Children's books that defy gender stereotypes

When I’ve worked with kids in settings like Peace Camp, we talk a lot about gender. It’s so interesting to watch the ways that the kids both challenge gender stereotypes and reflect the ones they’ve absorbed from society.

Reading good books together is a wonderful way to defy stereotypes of all kinds. In our house, there’s no such thing as a “girl book” or a “boy book.” It’s also important to share with kids that there are more than two genders. My kiddo knows that some folks ask us to use they/them pronouns because that best expresses who they are.

This post shares the best children’s books (both picture books and chapter books) that help children unlearn gender stereotypes. Some address gender head on, while many of them quietly challenge notions about what it means to be masculine or feminine.

These engaging books for kids of all ages challenge gender stereotypes and becoming more accepting of themselves and other people. — Image description: A variety of children’s books covers are shown, with text overlay reading “Children’s books that defy gender stereotypes.”

Disclosure: For your convenience, this post includes affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I received a review copy of Too Small Tola from Candlewick Press in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

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Picture books that challenge gender stereotypes

Challenge prejudices that young children may already be forming with these anti bias books for preschool & kindergarten age kids. — Image description: Cover of *My Mama is Work of Art*. A young boy holds up a picture frame around his mother, a large woman with many tattoos, and black hair pulled back from her face.

My Mama Is a Work of Art by Hana Acabado.

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In this sweet book, a little boy describes in rhyming text the ways his mother herself is a work of art. Each of her many tattoos has a special meaning that proclaims she is “proud, out, and unashamed.” The illustrations challenge gender stereotypes about women’s beauty without having to directly point this out in the text.

Mama sets the example of being kind to everyone. Though people look different, each of them are also works of art. I also love that Mama is a large woman, though no direct references are made to her size. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. Filipino American author/illustrator.)

My Friend Robot by Sunny Scribens, Hui Skipp, and Norma Jean Wright

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In this fun-filled singalong book, kids build a treehouse with the help of their new robot, just built by the young Black girl who leads the group. Along the way, young children learn a lot about simple machines and how they are all around us.

The book includes a CD with different versions of the song, which is sung to the tune of “London Bridge is Falling Down.” Whenever I’ve used this book with preschool and kindergarten groups, it’s been a big hit! (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. White author.)

Looking for fun, engaging summer reading for young kids? This list of 15 diverse picture books is full of light-hearted reads that kids will love. — Image description: Cover of *Jabari Jumps*. A young Black boy wearing orange swim trunks and goggles looks over the edge of a tall diving board.

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

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So often, adults encourage boys to suppress their feelings. This is one of the earliest ways that children learn gender stereotypes.

When Jabari arrives at the pool, he announces to his dad that he’s going to jump off the diving board for the first time. Jabari assures Dad that he’s not scared at all, but his body language says otherwise. His father sensitively offers Jabari tools to overcome his fear, while also letting him know that it’s okay if it doesn’t want to jump. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. White author.)

Tell Me a Tattoo Story by Alison McGhee and Eliza Wheeler

Think tattoos are about being a tough guy? This tender conversation a father has with his young son will change your mind.

With tattoos that remind Dad of his favorite childhood book, to the words “be kind” that his own father used to tell him, each tattoo has a meaningful story. While some of the tattoos are elaborate, it’s the simplest one that the little boy loves the most. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7. White author.)

Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark by Allen R. Wells. Illustrated by DeAndra Hodge

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Growing up in the 1930s, Yvonne Clark ignored gender stereotypes about how she should dress or what she should be interested in. Often clad in overalls, she built enormous bridges on her bedroom floor and fixed any broken appliance in their home. Even when sexist policies denied her the opportunity to take certain engineering classes, she stayed confident in her ability to learn on her own. As an adult, Clark’s problem-solving skills at the Frankford Arsenal Gage Lab propelled her into a career at NASA, where she solved a key issue with the engines of the Saturn V rocket.

The text and expressive cartoon illustrations not only convey Clark’s tenacious spirit; they also give young readers an idea of how many repeated attempts and various solutions are required in the engineering process. (Recommended for ages 4 – 9. Black author.)

