99 books like Jerome by Heart

By Thomas Scotto, Olivier Tallec (illustrator), Claudia Bedrick (translator)

Here are 99 books that Jerome by Heart fans have personally recommended if you like Jerome by Heart. Shepherd is a community of 9,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Mommy, Mama, and Me

By Lesléa Newman, Carol Thompson (illustrator),

Book cover of Mommy, Mama, and Me

Meryl G. Gordon Author Of The Flower Girl Wore Celery

From the list on children with LGBTQ family members.

By Meryl G. Gordon Author

Who am I?

When my son and son-in-law were getting married back in 2010, my cousin’s four-year-old daughter Emma was excited to be their flower girl. I wanted to buy Emma a book about a flower girl to prepare her for the wedding, but I couldn’t find anything that worked for our situation, since we were having two grooms and no bride—at an otherwise traditional Jewish wedding. Then one day, my cousin called, laughing, and said “Emma said she’s afraid to come to the wedding because of the Ring BEAR!” So I needed to write this for Emma—a story where everything isn’t what the child imagines, but it’s all joyful. 

Meryl's book list on children with LGBTQ family members

Book cover of Mommy, Mama, and Me Book cover of Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle Book cover of Adventures with My Daddies Book cover of Stella Brings the Family Book cover of Heather Has Two Mommies

Why did Meryl love this book?

There are two companion board books, one for little ones with two mommies and the other for little ones with two daddies, which are the perfect way for babies and toddlers to see themselves and their families in a book, just doing the ordinary things that parents do with their young children. I love how the love shines through in each illustration.

Mommy, Mama, and Me

By Lesléa Newman, Carol Thompson (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Mommy, Mama, and Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mommy, Mama, and Me by Lesléa Newman [Tricycle Press, 2009] Board book [Board...

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Maiden & Princess

By Daniel Haack, Isabel Galupo, Becca Human (illustrator)

Book cover of Maiden & Princess

Sarah S. Brannen Author Of Uncle Bobby's Wedding

From the list on children’s picture books with LGBTQ+ characters.

By Sarah S. Brannen Author

Who am I?

I wrote Uncle Bobby’s Wedding in 2005, just after same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts. It was published in 2008 and immediately became the target of anti-LGBT attacks. Many people attempted to ban it. Some went so far as to burn it – and then they wrote to tell me they had. It was one of the most challenged books in the country that year, and it was one of the 100 most-challenged books of the decade. I have been deeply involved with LGBTQ+ picture books ever since. 

Sarah's book list on children’s picture books with LGBTQ+ characters

Book cover of Jerome by Heart Book cover of Worm Loves Worm Book cover of When Aidan Became a Brother Book cover of Maiden & Princess Book cover of Mommy, Mama, and Me

Why did Sarah love this book?

This sweet story told in rhyme begins with the usual trope of a royal family holding a ball to find a bride for the prince. One maiden, the bravest in the land, is not thrilled. The racially diverse cast of characters, illustrated in bright colors, find an ending satisfying to all when the maiden falls in love with the prince’s sister.

Maiden & Princess

By Daniel Haack, Isabel Galupo, Becca Human (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Maiden & Princess as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this modern fairy tale, a strong, brave maiden is invited to attend the prince's royal ball, but at the dance, she ends up finding true love in a most surprising place.

"The prince is smart and strong,"

she confided in her mother.

"But if I'm being honest,

I see him as a brother."

Her mother said, "Just go!

And have a bit of fun.

The prince might not be right,

but you could meet the one."

Once in a faraway kingdom, a strong, brave maiden is invited to attend the prince's royal ball, but she's not as excited to…

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When Aidan Became a Brother

By Kyle Lukoff, Kaylani Juanita (illustrator),

Book cover of When Aidan Became a Brother

Joy Ellison Author Of Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution!: The Story of the Trans Women of Color Who Made LGBTQ+ History

From the list on to celebrate transgender pride.

By Joy Ellison Author

Who am I?

When I was a kid, I knew that my gender was different. I didn’t feel like a boy or a girl, but I didn’t know the word “nonbinary.” There were no kid’s books about people like me. I grew up with a lot of questions, which drove me to become a doctor of Women’s and Gender Studies and an expert on transgender history. Now I’m passionate about writing the kind of picture books that I needed as a child. If you want the kids in your life to understand transgender identity and feel loved whatever their gender may be, you’ll enjoy the books on my list. 

Joy's book list on to celebrate transgender pride

Book cover of The Boy & the Bindi Book cover of George Book cover of 47,000 Beads Book cover of It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book about Gender Identity Book cover of When Aidan Became a Brother

Why did Joy love this book?

