Conservatives have enacted about 1,600 book bans in school districts over the last 9 months, with Texas leading the way, report says. This recent series of book bans has unfolded against the backdrop of a national debate over critical race theory, a college-level academic discipline that examines how racism is embedded in the countrys legal and structural systems. by Brooke Park May 17 . ", This young adult adaptation of "Stamped From the Beginning," Kendi's National Book Award-winning historical examination of racism, was flagged for removal by a parent in Katy, who wrote that the children's book "is littered with completely fabricated and conspiracy theory views on history" that make it seem as if "all historical events of the past were a result of racism. Hard to say for sure, but in addition to banning books because they acknowledge that teens think about sex, or out of a desire to disappear queer folks and discussions of race from the conversation, some stuff makes the list just because of, like, vibes. This memoir by a queer Black author was flagged for removal by a group of Katy parents because it includes descriptions of molestation and sex between men. Your donation keeps our trusted reporting free and accessible for all Texans and during a legislative session when lawmakers are set to tackle issues from school choice for K-12 students to school safety improvements to changes in property taxes, its critical that Texans know what lawmakers decisions mean for their futures. Updated: 10:17 PM CST January 27, 2022. The American Library Association noted online, "Due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection.". Queer and trans books save lives. When shes not on deadline, you can find her curled up with a new library book or road-tripping through Europe or the American West. Run for your local school board and library board. This book, lauded for its portrayal of a transgender child, is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. A PEN America notes, these are just the incidents that have been reported to the groupthe reality of book bans likely extends further throughout the state. This novel, which includes LGBTQ storylines and explicit language, is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in the Fort Worth suburb of Keller. Art Spiegelmans Pulitzer Prizewinning history of the Holocaust, the comic book Maus, appears on the list, as does Ari Folmans graphic adaptation of Anne Franks Diary of a Young Girl. Please! Her companions, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Tue 23 Aug 2022 02.00 EDT Last modified on Tue 23 Aug 2022 09.19 EDT. He believed it was disastrous to put animals and human beings on the same level, as the book does. "All Boys Aren't Blue," by George M. Johnson . Back in the halcyon days of, er, March 2021, some of Texass political leaders fervently opposed the idea of book bans, when the topic was the decision of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, publisher of the work of Theodore Geisel under his famous pen name, to no longer publish new copies of a handful of the authors titles that included racist stereotypes. By Meghan Mangrum. A state lawmaker asked schools to catalog books on race and sex. Please click a link below to access information about titles that are currently being challenged or have previously been challenged: Books Under Review. So why has the book been banned, you ask? Sex education books for kids and teens have been facing increased censorship this year, including classics like Its Perfectly Normal (yep, that ones on the list!) "Some high school libraries own Mein Kampf in Texas," the #FReadom librarian wrote. A former high school English teacher, she covers books, words and grammar for RD.com. (Teenagers are, of course, famously respectful of such rules, and rarely seek out such materials on their own.). Jack Londons 1903 classic follows Buck, a giant, lovable cross between a Saint Bernard and Scotch collie. Probably the strangest example I bumped into is that Dying to Live (Elite Operatives #4), an adult lesbian adventure/romance series is on this list, but just volume 4. Austin American-Statesman. The most frequent books removed included Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, which depicts Kobabes journey of gender identity and sexual orientation; The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison; Roe v. Wade: A Woman's Choice? by Susan Dudley Gold; Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Prez, which follows a love story between a Mexican American teenage girl and a Black teen boy in 1930s East Texas; and All Boys Arent Blue by George M. Johnson, a personal account of growing up black and queer in Plainfield, New Jersey. The unfortunate reason for the widespread restriction of this Scholastic novel is all too clear: Its a childrens book about a transgender girl. AUSTIN, Texas Outraged at the parents and politicians who are trying to rid school libraries of books they denounce as inappropriate or even pornographic, a band of Texas school librarians is fighting back. Book-banning attempts have grown in the U.S. over the . More:A state lawmaker asked schools to catalog books on race and sex. Dozens of previously approved books . The Campaign to Sabotage Texass Public Schools. With some titles restricted in multiple places, the total count of book bans is more than 2,500. illustrated books barely have any words, yet for an entire decade, they were some of the most banned. 8 min read. Each of Us a Desert, a sapphic fantasy by Mark Oshiro, but not Anger is a Gift, a gay YA book about racism and police violence. With all of this being said, clearly I have spent more time on this list than Krause (or, lets be honest, an assistant) did. The tweet does not specify whether it is referring to Krause'sletter to superintendentsbutthe books named in the letter have not been removedfrom libraries statewide. ", A parent in Denton, north of Dallas, wanted this teen romance removed from schools, arguing that it should be replaced with books "that have humor that do not promote sexual activity. In a letter, he asked Texas school . Which, add lovable quirks and color along the way. Its obvious why some parents might feel bewildered by this nonsensical book. