For families looking to explore LGBTQ+ themes in a positive and accessible way, there are lots of books and podcasts that offer engaging stories, diverse characters, and valuable lessons about acceptance and love. Whether you’re looking to introduce these topics to young children or searching for more complex narratives for older kids, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few we picked out!
LGBTQ+ Friendly Books for Children and Families
Here are few recommended reads by Penguin publishers for children and families that explore non-traditional families and relationships.
1. The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery & Laura Catalán
Charlie Challinor is finding life quite overwhelming at the moment. He’s getting bullied at school, his dads are looking into adopting another child, and Charlie is scared of pretty much everything. Posing the question, how is he going to look out for his new little brother or sister when he can’t even stand up for himself?! But when Charlie unexpectedly becomes the guardian of firefox cub Cadno (the last of his kind) and must protect him from an evil hunter from another world, Charlie discovers he has more fire in his belly than he thought.
This debut tale from author Lee Newbery is a fantastic heart-warming fantasy and draws inspiration from Newbery’s own experience of going through the adoption process with his husband.
2. The accidental diary of B.U.G by Jen Carney
Follow Billie Upton Green over an eventful couple of weeks. First of all, a new girl called Janey McVey joins her class and she’s a bit of a show-off; then someone steals a purse at Billie’s school, and then, most importantly of all, Billie’s mums announce they are getting married! As well as being hilarious in her diary entries, we love Billie’s no-nonsense approach when it comes to questions (particularly those from Painy McVey) about her mums; “Mum says narrow-minded people sometimes take more time to get on with.”
3. Love Frankie by Jacqueline Wilson & Nick Sharratt
Teenage life can be pretty tough – particularly for almost 14-year-old Frankie. Her mum is seriously ill with MS, her dad has left their family, and Frankie has to contend with former friend Sally and her gang of bullies every day at school. But following a particularly heated altercation, Sally does a U-turn and rekindles her friendship with Frankie. Although suspicious at first, Frankie is happy to be friends again. But the more time they spend together, the stronger Frankie’s feelings get. Is she falling in love with Sally? This is a wonderful first love story from LGBTQIA+ author Jacqueline Wilson and great for young teens who are beginning to discover their own identity.
4. Finn Family Moomintroll by Tove Janasson
The Moomintroll family is back for another adventure in the third book of the Moomin series. First of all, Moominpappa finds a magic hat that turns out to have some unusual powers. And then two strange creatures called Thingumy and Bob turn up in Moominvalley, having stolen the King’s Ruby from the ghost-like Groke.
The Moomins are beloved the world over, but did you know that there are many queer themes within Tove Jansson’s famous Moomin universe? One example being the characters Thingumy and Bob – they are actually based on Jansson and her first love Vivica Bandler.
For more LGBTQ+ books like these please visit the full Penguin blog here
LGBTQ+ Friendly Podcasts for Children and Families
Podcasts are a fantastic way to engage children and families in meaningful conversations about LGBTQ+ topics. Here are some UK-based podcasts that are making a positive impact:
1. Some Families
Some families have two mums, some families have two dads, there are countless iterations of what different families look like today.
2. Adoption, Fostering & Tea: The New Family Social podcast
Adoption and fostering chat with people who’ve done it, from the UK’s LGBTQ+ adoption and fostering charity,
New Family Social.
YAA have professional membership with New Family Social which gives all our LGBTQ+ families, FREE gold membership! Visit
New Family Social – Home for more information and to sign up.
3. The Proud Parent Club
Sanjay Sood-Smith (he/him) is joined by different guests each week to discuss all aspects of family building and LGBT parenting for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people.
4. Same Sex Parents
Although created in 2014, this brilliant BBC Radio 4 podcast is still very much relevant!
Mary Smeeth, herself a mother of 2 boys brought up in a same sex relationship, talks to a number of couples to find out the challenges of conceiving and raising these children.
For fans: Actors Sophie Ward and Charlie Condou share their experience in the podcast!
Why Representation Matters
Representation in media is crucial for the healthy development of all children, especially those who might not see themselves reflected in mainstream content. LGBTQ+ friendly books and podcasts offer children and families a chance to explore diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding from a young age. For LGBTQ+ families, these resources provide validation and visibility, helping children to feel proud of their identity and their family structure.
In a world where inclusivity is increasingly important, these books and podcasts are making a significant contribution to how children learn about and understand the diverse spectrum of human experience. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these resources are valuable tools in nurturing a more accepting and inclusive generation.
If you’re looking to build your family’s library or find engaging stories for your next road trip, these LGBTQ+ friendly books and podcasts are an excellent starting point. With vibrant stories and relatable characters, they offer the perfect mix of entertainment and education for all ages.
If you have any books or resources you have found helpful for your family, why not leave us a comment and help others!
