Just in time to celebrate Pride month, a children's book called "This Day in June" has been published to teach children (and parents) about LGBT culture and history. The colorful and educational new book was published by Magination Press, the children's division of the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest and most prestigious publisher of books in psychology, mental health, and development.
As the APA's first children's book covering issues of sexual orientation and gender diversity, the book is geared toward preschool and school-age children to showcase diversity and build understanding. Each page illustrates a section of a pride parade with different groups of people marching, holding banners, and riding on elaborate floats. But on top of the pretty pictures, there is a four-page reading guide that answers questions, such as "Why is Pride month in June?" (Answer: The timing honors the June 1969 Stonewall riots). The book also contains pages of advice for parents and caregivers on how to talk to children and teens about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Author Gayle E. Pitman, PhD, a professor of psychology and women's studies at Sacramento City College, wrote the story after noticing students in her psychology of sexual orientation classes knew very little about LGBT history.
"Many of them don't know what the pink triangle means, the significance of the rainbow flag, they don't know what Stonewall is," says Pitman, who covers each in her detailed reader's guide. Pitman was also motivated by the lack of children's books about LGBT diversity or families.
Magination Press editor Kristine Enderle said, "The book reflects a climate that is changing and more accepting. With more and more celebrities and athletes coming out and restrictive and discriminatory marriage laws being challenged, parents are eager for ways to talk to their children about the LGBT community."
So order your copy now, and start reading and learning!