Banned Books Week is September 22-28, 2024. As CLP celebrates the right to read, check out the list below of children’s titles that have been challenged, many because they highlight the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC characters and authors. Some have been banned in some libraries and schools, others have stayed on the shelves—or been restored to them.
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When George and Harold hypnotize their principal into thinking that he is the superhero Captain Underpants, he leads them to the lair of the nefarious Dr. Diaper, where they must defeat his evil robot henchmen.
This title is also available for checkout as in multiple formats on Libby and an eAudio on Hoopla.
Why it was banned/challenged: was perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior and for offensive language, violence, and being unsuited to age group
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 a transgender character
An artist’s drawing of a star begins the creation of an entire universe around him as each successive pictured object requests that he draw more.
Why it was banned/challenged: includes a depiction of a naked man and woman
Uses bird and bee cartoon characters to present straightforward explanations of topics related to sexual development, love, reproduction, adoption, sexually transmitted diseases, and more.
Why it was banned/challenged: provides information about sexuality
While Milo and his sister travel to a detention center to visit their incarcerated mother, he observes strangers on the subway and draws what he imagines their lives to be.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook and eAudio on Libby.
Why it was banned/challenged: considered unsuited for age group because it refers to incarceration and includes an illustration of two women getting married
Eleven-year-old (nearly twelve) Celi Rivera, who is a mix of Black-Puerto Rican-Mexican Indian is uncomfortable about her approaching period, and the changes that are happening to her body; she is horrified that her mother wants to hold a traditional public moon ceremony to celebrate the occasion–until she finds out that her best friend Magda is contemplating an even more profound change of life.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Libby and an eBook in English and Spanish on Hoopla.
Why it was banned/challenged: accused of promoting the occult
Instead of sending Jordan to the arts school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics. Jordan turns out to be one of the few kids of color in his entire grade and struggles to find balance between his home life in Washington Heights and his new upscale academy.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook and eAudio on Libby and an eBook and eAudio on Hoopla.
Why it was banned/challenged: accused of promoting critical race theory and racism
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.
This title is also available for checkout as an eAudio on Libby and an eAudio on Hoopla.
Why it was banned/challenged: challenged for divisive language and because it was thought to promote anti-police views
A picture book illustrating a Pride parade. The end-matter serves as a primer on LGBT history and culture and explains the references made in the story.
Why it was banned/challenged: inclusion of LGBT content
Aidan, a transgender boy, experiences complicated emotions as he and his parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Libby.
Why it was banned/challenged: features a transgender character