Rainbow Reads: Celebrate Pride with Us!
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate love, identity, acceptance, and the right to be proudly and authentically ourselves. At Genius Juniors Bookshop, we believe in the power of books to build empathy, open minds, and help every child feel seen and valued.
That’s why this Pride Month, we’re highlighting a beautiful selection of LGBTQ+ inclusive books that celebrate diversity, history, family, and hope.
Our Pride Picks
🌈 ’Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick
A lyrical, heartwarming picture book that blends the magic of a holiday tradition with the rich history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
https://geniusjuniors.ie/products/twas-the-night-before-pride?_pos=1&_psq=twas+the+night+before+pride&_ss=e&_v=1.0
🌈 First Festivals: Pride
Part of the First Festivals board book series, this is a joyful, toddler-friendly introduction to Pride Month, perfect for even the youngest readers.
https://geniusjuniors.ie/products/first-festivals-pride?_pos=1&_psq=first+festival&_ss=e&_v=1.0
🌈 Grandad’s Pride by Harry Woodgate
In this gentle and joyful sequel to Grandad’s Camper, Milly helps her grandad and their community organise a local Pride parade, celebrating love and legacy across generations.
https://geniusjuniors.ie/products/grandads-pride?_pos=1&_sid=b9ca1586f&_ss=r
🌈 The Fight That Makes Us by Sarah Hagger-Holt
A compelling novel for older readers about activism, chosen family, and the fight for LGBTQ+ visibility and justice, all from a teen’s perspective.
https://geniusjuniors.ie/products/the-fights-that-make-us?_pos=1&_sid=f8bd8e01c&_ss=r
🌈 The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean
A heartwarming and hopeful middle-grade story about sisters, community, grief, and reclaiming joy through Pride, especially in places where it’s been silenced.
https://geniusjuniors.ie/products/secret-sunshine-project?_pos=1&_sid=05f14f0e0&_ss=r
Why Representation Matters
Books have the amazing power to help all children feel seen and understood. When kids find characters and stories that reflect their own experiences, it builds confidence and a sense of belonging. At the same time, reading about different people and perspectives helps children develop empathy and kindness. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate diverse stories because every child deserves to feel included and valued.
Here’s to raising readers who celebrate everyone.
Happy Pride!