Numerous public elementary schools across the United States are providing books that delve into gender and left-leaning racial ideologies.
In 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that Maryland parents could opt their elementary school children out of LGBTQ+ picture book classes based on religious freedom. However, since that decision, many taxpayer-funded schools nationally have continued to offer books with controversial sexual and political themes to children.
Here are five examples of books available in U.S. elementary schools.
“Sex is a Funny Word” — Boulder Valley School District, 5th Grade Tutoring Health Educational Learning Materials
This book, described as part of “children’s sex stories,” includes a transgender character and explores themes of sexuality. It discusses topics like “Crush, Love, and Sexy Feelings,” as well as “Birth Gender, Gender Identity, and Gender Roles.” It’s tailored for children aged 8 to 10 and aims to engage readers from all backgrounds and identities. Diagrams of male and female genitalia are also included.
The Boulder Valley School District lists this book on its website as part of recommended educational materials for elementary health education. The district hasn’t commented on inquiries regarding this.
“This is Our Rainbow: 16 Stories of Her, His, Them, and Us” — Recommended for Pride Month in New York City public schools, grades 3-5
This anthology presents various stories featuring characters from diverse sexual orientations. One narrative features a girl moving on from unrequited love for a friend’s mother, while another depicts two transgender children who meet online, with one supporting the other in coming out to his parents.
Some characters use pronouns such as e/em. The anthology, including fantasy and contemporary tales, is highlighted on the New York City Public Schools Pride Month reading list, promoting education about LGBTQ+ history and experiences. The school district did not respond to requests for comments.
“Not What I Think: A Book About Whiteness” — Available at Washington DC Public Schools, Bancroft Elementary School
This picture book follows a white child who sees a white police officer kill an unarmed Black man and attends a rally afterward. The author aimed to address white racism through the narrative.
It discusses how children can seek justice when “power and privilege” are part of their upbringing. The book encourages so-called “defensive postures” to be confronted. I stumbled across this title in my school library catalog—it was the same catalog we used in elementary school.
Bancroft Elementary School did not respond to requests for further information.
“When Aidan Became a Brother” — Available at Fargo Public Elementary Schools
This story centers on Aidan, a child who transitions from identifying as biologically female to being a transgender boy, shortly before becoming an older sibling.
It recounts how Aidan’s family navigated their identity and how they adjusted their lives accordingly. I also found this book listed in the school catalog similar to the ones we had back in the day.
Fargo Public Schools stated they had no additional comments regarding this matter.
“Anti-Racist Baby” — Available at Maria Baldwin Elementary School, Cambridge Public Schools
The book asserts that neutrality doesn’t exist regarding racism and outlines nine steps that “anti-racist babes” should learn to create equality. One of the steps encourages children to confess any racist beliefs.
This narrative aims to empower families to eliminate racism from society. I, too, found this book in my school library catalog, similar to the resources available in elementary school.
Maria Baldwin Elementary School did not offer any comments on the inquiry.