I think this is one of the most remarkable books about transgender experiences available now. Aiden gives voice to both his excitement about becoming a big brother and his frustration with the practice of assigning babies a gender based on their body parts. I have never read another picture book that better reflects my own feelings as a trans person. This book is warm, funny, honest, and will help both parents and children better understand trans experiences and each other. 

When Aidan Became a Brother

By Kyle Lukoff, Kaylani Juanita (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked When Aidan Became a Brother as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This sweet and groundbreaking picture book, winner of the 2020 Stonewall Book Award, celebrates the changes in a transgender boy's life, from his initial coming-out to becoming a big brother.Best Books of 2019, Kirkus Reviews
Best Books of 2019, School Library Journal
Editors' Choices for Books for Youth, Booklist
Best of the Best Books of 2019, Chicago Public Library
Starred review, Kirkus Reviews
Starred review, Publishers Weekly
Starred review, Booklist
Starred review, School Library Journal

When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl's room, and…

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Worm Loves Worm

By J.J. Austrian, Mike Curato (illustrator),

Book cover of Worm Loves Worm

Sarah S. Brannen Author Of Uncle Bobby's Wedding

From the list on children’s picture books with LGBTQ+ characters.

By Sarah S. Brannen Author

Who am I?

I wrote Uncle Bobby’s Wedding in 2005, just after same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts. It was published in 2008 and immediately became the target of anti-LGBT attacks. Many people attempted to ban it. Some went so far as to burn it – and then they wrote to tell me they had. It was one of the most challenged books in the country that year, and it was one of the 100 most-challenged books of the decade. I have been deeply involved with LGBTQ+ picture books ever since. 

Sarah's book list on children’s picture books with LGBTQ+ characters

Book cover of Jerome by Heart Book cover of Worm Loves Worm Book cover of When Aidan Became a Brother Book cover of Maiden & Princess Book cover of Mommy, Mama, and Me

Why did Sarah love this book?

Worm and Worm decide to get married, with a supportive group of bugs. They have a few problems: they don’t have fingers, so how can they wear rings? And they both want to be the bride! In fact, they both want to be the groom, too. “We’ll just change how it’s done,” says Worm, and so they get married. A cute and funny story with delightful illustrations.

Worm Loves Worm

By J.J. Austrian, Mike Curato (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Worm Loves Worm as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Perfect for fans of And Tango Makes Three and The Sissy Duckling, this irresistible picture book is a celebration of love in all its splendid forms from debut author J. J. Austrian and the acclaimed author-illustrator of Little Elliot, Big City, Mike Curato. You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of a worm ...and a worm. When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know-who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux? The answer is: It doesn't matter. Because…

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When Life Gives You Mangos

By Kereen Getten,

Book cover of When Life Gives You Mangos

Callie Browning Author Of The Girl with the Hazel Eyes

From the list on the power (and danger) of love.

By Callie Browning Author

Who am I?

I’m an award-winning author whose books are all set on my beautiful island of Barbados. Reading and writing have always been a part of my life and I’m obsessed with books that explore other cultures and lifestyles. There’s nothing more intoxicating than reading about new foods and new environments all interconnected by our shared humanity. They could be fantasy books with great world-building or literary fiction that explore a tiny Asian city I never heard about. All of these incredible books have influenced my writing and expanded my knowledge of the world around me. 

Callie's book list on the power (and danger) of love

Book cover of In the Castle of My Skin Book cover of Golden Child Book cover of The Vanishing Half Book cover of When Life Gives You Mangos Book cover of 'Til the Well Runs Dry

Why did Callie love this book?

This book touched me. I remember reading it late one night and being instantly transported to a culture that sounded like the one I’ve known all my life.

This is a beautifully wrought children’s book set on the island of Jamaica that explores a child’s search for some semblance of the truth. Along the way, readers will love ‘seeing’ her play games, interact with a hilariously miserable old neighbour and take in the Jamaican culture with wonderment.

When Life Gives You Mangos

By Kereen Getten,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked When Life Gives You Mangos as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Nothing much happens in Sycamore, the small village where Clara lives - at least, that's how it looks. She loves eating ripe mangoes fallen from trees, running outside in the rainy season and escaping to her secret hideout with her best friend Gaynah. There's only one problem - she can't remember anything that happened last summer.

When a quirky girl called Rudy arrives from England, everything starts to change. Gaynah stops acting like a best friend, while Rudy and Clara roam across the island and uncover an old family secret. As the summer reaches its peak and the island storms…

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Hey, Dollface

By Deborah Hautzig,

Book cover of Hey, Dollface

Sarah Terez Rosenblum Author Of Herself When She's Missing

From the list on people who should know better than to be obsessed.