Click on the image above to learn more about the Anti-Bias Books Children’s Book Database

Looking for anti-bias, antiracist and social justice themed children's books? Find the best picture books of 2022 for diversity & justice in this list. — Image description: Cover of *Daddy Speaks Lov*e. A young Black girl with her hair in side ponytails wears a polka dot blue shirt and sits atop her father’s shoulders. He has short hair and a beard and wears a blue sweatshirt, and gazes up at her fondly as she smiles down at him.

Daddy Speaks Love by Leah Henderson. Illustrated by E.B. Lewis.

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With strong themes of justice and compassion, this moving poem celebrates fathers as they encourage, comfort, and teach their children, as well as speaking up for the rights of all kids. Lewis’ realistic watercolors show fathers of many races who are tender and accepting of their children. Many of the page spreads point to issues including Black Lives Matter and justice for immigrants. This uplifting book is a must-have for homes and classrooms. (Ages 4 – 8. Black author.)

Non-binary and transgender characters shine in these delightful picture books, graphic novels, and middle grade chapter books. — Image description: Cover of *Ho’Onani*. A Native Hawaiian girl with tawny colored skin, and long black wavy hair stands in a powerful stance as she gazes forward.

Ho’Onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale. Illustrated by Mika Song.

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This book is based on a true story, and points to the Native Hawaiian tradition of māhū, people who embrace both masculine and feminine traits and are valued as teachers of ancient traditions.

When Ho’onani learns that the high school kāne (boys) will be performing a traditional hula chant, she decides to audition even though she’s not in high school yet and people think of her as a wahine (girl.) At first the kāne of the troupe are surprised to see a wahine, but Ho’onani’s chant is so strong, sure, and steady that she’s chosen as their leader. As the night of their performance approaches, Ho’onani isn’t worried that some parents might not accept her leadership. However, she does wish that her sister Kana admired what she was doing. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. White author.)

Compassion and empathy aren't easy concepts to explain to children, but these inspiring picture books can show kids what compassion and kindness look like. Click through for the full book list and learn more about our free Kind Kids 5 Day Challenge, designed to increase your child's compassion in just a few minutes a day. #childrensbooks #empathy — Image description: Cover of Barefoot Books Children of the World. Many different paintings show children playing, eating, and spending time with their families.

Barefoot Books Children of the World by Tessa Strickland, Kate DePalma, and David Dean

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Primarily through its detailed illustrations of children at play, this book challenges stereotypes about whether activities, interests, and clothes can be defined by gender. There are also many children pictured who have a disability, as well as families with a number of different structures.

I can think of few other books that do such a beautiful and subtle job of celebrating the diversity of our world, while also helping children identify what we have in common as people. The illustrations are simply gorgeous, and children will love poring over them! (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. White authors.)

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino and Isabelle Malenfant

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Morris loves doing many things at school: painting, solving puzzles, and singing the loudest at circle time. But his favorite thing is to put on the tangerine dress in the dress-up corner. Its color reminds him of tigers, the sun, and his mother’s hair. He loves the swish and crinkle noises the dress makes when he walks.

His classmate Becky tries to pull the dress off of him, insisting that boys can’t wear dresses. The other boys won’t let him ride in their cardboard spaceship because “astronauts don’t wear dresses.” After a few days of this, Morris doesn’t feel so good. His mom lets him stay home from school. At home, he imagines going on a space safari while wearing the tangerine dress. When Morris goes back to school, he’s ready to be just who he wants to be and play how he wants to play. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. White author.)

These are the must have children's books that my son asks to read again and again. They're also the ones I love because they've built his literacy skills and opened his mind and heart to our diverse, amazing world. #childrensbooks #weneeddiversebooks — Image description: Cover of *The Boy Who Grew Flowers*. A white boy stands on a hill, holding bouquets of flowers in his hands.

The Boy Who Grew Flowers by Jen Wojtowicz and Steve Adams

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Rink Bowagon comes from a family of folks who have strange talents, and his classmates keep away from him. But no one knows about his own special gift. He sprouts flowers all over his body whenever the moon is full. What will happen when Rink has the chance to use his special talents to help a newcomer to their town?

