LGBT Literature Set

The collection of books I chose for this final project all focus on the LGBT community in children’s literature. I chose a wide array of people included in this community such as two lesbian mothers where the young child struggles to explain or comprehend the structure of her family. Also, I have a separation of two parents where the dad becomes gay and has a man live with him and his son. My final book is about a middle school boy who figures out his identity and struggles to come out and be accepted at school and home. When I was trying to figure out what books to include for this project, I found it very difficult because there was a minimal selection to choose from. The problem is that there are many fantastic books out there about the LGBT community, but very few are chosen to be placed on the bookshelves at bookstores, libraries, and schools. The LGBT community should most definitely be included in the selection of children’s literature just as much as any multicultural group should be.

I have learned that the reason why the LGBT community is non-existent in children’s literature selections is mainly because parents have concerns about this “issue” being presented to their children. Parents have argued that an elementary school should not push the issues of the LGBT community and sexual orientation on children. However, we have to understand that this is not an “issue” but just as much of a multicultural group as any other ones are. Having a variety of books included in libraries is important so the books can reach all individual differences. This way children are able to compare characters and experiences to their own lives. As a child is figuring out their own identity, it is extremely important to have reassurance through books and media that they are not alone. If this huge chunk of LGBT literature is excluded from our public children’s literature selection what can the children who are part of the LGBT community or know someone or a family member who is a part of it, relate to? These books that I have selected for this project are wonderful novels and children’s books that should have the chance to be placed on our bookshelves in our future classrooms. These selected books can educate children who are unfamiliar with the LGBT community and help children who are figuring out their identity or family’s identity as a member of the LGBT community. Also, these books are just wonderful reads written by fantastic authors that should be included in literature selections at bookstores, libraries, and classrooms.