One of the most important roles that children's literature plays in kids' lives is to reflect their everyday experiences in a way that helps them understand the world around them, which is why it's so important for families of all kinds to be represented in books — and that includes families with gay parents. And while there is still an undeniable shortage of non-hetero moms and dads in YA today, there are several wonderful titles on the shelves that fit the bill!
The following novels feature LGBT parents who are real, three-dimensional characters and complex relationships kids from all kinds of families can relate to and learn from. Here's hoping there are many more to come!
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"The Marvels" by Brian Selznick
Part graphic novel, part old-fashioned adventure tale, this story from the Caldecott Medal-winning author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret starts out with a boy who survives a shipwreck in 1766 and develops into the exploration of a mysterious family of actors in 1900s England. Based in part on the true story of Dennis Severs, a gay man in London who died of AIDS.
"Lola and the Boy Next Door" by Stephanie Perkins
A traditional coming-of-age story in many ways (young girl tries to cope with her crush on the boy next door), this story's heroine has two hilarious dads to help her figure things out — or at least they try to help her!
"The Popularity Papers" by Amy Ignatow
Somewhat reminiscent of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, this super funny series chronicles Julie and her friend Lydia's attempts to transform into popular girls; Julie just happens to have two dads (adorably known as Dad and Papa Dad).
More from The Stir: Top 25 Picture Books to Read With Your Child at Bedtime
"Between Mom and Jo" by Julie Anne Peters
Two moms feel like too much for Nick when he finds himself caught between his feuding birth mother and her wife, Jo.
"The Last Exit to Normal" by Michael Harmon
Voted one of YALSA's Best Books for Young Adults in 2009, this is the story of Ben, who's struggling to deal with both his dad's coming out and starting a new life in Montana.
"From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun" by Jaqueline Woodson
From Newbery Honor Author Jacqueline Woodson, this is a sensitive and compelling look at one son's difficulties accepting his mother after she comes out as a lesbian.
More from The Stir: 10 Fun, Fabulous Book Characters That Every Little Girl Should Meet
"Happy Families" by Tanita S. Davis
A particularly relevant story right now, Happy Families is about a pair of twins — Ysabel and Justin — who are trying to deal with the discovery that their father is transgender and wondering what they'll do if he transitions.
"My Mixed-Up Berry Blue Summer" by Jennifer Gennari
At 12 years old, June is already an expert pie maker with her sights on winning a blue ribbon, but first she has to deal with the backlash against Vermont’s civil union law that's threatening the business run by her two moms.
"In Your Room" by Jordanna Fraiberg
A teen romance with a twist; the boy and girl in love have never met, but spent the summer in each other's rooms when their families swapped houses (the boy was also conceived by donor insemination and raised by two moms).
More from The Stir: 10 Mom-Approved Books on Puberty That Kids Will Actually Like
"My Life After Now" by Jessica Verdi
Heavy themes are handled with grace in this story of Lucy, an HIV positive teen who was adopted by two dads.