This book is one of my favorites about sensitive, gentle boys. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8. White author.)

Drawn Together by Minh Lê and Dan Santat

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The first time I spotted this title at the bookstore, its stunning art called out to me!

It’s often hard for grandsons and grandfathers to connect with each other. That’s especially true for a Vietnamese American boy who doesn’t speak the same language as his grandfather. At first it seems like the day will be a total bust, with the two alternating between boredom and frustration that they can’t communicate. But when they discover a shared love of storytelling through drawing, everything changes.

Though this is a picture book, it will appeal to kids who love graphic novels too. (#ownvoices, recommended for ages 4 – 8. Vietnamese American author.)

One Day In June by Tourmaline. Illustrated by Charlot Kristensen.

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Bursting with the bright colors that Marsha P. Johnson loved to wear, this effusive picture book celebrates the activist’s impact on the movement for Black Trans Lives.

As children and their grownups prepare to take part in a huge 2020 march, they learn that the way people today “are exactly ourselves, no more, no less” is because of Marsha. I can’t think of a better phrase to challenge gender stereotypes!

Marsha’s generosity (even as she had few material goods), her humor, and her warmth shine through the pages. This story is not only a whole-hearted celebration of history; it is also an invitation to act today. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9. Black transgender author.)

Image description: Cover of *When Aidan Became a Brother.* A Black boy with taupe-colored skin and braids pulled back in a ponytail wears a rainbow colored shirt. He sits atop his father’s shoulders as his mother leans over to kiss him on the head. She is pregnant.

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita

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The first few years of Aidan’s life, he often felt misunderstood. People thought he was a girl, but Aidan knew he was a boy. Eventually, Aidan and his parents figured out just what kind of boy he was, and what made him happy.

So when his parents tell him that Mom is going to have a baby, Aidan knows his job as a big brother is to make sure the baby feels understood. But when the time comes for the baby to arrive, Aidan starts to worry. What if the baby doesn’t like the clothes and the nursery decorations he helped to choose? With his parents’ support, he starts to understand that being a good big brother doesn’t have to mean doing everything right. (Recommended for ages 5 – 9. White transgender author.)

Black women leaders | Diverse children’s books | Black History Month | Black girl magic — Image description: Cover of *Hidden Figures*. In front of a large moon and black sky with stars, four Black women dressed in clothes of the 1960s gaze forward confidently.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly and Laura Freeman

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In the years leading up to the space race between the United States and the USSR, “computers” were people who did high level math problems. This engaging picture book tells kids about four Black women leaders whose math skills kept countless pilots and astronauts safe during their missions.

Young readers will also learn how Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden had to push repeatedly to break through racial and gender barriers. For example, Johnson wanted to go to research meetings with the other experts on her team. Her boss refused, saying that women couldn’t attend. But Johnson’s dogged persistence eventually won her entry.

Mary Jackson wanted to become an engineer, but officials at aeronautics lab said it was impossible. She would need to take high level math classes at a school Blacks weren’t allowed to attend. Jackson persisted and became the first African American woman engineer in the lab. (Recommended for ages 5 to 10. Black author.)

These engaging picture books provide joyful representation of Jewish characters in the United States and the Middle East. — Image description: Cover of *Osnat and Her Dove*. An olive skin woman with long curly brown hair sits in front of a large open book, next to papers and an inkpot. She holds out one finger, on which rests a white dove.

Osnat and Her Dove: The True Story of the World’s First Female Rabbi by Sigal Samuel. Illustrated by Vali Mintzi.

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Nearly five hundred years ago, Osnat Barzani was born in what it today called Iraq. Osnat’s father, Rabbi Samuel Barzani, started a yeshiva where men spent their days studying the Torah. Though few girls learned to read at that time, Osnat told her father that since he didn’t have any sons to teach to read and he had a daughter who wanted to learn, why shouldn’t he teach her? Her father agreed.

