In June 2025, Mahmoud v. Taylor ruled that parents and caregivers may remove their children from classroom lessons involving LGBTQ+-inclusive picture books on religious grounds. If parents didn’t approve of the topic, they could close the door on their child’s learning.
Nine worthwhile picture books were presented in this case as optional for kids. At AmazeWorks, we believe these stories teach essential lessons on identity development, respect across differences, and standing up to mistreatment. They help kids navigate real experiences they may encounter in their own lives.
The following books from the case are featured in AmazeWorks curriculum and book sets, bringing belonging to life for our young learners. Opt in to learning with these five lessons:
Jacob and Sophie need to use the bathroom during library time at school. When Jacob tries to use the boys’ bathroom, other kids chase him out, thinking he is a girl. The same thing happens to his friend, Sophie, when she tries to use the girls’ bathroom. Jacob’s and Sophie’s teacher helps them get into the bathrooms and uses the incident as a learning opportunity for her class. They all take action and understand the importance of being able to choose which bathroom feels right.
The Neal house is full of warmth, sunshine, and love. One day during playtime, Trinity realizes that she wants hair like her dolls, long, flowing hair that helps show the world who she really is, a beautiful, Black, transgender girl. Wanting to support her, the family heads to the beauty supply shop to find just the right wig. But nothing feels quite right. Let’s read to find out how Mom, with the help of her brother, creates something special—something bold and bright, just like Trinity.
This book explores how each of us has many different identities that make us who we are, including skin color/race, culture, gender identity, ability, language, age, religion/faith, and wealth/class. Some of us face more challenges than others because of our various identities. This is what intersectionality is – the multiple identities that we have and the struggle to have all of who we are be seen and valued.
Ari’s Uncle Lior always asks a thoughtful question when they visit: “What are your words?” Some days, Ari feels like ‘she/her’ fits. Other days, ‘he/him’ feels more right. But when the neighborhood’s big summer celebration arrives, Ari feels uncertain—no words seem to fit just yet. As Ari and Uncle Lior prepare for a big summer party and meet friends and neighbors along the way, each with their own words, Ari explores different pronouns and realizes that it’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers right away—sometimes, your words find you when you’re ready.
In a far away kingdom, a king and queen are preparing for their son to take the throne and want to help him find a bride. They travel far and wide in search for the perfect partner, but the prince is looking for something different. Listen to find out who he’s looking for.