2 days ago
RTÉjr Book Club: Read with Pride this month
Ruth Concannon, Publications Officer for Children's Books Ireland, is here with more great reading recommendations for all you RTÉjr Book Clubbers. And she tells us about a brand new reading guide too!
June is an exciting month for members of the LGBTQ+ community; you might spot some rainbow flags and bunting lining the streets, perhaps you are planning to take part in your local Pride march or simply spend time with loved ones. Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or know someone who is, June is a great month to celebrate and support the rights of this resilient community.
At Children's Books Ireland, we believe that it is essential that children and young people have access to inclusive books so that we can build a better, more compassionate world. This month, we have launched our annual Read with Pride recommended reading guide. This guide is suitable for readers aged 0–18 years and is filled with stories that reflect the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people. We hope that all readers can find a book within the pages of this guide to inspire, empathise and bring a sprinkling of joy to everyday life.
For this month's book club, we are highlighting six stories from our Read with Pride guide that feature families, friendship, joyful celebrations and supporting those we love. You can find physical copies of the guide at participating libraries and bookstores, or for more recommendations download the Read with Pride guide for free via
Croí an Teaghlaigh an Grá by Sophie Beer, translated by Shanna Ní Rabhartaigh and Gillian Nic Ionmhain, An Gúm, 24PP, ISBN 9781857919899
Leabhar beag ildaite nua-aimseartha a léiríonn cineálacha éagsúla teaghlach, bíodh sin beirt mhamaithe nó aithreacha, tuismitheoirí aonair, seantuismitheoirí, nó tuismitheoirí ar daoine de dhath iad. Léirítear seo sna pictiúir, a théann in éindí le téacs nach ndéanann tagairt don eagsúlacht seo. Tá abairt amháin ar gach dhá leathanach a deir cad is grá ann. Tá codarsnacht mhór sna dathanna. Oiriúnach mar leabhairín suaimhneach am codlata do theaghlach ar bith le leanbh óg – críochnaíonn sé ar 'Oíche mhaith' ach d'fhéadfaí é a léamh am ar bith. A super boardbook for our youngest readers that celebrates the love that makes a family. (Age 0–2)
Everything Possible by Fred Small, illustrated by Alison Brown, Nosy Crow, 32PP, ISBN 9781839948916
Beautifully lyrical this is a book that is a delight to read aloud and is based on the author's classic folk song. Strong and bold, or quiet and kind, this book celebrates all types of children with diverse messages about what boys and girls can be that will inspire and engage readers. With vivid, bright and gentle illustrations the message of the story centres around the idea that children can create their own dreams and make them as big as they want. (Age 2–4)
Our Big Day by Bob Johnston, illustrated by Michael Emberley, The O'Brien Press, 32PP, ISBN 9781788493147
Uncle David and his partner Simon have lived together with their fluffy dog, Bear, for a long time. They are due to get married. The narrator, David's young niece, explains that, in Ireland, everyone is now allowed to marry the person they love the most; this is since the Irish public voted for marriage equality. There is lots to do, to help Uncle David and Simon prepare for their wedding. This story is a celebration of love, of family and of a commitment to marriage equality. (Age 5–8)
So Devin Wore a Skirt by Shireen Lalji, illustrated by Lucy Fleming, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 32PP, ISBN 9780711298521
Nanabapa's birthday party is imminent, and Devin still hasn't decided on an outfit! But stepping onto the dance floor in front of the whole family in a twirly skirt is a step too far for Devin, who decides to hide the skirt under a ninja costume. But it's getting pretty hot under tension between Devin's delight at finding a way to be himself and his worry that it might upset his relatives is resolved through a well-balanced dynamic of agency and understanding. (Age 5–8)
A Year of Pride and Joy: 52 LGBTQ+ Voices Share Their Life Passions edited by Simon James Green, illustrated by Ruth Burrows, Magic Cat Publishing, 112PP, ISBN 9781915569394
This unique collection is a perfect resource for exploring new hobbies or seeking inspiration to find your passion. With fifty-two diverse, well-known people detailing what brings them joy in life, there's a 'joy' for each week of the year. It's fantastic to have a resource aimed at LGBTQ+ young people that introduces them to a variety of interests from people they can identify with and shows them that they belong anywhere their passion takes them. (Non-fiction, Age 8–10, 10–12)
The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat, Simon & Schuster, 336PP, ISBN 9781471199752
When Bea's sister Riley reveals she is attracted to girls, her family attend London Pride together, showing their support. But the family is left struggling as Bea's father passes away shortly after, leading to a move from London to the sleepy village of St Regent's Vale. Spirits are low, but they soon discover that happiness and Pride do not exist in London alone. The representation of LGBTQ+ culture throughout the novel is excellent and offers young readers a beautiful message of acceptance, tolerance and love. (Age 10–12)
Ruth Concannon is the Publications Officer for Children's Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child's right to develop a love of reading.
Their mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people in Ireland, to share their expertise and enthusiasm with the adults who guide and influence them, to champion every child's right to excellent books and live literature events and support the artists who make that goal possible across the island of Ireland.
