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Cover of The boy & the bindi

Vivek Shraya

The boy & the bindi

Ages 3–8

"A playful story ... about a young boy's fascination with the dot on his mother's forehead"--Back cover. A young boy becomes fascinated with his mother's bindi, and asks her to explain what it is and why she wears it. She tells him that the red dot is commonly worn by Hindu women to indicate the point at which creation begins. When he wishes to have one of his own, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.

$17.99$19.99

Prices are indicative. Final price is set by the retailer at checkout.

Why this book

We keep this on the shelf for LGBTQ+ kids and families — a story kids can feel, not just a lesson adults want to teach.

Who it's for

Ages 3–8. Especially helpful for affirming LGBTQ+ identity and gender expression.

Conversation starter

Ask: How did someone in this story show who they are — and who cheered them on?

Try this

Bedtime tip: after the last page, ask one question and wait — silence is where the story sticks.

Pair with

Two titles that deepen the same conversation.

Cover of From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea

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From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea

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$17.99$19.99
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Last Night at the Telegraph Club

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD AND STONEWALL BOOK AWARD • From acclaimed author Malinda Lo comes a gripping, tender coming-of-age novel exploring identity, queerness, and historical upheaval set in San ...

$12.99$14.99

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