When Osnat reached the age when she was expected to marry, she convinced her father that she must continue to have time to study the Torah. When he told potential suitors that Osnat would not be doing chores if they married, most quickly turned away. Her future husband Jacob agreed, and together they led and taught in the yeshiva her father had created.

After both Samuel and Jacob passed away, the community was ready to accept Osnat at their rabbi. Not only that, but stories of the miracles Osnat participated in were passed down for generations. (Recommended for ages 6 – 10. Iraqi American Jewish author.)

Does your child loves magical fairy tales? If you're worried that all those princess stories could be undermining your daughter's girl power, turn to these feminist fairy tales! Click through to find a lit of enchanting, empowering fairy tale picture books and chapter books for kids of all ages. #fairytales #childrenbooks #girlpower — Image description: Cover of *Thunder Rose*. A Black girl wears cowgirl clothes and holds out her incredibly long braids, which resemble lightning bolts.

Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen and Kadir Nelson

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From the moment Rose was born, she was powerful. The first child born “free and easy” in her family, she immediately captures a bolt of lightning and sets it on her shoulders. She even chooses her own name, announcing that she’s “right partial to the name Rose.”

Like many heroines, Rose is beautiful and has a sweet spirit. But it’s also quite clear during her heroic feats that match any tall tales that she is “full of lightning and thunder.” Not only does this book challenge gender stereotypes about girls and strength; it’s also an incredibly fun read! (Recommended for ages 6 – 10. Black author.)

When We Love Someone, We Sing to Them/Cuando Amamos Cantamos by Ernesto Javier Martinez and Maya Gonzalez

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Papi tells his son that “when we love someone, we sing to them.” Papi remembers how they sang to Mami on Mother’s Day, and pledges that when his son feels the joy of love in his heart for someone, he’ll help him sing.

That day comes and the little boy asks Papi if he can help him serenade the “boy bright brown” who brings him joy. This beautiful celebration of a first crush reminds children that love is love. (Recommended for ages 7 – 10. Mexican American Queer author.)

Chapter Books that Defy Gender Stereotypes

Image description: Cover of *The Last Mapmaker*. An Asian girl with shoulder length black hair and medium brown skin gazes out as she stands on the deck of an old-fashioned boat, a spyglass clutched in her hand.

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat.

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This adventure story combats gender stereotypes by featuring smart, brave girls and women as leaders without drawing attention to this being unusual.

In the fictional kingdom of Mangkon, having a gold lineal that proves your prestigious ancestry is the only way to achieve anything. Lineals aren’t given out until age 13, so until then Sai, daughter of a thief and con artist, is determined to hide her impoverished background as she works for the great mapmaker Paiyoon.

The Queen invites Paiyoon to join an expedition to find the mysterious Sunderlands, and Sai is shocked when Paiyoon asks her to accompany him. Here is her opportunity to escape her past. earn a lineal of honor, and to discover a new land no one in their part of the world has found. She soon learns that not everyone on board the ship – including Paiyoon – supports their mission, and Sai’s loyalty to her mentor is tested. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Thai American author.)

Max Loves Muñecas by Zetta Elliott.

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After admiring the elaborately dressed dolls in a shop window, Max wants badly to go inside. Eventually he overcomes his fear that other children will tease him and visits the muñeca shop. When young Max is drawn into a conversation with the owner, he learns he is not the only boy who loves dolls. After some coaxing by Max, Señor Pepe tells him the story of his unusual childhood in Honduras. As an orphan, he was taken in by an elderly dollmaker who helped him understand that sewing is a skill that he could be proud of. (Recommended for ages 7 – 10. Black author.)

Image description of Too Small Tola. A smiling African girl with short curly hair carries an enormous orange and green basket on her head, filled with market items.

Too Small Tola by Atinuke and Onyinye Iwu

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Tola may be small, but it’s no indication of her physical and mental strength! She takes after Grandmommy, whose nickname is Mama Mighty. In this delightful chapter book, Atinuke shows children modern day life in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria (challenging not only gender stereotypes, but stereotypes about Africa as well.)

