Families who loved Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five by Phil Bildner often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing that being 'different' can sometimes lead to being treated unfairly, or when they need to see how one person's joy can be a form of quiet, powerful resistance. This biography follows Glenn Burke, a talented African American baseball player who was the first openly gay man in the MLB. It balances the painful reality of the discrimination he faced with the incredible, exuberant legacy he left behind: the invention of the high five. Ideal for children ages 4 to 8, the story uses the universal language of sports to explore complex themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. Parents will appreciate how it frames Glenn's life not just through his struggles, but through his immense capacity for love and team spirit. It is a vital tool for introducing LGBTQ+ history and civil rights in a way that feels accessible, hopeful, and deeply human.
