Freedom to Read – Children’s Banned Books

After discussing the police shooting of a local Black man with their families, Emma and Josh know how to treat a new student who looks and speaks differently than his classmates. Why it was banned/challenged: “Divisive” language, thought to promote anti-police views

After a terrible political coup usurps their noble house, Hawke and Grayson flee to stay alive and assume new identities, Hanna and Grayce. Desperation and chance lead them to an order of magical women who spin the threads of reality to their will, and the twins begin to hatch a plan to avenge their family and retake their royal home. Why it was banned/challenged: Features transgender characters

An age-appropriate introduction to the concepts of race, gender, consent and body positivity. Why it was banned/challenged: Accused of promoting racism

A prince and a knight in shining armor find true love in each other’s embrace after fighting a dragon together. Why it was banned/challenged: LGBTQIA+ characters

Through child-friendly language and vibrant art, this picture book provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss gender identity with sensitivity. Why it was banned/challenged: Exploration of gender identity

A girl recounts her first time marching with her two moms at a Pride Parade. Why it was banned/challenged: LGBTQIA+ content

When a popular student encourages her to join the soccer team, Faith signs up even though she has never played the game, and learns about loyalty and friendship. Why it was banned/challenged: Features transgender character, discussion of sexuality

Represents a variety of families, some big and some small, some with only one parent and some with two moms or dads, some quiet and some noisy, but all alike in some ways and special no matter what. Why it was banned/challenged: Representation of diverse families

Sex Is a Funny Word is an essential resource about bodies, gender, and sexuality for children ages 8 to 10 as well as their parents and caregivers. Much more than the “facts of life” or “the birds and the bees,” Sex Is a Funny Word opens up conversations between young people and their caregivers in a way that allows adults to convey their values and beliefs while providing information about boundaries, safety, and joy. Why it was banned/challenged: LGBTQIA+ content, gender expression, discussion of sexuality

A picture book celebration of self-love and individuality, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. Why it was banned/challenged: Gender expression

As bedtime approaches, three young girls eagerly await the return of their father, who tells them stories of a faraway homeland–of Palestine. Why it was banned/challenged: Author event cancelled due to university’s neutrality policy

Sophomores Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are fed up with an administration that puts football before female health, so they decide to confront a world that squirms at the thought of a menstruation revolution and band together to make a change. Why it was banned/challenged: Discussion of puberty

When Saya’s mother is sent to jail as an illegal immigrant, she sends her daughter a cassette tape with a song and a bedtime story, which inspires Saya to write a story of her own–one that just might bring her mother home. Why it was banned/challenged: Accusations of socialist, divisive, racist content

My Dad has a shadow that’s blue as a berry, and my Mom’s is as pink as a blossoming cherry. There’s only those choices, a 2 or a 1. But mine is quite different, it’s both and it’s none. A heartwarming and inspiring book about being true to yourself and moving beyond the gender binary. Why it was banned/challenged: Gender expression