My kid and I laughed out loud multiple times as Tola and Grandmommy carried home towers of goods from the marketplace. (Of course, they stop often to reward themselves with goodies, the news of which makes Tola’s lazy brother jealous.) Tola later showed her emotional strength when faced with a bully at the apartment’s water pump, inspiring her neighbors to stand with her. This book was a joy to read, as are all the books in the Tola series. (Recommended for ages 7 – 10. Nigerian author.)

Shop this list of children’s books that defy gender stereotypes on Bookshop.org.

Image description: Cover of *Lola Levine Is Not Mean*. A Latina girl wearing a soccer jersey stands with hands on her hips, a soccer ball trapped beneath her foot, as her brother stretches out beside it on the ground.

Lola Levine Is Not Mean! by Monica Brown and Angela Dominguez

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There are so many reasons Lola Levine is one of our favorite series, including the subtle reminder that girls and boys can be best friends. Lola loves to play soccer, and even though some of the kids don’t understand her, she has her best friend Josh.

But when Lola accidentally hurts another player on the field, suddenly she has a new, unwanted nickname. She’ll have to use her creativity to convince the other kids that Lola Levine is not mean! (Recommended for ages 6 – 9. Peruvian American author.)

Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence

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Jasmine Toguchi has a problem that younger siblings everywhere can identify with: she never gets to be the first to do anything! Just once, she’d like to do something that her older sister Sophie hasn’t already done.

Soon, Jasmine’s entire family will be arriving at her house, including her Obaachan who’s coming all the way from Japan, for the New Year celebration. Sophie is old enough to help the women of the family roll the special mochi dessert. But Jasmine can’t join in until she’s 10 years old, and that’s 2 years from now.

Suddenly, Jasmine realizes that she could do something that her sister has never done: help the men of the family pound the rice for the mochi. But can she break out of gender stereotypes and convince her father that’s she’s old enough and strong enough to join them? (Recommended for ages 7 – 10. Japanese American author.)

Image description: Cover of *Black Boy Joy*. A Black boy with twists and prominent ears smiles joyfully in front of a blue background.

Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood, edited by Kwame Mbalia

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Seventeen outstanding Black male and non-binary authors came together to share stories that celebrate Black boyhood, from ordinary experiences like skateboarding and dealing with first crushes, to ones that involve time travel and superhero battles.

My 9-year-old loved the stories in this book, and not just because some of his favorite writers like Lamar Giles and Jerry Craft are among the authors. (When the second story in the book is a series of arguments about which super heroes are best, my kid’s gonna be hooked.) The boys in these stories won’t be boxed in by stereotypes about Black young men. There’s a beautiful emotional depth to each story in the volume.

Many of the stories tackle tough topics like coming out to parents and grieving friends whose lives have been cut short. But even in these stories, it is joy, rather than trauma, that shines through in the end. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. Black authors. )

Image description: Cover of *Melissa*. The letters of “Melissa” are written in rainbow colors. A white child with short brown hair peeks out of the A.

Melissa (formerly published as George) by Alex Gino

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Many fourth graders have secrets about themselves that they’re afraid to tell others. But 10-year-old Melissa’s is bigger than most. She knows she’s a girl, even though everyone else thinks of her as a boy named George.

When it’s time to try out for the school play, Charlotte’s Web, she dreams of playing Charlotte. But her teacher says she can’t even try out for that role, since she’s a boy. She’s sure that if her mother can see her play Charlotte, she’ll understand that she’s a girl. So, she opens up to her best friend. They’re soon hatching a plot that they hope will help everyone understand who she really is. (Recommended for ages 8 – 12. White genderqueer author.)

The House That Lou Built by Mae Respicio

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Lou loves spending time with her large Filipino family. But it would be awesome to have some space of her own, something that can’t happen as long as she and her mother as living with her grandmother in her small house.

For a long time, she’s dreamed of building a tiny house on the land she inherited when her father died. After all, she’s a star in shop class, so she’s confident that she can figure it out. After her mother announces she’s looking for jobs outside of San Francisco (so they can find an affordable place to live), Lou realizes it’s time to put her plan into high gear. (Recommended for ages 9 – 12. Filipino American author.)

