Picture Books on Complex and Difficult Topics

A young child experiences sadness as if it were a visitor, acknowledging the emotion and suggesting activities to do with it.

Discusses death from a Christian perspective.

From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl's brain in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn't feel like herself in boys' clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way.

Lourdes shares their journey of being non binary and what it means.

Three-year-old Casey wants what his older sister, Jessie, has--a shimmery skirt, glittery painted nails, and a sparkly bracelet--but Jessie does not approve.

What makes a girl? What makes a boy? Do all girls have a vulva? Do all boys have a penis? The narrator of this story is a girl just like any other--even if she if often told she is not!

Join a young boy and his father on a daring journey from Mexico to Texas to find a new life.

An illustrated picture book autobiography in which award-winning author Yuyi Morales tells her own immigration story.

The girl has always loved Auntie Luce's paintings - the houses tucked into the hillside, colorful fishing boats by the water, heroes who fought for and won the country's independence. Through Haiti's colors, the girl comes to understand this place her family calls home.

Lubna's best friend is a pebble. Pebble always listens to her stories. Pebble always smiles when she feels scared. But when a lost little boy arrives in the World of Tents, Lubna realizes that he needs Pebble even more than she does.

What is it like to have to leave everything behind and travel many miles to somewhere unfamiliar and strange? A mother and her two children set out on such a journey; one filled with fear of the unknown, but also great hope.

Addresses whiteness, white supremacy, and resistance.

After discussing the police shooting of a local Black man with their families, Emma and Josh know how to treat a new student who looks and speaks differently than his classmates. Includes an extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers.

A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self. Also an Academy Award-nominated short film.

From Mommy's jazz beats to Daddy's classical piano, we dance with the twins through a book that explores what it is to be of mixed ancestry.

Aria loves her soft and bouncy hair, but must go to extremes to avoid people who touch it without permission until, finally, she speaks up. Includes author's note.

A young boy rides the bus across town with his grandmother and learns to appreciate the beauty in everyday things.

Lola has curly hair which is much bigger than that of other kids at her school, but she tells anyone who listens how much she loves her hair.

Two girls, one white and one black, gradually get to know each other as they sit on the fence that divides their town.

Mom and Dad say I'm a blend of dark and light: "We mixed you perfectly, and got you just right."

Explores questions and concerns about disability in a simple and reassuring way.

A little girl learns coping skills with the help of her grandmother, neighbors and school friends, when her mother's mental illness disrupts her daily routine.

A brother has so much fun with his big sister, who is slowly revealed to have special needs.

Toby and Clemmie look after each other, even when Clemmie has to go to the hospital again.

Charlie is like any other boy -- and he has autism.

Rhymes about zoo animals, connecting their characteristics to the major social skills characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Describes the life and accomplishments of animal scientist Temple Grandin

Using illustrations, full-color photographs and straightforward text, this nonfiction picture book introduces the topics of homelessness and poverty to young readers.

Gives a comprehensive introduction to the topic of prejudice.

Finding the Right Spot is a story for all kids who can't live with their parents, regardless of the circumstances

Introduces the concept of keeping a secret, in simple text with illustrations, as a number of children describe different types of secrets, good and bad.

Written to help children understand why some kids get new foster parents or new adopted moms and dads, with resources for adults.

Explains that all children are important and need safe places to live and play, and describes what foster parents do and how foster children may feel when placed in a foster home.

Sir Alfred has a terrible secret. A secret that should never ever be kept. But who will poor little sir Alfred tell? Who can he trust? This book was written to provide children with essential skills in self-protection, and to encourage them to always speak up.

When someone you love goes to jail, you might feel lost, scared, and even mad. What do you do? No matter who your loved one is, this story can help you through the tough times.

After her mother goes to jail, Deena's grandmother, father, and best friend all do their best to help her deal with her feelings of anger.

A wordless book about bullying.

This comforting story describes what happens to Zachary the kitten who is taken from his home when his mother is no longer able to care for him.

Maddi's fridge is almost empty, while Sophia's fridge is full of food. How can Sophia help her friend Maddi without breaking her promise not to tell anyone?

Abigail dreads swimming lessons. Every time she dives into the pool, she makes a big splash, and all the girls in her class shout: Abigail's a whale! Abigail's swimming teacher takes her aside and points out: we can change how we see ourselves.

A dog describes the emotional ups and downs of being in multiple foster homes and living in unfamiliar surroundings. Includes note to parents.

After Sherman sees something terrible happen, he becomes anxious and then angry, but when a counselor helps him talk about these emotions he feels better.

When Liza and Jeremy run to their mother during a scary storm, she comforts them by telling them about the Invisible String, which connects people who love each other no matter where they are and means that they are never alone.

A young girl and her grandmother visit the girl's father in prison.