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Books for Gender Identity & Expression for Ages 8–11 – Wonderlit | Wonderlit

Browse → Ages 8–11 → Life Moments → Gender Identity & Expression → Ages 8–11

Books for Gender Identity & Expression for Ages 8–11

As your child navigates the middle grade years, they are often moving through a quiet, internal process of defining who they are and how they want the world to see them. These 140 books offer a safe space for readers aged 8 to 11 to explore complex questions about gender and self expression with the nuance this developmental stage requires. You can use these stories to support their growing independence and provide the language they need for their own evolving journey.

137 books

Cover of Gracefully Grayson

Gracefully Grayson

Grayson steps out of her dreams and into the spotlight of the school play, finding the courage to show the world who she

Cover of Brady Mason's Perfect Fit

Brady Mason's Perfect Fit

For the child who feels like they are outgrowing the boxes they were placed in. Brady navigates the high-pressure world

Cover of Ana on the Edge

Ana on the Edge

For the child navigating a world of rigid labels, this story explores the courage it takes to define your own identity w

Cover of Camp QUILTBAG

1 2 3...6

Popular Series in This Category

Lumberjanes (Novels)

3 books in this category

2 books in this category

Camp QUILTBAG

Nicole Melleby, A. J. Sass

For the child searching for their 'people,' this story offers a joyful, inclusive look at identity, friendship, and the

Ages 8–12

Cover of Rick

Melissa and Friends #2

Middle school brings new questions for Rick as he steps away from a bullying best friend and into a club where kids are

Cover of Batcat

For the child who feels they don't quite fit into a single box, this spooky adventure celebrates the joy of being exactl

Cover of Ellen Outside the Lines

Ellen Outside the Lines

For the child who thrives on routine but feels the world is shifting as friendships change and new perspectives on ident

Cover of X: A Fabulous Child's Story

X: A Fabulous Child's Story

For parents seeking to challenge gender stereotypes or support a child who feels restricted by social labels.

Cover of The Midwinter Witch

The Witch Boy #3

The Midwinter Witch

Molly Knox Ostertag

For the child navigating how to stay true to themselves while honoring family traditions and evolving friendships.

Cover of The Witch Boy

The Witch Boy #1

Molly Knox Ostertag

Aster is supposed to be a shapeshifter, but he is secretly drawn to the forbidden magic of witchery usually reserved for

Cover of Riley Reynolds Slays the Play

Riley Reynolds #1

Riley Reynolds Slays the Play

For the child exploring their gender expression or navigating school social dynamics while pursuing a creative passion.

Cover of Dear Mothman

After losing his best friend, Noah writes letters to a mysterious forest cryptid to find a place where he truly belongs.

Cover of The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For the teen navigating the pressure of societal expectations and the courage it takes to live authentically while findi

Cover of Fred Gets Dressed

Fred Gets Dressed

For the child who loves the tactile joy of dress-up and the parent looking for a warm way to celebrate creative self-exp

Cover of Alanna: The First Adventure

Song of the Lioness #1

Alanna: The First Adventure

Alanna swaps places with her twin brother to pursue a forbidden dream of knighthood, disguising herself as a boy to trai

Cover of Desert Queen

Jyoti Rajan Gopal

For the child who feels most alive when they are moving to their own beat and needs to see that their unique self is a g

Cover of Be Your True Self

Social Justice and You #1

Be Your True Self

Maribel Valdez Gonzalez

For the child who feels pressure to fit in or hide their true feelings. A supportive guide to celebrating your unique id

Cover of The Girl from Earth's End

The Girl from Earth's End

Henna leaves her solitary home on a quest for a rare miracle seed that could save her family. Detailed spot illustration

Cover of Where the Heart Is

Where the Heart Is #1

Where the Heart Is

For the child navigating the silent stress of family money troubles and the confusing shift from childhood play to teena

Cover of Ghost Cabin

Lumberjanes (Novels) #4

Mal and Molly stumble upon a hidden cabin full of ghosts, leading the Roanoke campers into one final supernatural myster

Cover of The Good Egg

Lumberjanes (Novels) #3

Summer camp at Roanoke cabin gets wild when young Ripley finds an abandoned egg and must protect it from a group of dete

Cover of Band Together

ND Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, Kat Leyh

River monsters, magic, and myths await five girls at a summer camp that is anything but average as they trade canoe padd

Cover of The Moon Is Up

Lumberjanes (Novels) #2

The campers at Miss Qiunzella’s are preparing for a massive competition when a literal Moon Pirate arrives to join the c

Cover of Julián Is a Mermaid

Julián Is a Mermaid

Julián transforms a yellow curtain into a tail and a fern into a crown as he dreams of the magic and joy found in being

More Ages 8–11 Books

Books for Food Allergies for Ages 8–11(22)Books for Going to the Dentist for Ages 8–11(24)Books for Wearing Glasses for Ages 8–11(66)Books for LGBTQ+ Families for Ages 8–11(72)Books for Learning to Swim for Ages 8–11(90)Books for Incarcerated Parent for Ages 8–11(102)Books for Queer Joy & Queer Love for Ages 8–11(104)Books for Riding a Bike for Ages 8–11(107)

Gender Identity & Expression for Other Ages

Books for Gender Identity & Expression for Ages 12–18(220)Books for Gender Identity & Expression for Ages 4–7(67)

Also by Format

Chapter Books(49)Young Adult(43)Graphic Novels(19)Middle Grade(7)