Princeless: Save Yourself by Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin

From the first time fairy tales are told to her, Princess Adrienne knows that they’re “hogwash.” When she becomes a teenager, her own father locks her into a tower, telling all the brave princes and knights to try to rescue her from a fierce dragon who guards the gates. Adrienne has no patience for the princes and the sexist, racist ideas they have about what a princess should be like.

When she finds a sword under her bed, she realizes that she and Sparks (her dragon) can be the ones to rescue princesses just like her who’ve been locked away. From the sarcasm to the feminism to the adventure, there’s so much to love in this story! (Recommended for ages 9 – 12. White author.)

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

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Frances is a talented young seamstress who dreams of making it big. Sebastian is a prince with a secret: he loves to wear elaborate women’s ball gowns. When Frances is quietly summoned to the castle by the one servant who knows Sebastian’s secret, a friendship and partnership in fashion grows.

But as Sebastian realizes he could soon be king, he becomes panicked about others finding out the truth. His obsession with secrecy is not only hurting him, it’s keeping Frances from achieving her dreams. Will Sebastian realize how he’s holding both Frances and himself back before it’s too late? (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. Chinese American author.)

Find the perfect read in this best middle grade books of 2024 list, including fantasy, contemporary & historical fiction, & non-fiction. — Image description: Cover of *Lunar Boy*. A boy with short, thick white hair and medium brown skin sits atop a pile of rugs, books, backpacks and more as he gazes toward the sky.

Lunar Boy by Jes and Cin Wibowo

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This unique graphic novel vulnerably tackles themes of culture, language, gender identity, loneliness, blended families, and more. Through emotional and honest text and dazzling, otherworldly illustrations, readers meet Indu, a transgender boy whose adoptive mother first finds him alone on the Moon. For years, they live on the Eyesun spaceship, where everyone is a friend to Indu.

But when they move to New Earth, Indu struggles to catch up in school with his limited Indonesian language skills. Kids keep warning him about the tutor he’s been assigned, but Aminah, a transgender girl, turns out to be a bright spot through painful struggles. After his stepfather misgenders Indu and his new pen pal (and first crush) Noah stops writing to him, Indu decides he should return to the moon. But as he waits for the right time to leave, the people of New Earth still have a lot to teach him about family and community. (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. Chinese Indonesian authors.)

These engaging & moving chapter books & graphic novels about American Indians are written by Native American authors for children ages 8 - 12. — Image description: Cover of *In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse*. The book title is inscribed inside a sun on a black background, with an eagle flying toward it and a horse with a rider beneath the eagle.

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall III and James Mark Yellowhawk

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Both white and Lakota classmates alike tease Jimmy McLean. With blue eyes and light brown hair, others question whether he’s really Lakota. Jimmy’s grandfather tells him that there was once a great Lakota leader who also had brown hair and light skin: Crazy Horse. Grandpa suggests that they take a journey this summer, to visit all the important places where Crazy Horse made history.

This slim novel tells an important chapter in U.S. history from a Native American perspective in an incredibly engaging way. It also challenges typical notions of masculinity by showing Crazy Horse’s compassion and bravery simultaneously. What was most meaningful to me about the book was watching the ways that Jimmy changes as he learns the history of his people. (Recommended for ages 10 – 14. Lakota author.)

The Moon Within by Aida Salazar

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Full of humor, heart, and tween awkwardness, this novel in free verse explores the many questions in 11-year-old Celi’s heart. She wonders when she’ll begin her period, yet dreads the moon ceremony her mother wants to hold with other women in her family. Mima reminds her that this is “a ritual taken away from us during so many conquests,” but to Celi, it just feels like sharing what should be secret.

When Celi’s best friend Magda shares that she is genderfluid, it’s surprising. After Magda shares how she feels about Celi’s crush Ivan, Celi at first thinks Magda shares her crush. Instead, Magda says that Ivan is the kind of boy she wants to be.

After Ivan publicly ridicules Magda, Celi’s loyalties are tested. (Recommended for ages 10+. Mexican American author.)

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