By Sarah Terez Rosenblum Author

Who am I?

I’m obsessed with obsession; with the nature of intimate relationships. If I could obsess about a topic as easily and naturally as I can about a human, I’d probably have five or six advanced degrees. As a writer I’m most frequently drawn to third-person limited because I love the marriage of intimacy and distance it can create. It's that marriage that confounds me; the dark inner spaces contained by the people we love. 

Sarah's book list on people who should know better than to be obsessed

Book cover of Hey, Dollface Book cover of Social Creature Book cover of My Education Book cover of Seven Moves Book cover of Luster

Why did Sarah love this book?

This book was ahead of its time. This YA novel was written in 1978 but I found it on a shelf in my local library in 1992 when I was a queer preteen. An elliptical narrative about the burgeoning romantic relationship between two teenage girls, the novel captures a nameless yearning I understood without knowing why. Though the narrative felt to me illicit, it wasn’t prurient but rather deeply felt and authentic to the experience of a teenager coming to understand her sexuality as it crystalizes around one compelling friend.

Hey, Dollface

By Deborah Hautzig,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hey, Dollface as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Val and Chloe don't fit in at their fancy private school in Manhattan. Together, they ditch school, visit cemeteries and thrift shops and have sleepovers during which they confide all their secret thoughts. Lately, Val has all kinds of questions. Especially about sex. So Val turns to the two people who have always given her the most honest answers possible: her mother and Chloe. Unfortunately, not even Val's mother-an adult!-has all the answers. Val starts to think that maybe she's not "normal" at all. Because she has some other feelings for Chloe. Feelings that she never expected to have. Would…

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If You Could Be Mine

By Sara Farizan,

Book cover of If You Could Be Mine

David Valdes Author Of Spin Me Right Round

From the list on queer YA for kids of color.

By David Valdes Author

Who am I?

As a gay Cuban-American kid, I always wanted more books with queer protagonists and I wanted more protagonists to be kids of color. I rarely found either (and never both in one book). Happily, a few decades later, we live in a moment where these stories are finally getting their due; you can now find all facets of the LGBTQ+ experience in print with characters from an array of cultures. As a writer, I’m excited to be part of that with my book Spin Me Right Round, featuring a gay Cuban-American protagonist. Seeing his face looking back at me from the bookstore shelves is a dream come true.

David's book list on queer YA for kids of color

Book cover of They Both Die at the End Book cover of Last Night at the Telegraph Club Book cover of Labyrinth Lost Book cover of Felix Ever After Book cover of If You Could Be Mine

Why did David love this book?

I remember well how starved I was as a teen for books about kids like me—queer, Cuban, or both—so I love books that fill a void. Sara Farizan does that with Iranian girls Sahar and Nasrin, including a swoony kiss you won’t want to miss. For anyone who’s ever had sparks with a friend, this is an extra special read.

If You Could Be Mine

By Sara Farizan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked If You Could Be Mine as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. They've shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in love--Sahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed if their relationship came to light. So they carry on in secret--until Nasrin's parents announce that they've arranged for her marriage. Nasrin tries to persuade Sahar that they can go on as they had before, only now with new comforts provided by the decent, well-to-do doctor Nasrin will marry. But Sahar dreams of loving Nasrin exclusively--and openly. Then Sahar…

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You in Five Acts

By Una LaMarche,

Book cover of You in Five Acts

S.M. Stevens Author Of Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers

From the list on for tweens, teens and young adults who love theater.

By S.M. Stevens Author

Who am I?

As a teenager, I didn’t have the lack of inhibition or abundant self-confidence to excel in high school drama. Like Sadie in Bit Players, I finally wowed the directors at my senior year audition, only to learn the lead was promised in advance to someone else. I recovered and stayed involved in theater: cast, crew, and front-of-house jobs for a summer theater program; the box office for Cornell’s MFA program; and supporting my kids’ drama activities. Performing in a show is different from any other experience. If you’ve been in a show, you know this. If you haven’t, read on to enter the magical world of theatre.

S.M.'s book list on for tweens, teens and young adults who love theater

Book cover of Between Perfect and Real Book cover of You in Five Acts Book cover of On The Roof: A look inside Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish Book cover of Drama Book cover of The Taming of the Drew

Why did S.M. love this book?

I like the grittiness and real-life issues addressed in this story. The pressures and joys of being students at an elite performing arts high school are described through the eyes of five friends: two actors, one writer/director, and two dancers. Aspirations, disintegrating friendships, budding romances, vengeance, and addiction interweave as the students forge ahead to the career-making (or breaking) Senior Showcase. Tragedy enfolds the friends in a dark ending as the dangers of the outside world pierce their high school bubble. 

