National Storytelling Week: LGBT+ inclusive reading lists and story time

Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, has free, inclusive reading lists and story time videos for schools to use during National Storytelling Week.

National Storytelling Week (1-9 February), organised by the National Literacy Trust, celebrates the power of sharing stories and imagination. 

Just Like Us’ LGBT+ Parents Report showed that only 12% of LGBT+ parents say their child’s school has LGBT+ inclusive books for pupils to read.

For primary schools, Just Like Us’ free resources include a range of video story time sessions, for EYFS all the way up to KS2, including books and stories like Elmer, Goldilocks, Prince Henry and Grandad’s Camper. 

Reading and watching stories as a class is a fantastic way to show young people that it’s OK to be different.

For more ideas for stories to share during National Storytelling Week, primary schools can download a reading list with LGBT+ inclusive recommendations for specifically for Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) primary school children.

The books for primary pupils provide representation of different families, helping pupils to celebrate difference and learn about the diversity of the world around them. 

A reading list for secondary schools can also be downloaded from Just Like Us’ school resource portal, including recommendations for pupils in Key Stage 3 (KS3), Key Stage 4 (KS4) and Key Stage 5 (KS5).

Independent research has found a link between positive messaging about being LGBT+ in schools and pupils having better mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether the pupils are LGBT+ or not. Supportive school environments also have a huge positive impact on LGBT+ young people, from their relationships to their careers, that lasts into adulthood. 

Including LGBT+ inclusive books in your National Storytelling Week activities creates a safe and accepting school environment for all pupils.