK and the protests against Section 28, a law which forbid the ‘promotion of homosexuality’. Told from two perspectives over two different time periods, this is an absorbing and fascinating reminder of the heartache and bigotry endured by the LGBTQ+ community in the '80s and the fights that still endure today. Age 12+

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman Translated by Eoin McEvoy

Futa Fata

Alice Oseman’s beloved graphic novel translated by Eoin McEvoy, which has exploded in popularity following the Netflix adaptation is now available as Gaeilge! Charlie and Nick are at the same school, but they’ve never met ... until one day when they’re made to sit together. They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn’t think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and Nick is more interested in Charlie than either of them realised. Readers who already love the series might enjoy rereading the text in Irish, while fluent speakers or readers who are trying to improve their Irish will love reading a contemporary LGBTQ+ tale that is both accessible and enjoyable in graphic novel format. Age 12+

The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar

Hodder Children’s Books

Donuts are not the only sweet thing in this young adult contemporary lesbian romance! Shireen Malik is reeling from a break-up with her girlfriend, so being chosen to take part in a national baking championship seems like the way to cheer her up – the only problem is, her ex also happens to be one of the contestants. With deft observations and pun-filled humour, Jaigirdar explores racism and the rise of online bullying while normalising queer identity. A very sweet read! Age 15+

Children’s Books Ireland is the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading. Their mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people in Ireland, to share their expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence them, to champion every child’s right to excellent books and live literature events and support the artists who make that goal possible across the island of Ireland.

For further recommendations for readers aged 0–18 years, visit www.childrensbooksireland.ie to download the 2024 Read with Pride Guide for free!