Theatre Quotient: Medium. Plot is split between dance and theater, and the show gets minimal pages.

You in Five Acts

By Una LaMarche,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked You in Five Acts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It's always been you - you know that, right? At a prestigious New York City performing arts school, five friends connect over one dream of stardom. But for Joy, Diego, Liv, Ethan, and Dave, that dream falters under the pressure of second semester, senior year. Ambitions shift and change, new emotions rush to the surface, and a sense of urgency pulses among them: Their time together is running out. Diego hopes to get out of the friend zone. Liv wants to escape, losing herself in fantasies of the new guy. Ethan conspires to turn his muse into his girlfriend. Dave…

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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

By Ann Brashares,

Book cover of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Kris Dinnison Author Of You And Me And Him

From the list on YA with fabulous plus-size heroines.

By Kris Dinnison Author

Who am I?

I have always felt like a bit of a misfit. I was taller, bigger, and clumsier than the other kids. I listened to the wrong music, wore the wrong clothes, and read the wrong books. I wasn’t cool. And when I became a high school teacher, I saw many kids, especially young women, who I could see felt the same. When Young Adult literature came into its own, I really loved all the wonderful ways YA stories were telling the stories of the kids who didn’t fit in, and it made me want to read them, and eventually write one of my own.

Kris' book list on YA with fabulous plus-size heroines

Book cover of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Book cover of Dumplin' Book cover of Holding Up the Universe Book cover of The Summer of Jordi Perez (And the Best Burger in Los Angeles) Book cover of The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

Why did Kris love this book?

I was teaching high school when this novel came out over twenty years ago, and it immediately struck a chord with me, and with my students. This story of a lifelong friendship and the pain that comes with growing up has so many great characters. But Carmen has always been my favorite. The relationship with her father, her emergence into the (literal) spotlight, and her willingness to speak her mind to her loved ones, make her, for me, the true heroine of this novel. One of my favorite moments is her surprise and wonder when the pants actually fit her, not just her skinny friends. The idea that she had access to all the things they did, regardless of her size, is a beautiful metaphor for living. 

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

By Ann Brashares,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Carmen, Tibby, Lena and Bridget have been best friends all their lives. They live in the same small American town and usually spend every moment of their long summer holidays together. The year they turn 16 is the first time they have separate plans for the summer but the girls are determined to keep in touch. Tibby buys a pair of jeans in a second-hand shop and the girls discover that the trousers magically fit each of them perfectly, despite their different figures and heights. They hit upon a wonderful plan of sharing the jeans throughout the vacation - sending…

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Making Friends

By Kristen Gudsnuk,

Book cover of Making Friends

Steph Mided Author Of Club Kick Out! Into the Ring

From the list on middle grade inspiring creativity in their readers.

By Steph Mided Author

Who am I?

I’ve been drawing and writing ever since I could hold a pencil, and a big inspiration for me to start my lifelong creative journey were graphic novels. So even as an adult, I love to read work from a wide range of genres and age ranges to see what my fellow authors and artists are up to. Especially making my own middle grade graphic novel series, I look up to so many of the authors and artists on this list and chances are you and your kids will too if you pick one of these up!

Steph's book list on middle grade inspiring creativity in their readers

Book cover of Freestyle Book cover of Twins Book cover of Awkward Book cover of Scout Is Not a Band Kid: A Graphic Novel Book cover of Making Friends

Why did Steph love this book?

Making Friends is a fun, thoughtful graphic novel that overflows with creativity!

It centers around a middle schooler who feels lonely so she uses a magic sketchbook to design her dream best friend and to her surprise- she becomes real! It brings me right back to the days of doodling for hours on end and dreaming of all the possibilities of the future! It’s also a good message for young readers that even the most hard-to-express emotions can be worked out through art.

Even as an adult it’s inspired me to keep drawing and keep dreaming. 

Making Friends

By Kristen Gudsnuk,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Making Friends as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A heart-warming graphic novel that thoughtfully explores
friendship, family and school issues.
Danielle needs a perfect friend, but sometimes making
(or creating) one is a lot easier than keeping one!

Sixth grade was SO much easier for Dany - she knew exactly
what to expect out of life.

Now that she's in seventh grade, she's in a new middle school,
her friends are in different classes and forming new cliques, and
she is totally lost.

What Dany really needs is a new best friend!

So when she inherits a magic sketchbook, she
draws Madison, the most amazing, perfect, and awesome…

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5 book lists we think you will like!

The best children’s picture books with LGBTQ+ characters
The best queer YA novels for kids of color
The best silly early graphics readers
The best early chapter books about big feelings
The best MG & YA books about girls seeking bodily agency & body confidence

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