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. Popular Banned Books You Should Read in 2022 . While Texas is seeing an influx in local requests to remove books, there is no statewide ban in place. Its a 1961 childrens book about an orphan who makes friends with two creatures living inside a peach. "The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison. This novel, about a 1930s East Texas romance between a Mexican American girl and a Black boy, isn't suitable for teens, a Birdville parent wrote, because "it depicts a graphic sexual experience between minors. The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare, for instance, but none of her other books set in the same world with the same characters. This illustrated memoir, which recounts the authors coming of age as a lesbian, is unsuitable for schools, according to a parent in Birdville, because it includes graphic descriptions of sexual violence. Primarily for its whimsical melding of science and the supernatural, which some religious adherents take issue with. This is the list of the most banned books in the 2021-2022 school year, according to the PEN America . On Krause's 850-strong list of titles he wants banned from Texas libraries, 62% concern LGBTQ+ issues. Mixed into bizarre listings like a collection of political essays from 2010 or a bioethics adult book from 2005 are titles that will be familiar to you. 0:52. Though sometimes billed as a novel, this 2009 book is more of a collection of short vignettes and essays, all somewhat autobiographical portrayals of the authors time in Vietnam. First off, this isnt actually a list of 850 titles. Can College Sports Get More Absurd Than SMU Joining the Pac-12? The trouble with making an 850 book list of titles to challenge is that it looks comprehensive. A Texas School District Banned My Book. The Last Man by Brian K Vaughn is listed, which isnt a thing. But while it may not be a history text, its certainly a must-read book about racism. Here are the 10 most challenged books of 2021, according to the ALA: "Gender Queer," by Maia Kobabe. On October 25, Texas Republican State Representative Matt Krause sent a letter to the Texas Education Agency asking if any of the schools in the state have the books listed on a 16 page spreadsheet, as well as how much in funds schools had spent on these books. They include The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison . ", A dad in Grapevine, a Dallas suburb, asked his child's school district to ban this book, a collection of poems by women of color on topics relating to social justice, activism and discrimination, because, he said, it promotes "terrorism.". Almost one in five of the books listed, I have no idea why theyre included. Some schools have challenged the fantastical story for language, plus tobacco and alcohol references. Slate (@Slate) February 3, 2022. Readers seem to either love or hate the story of three awkward teens as they navigate an impossible situation. Even dad-friendly political thrillers can land on the list if abortion comes upbestselling author and occasional Fox News contributor Richard North Pattersons Protect and Defend received an administrators challenge as well. Texas-based NBC reporter Mike Hixenbaugh spoke . Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. Despite the poignant themes, The Kite Runner has been banned multiple times for referencing sexual violence and promot[ing] Islam.. Along with books written for teens to understand their bodies and sexuality, this list also includes any books about abortion or pregnancy, including history books about Roe vs. Wade or debates about abortion. Through Scouts eyes, readers bear witness to the deep injustice of the situation along with the bittersweet lessons of growing up. Removing thoughtful materials because they offend is nothing new, but this particular ban has rekindled debates over censorship and convenient whitewashing of tragic historic events. Between 2021 and 2022, there were a considerable number of books banned or challenged in the United States. Some parents have taken it a step further, filling out paperwork to formally challenge the appropriateness of library books and forcing school administrators to review them. The more things change, the the more they stay the same, I suppose. Its hardly the only book about gender identity and same-sex romance to find itself banned in a Texas school or library, however. I went through all 850 books to find out, and I found some interesting and unsettling things. Even Bibles were written in languages that the "everyman" didn't necessarily read, which meant the church remained the ultimate source of information and authority. Where did these books in particular come from, and whats really on it? Texas has banned books about boys and books about girls, and books . ", More:Texas officials to target obscene content in school libraries at governor's request. Texas led the country with the most book bans - 713 - affecting 16 school districts, followed by Pennsylvania and . While having books from the Foundations of Democracy and Stop Bullying Now! It's one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. The report released on Monday found that school administrators in Texas have banned 801 books across 22 school districts, and 174 titles were banned at least twice between July 2021 through June 2022. Its banned classics, and new books, and books in-between; its banned best-sellers, award winners, and books rarely seen. ", A parent in Prosper, a Dallas suburb, said this illustrated children's book, which touches on the racism that Olympian Wilma Rudolph experienced growing up in Tennessee in the 1940s, should be removed from school libraries because "it opines prejudice based on race. Using racial slurs to highlight racism still means that the writer used profane, hateful language. Robinson wrote that it is possible titles mentioned in the tweet may have been discussedon the local level. Whats more, denying kids this information puts them in danger. The report released on Monday found that school administrators in Texas have banned 801 books across 22 school districts, and 174 titles were banned at least twice between July 2021 through June 2022. Across the country, more books have been challenged and removed as religious and conservative groups target LGBTQ and race issues. Despite (and perhaps because of) these heartbreaking scenes, the book is worth a readespecially if youre starting a book club. All rights reserved. Book 2 and 3 of the Timekeeper series, but not book 1. One Amazon reviewer called this heartfelt memoir a handbook for nonbinary kids that would help them feel not so alone. We cant think of a better way to describe it. With a list this slipshod, this haphazardly put together, it ends up with very strange implications. Hes practically penniless. Double your gift when you give by 6 p.m. Thursday. Katy ISD . Well, profanity, for one. Starrs careful balancing act crumbles when a police officer kills her unarmed friend. In some instances, it has been removed from shelves for its portrayals of teen drinking, profanity and even a claim that its biased against male students. Winner of the 2020 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, this novel deals with themes such as grief, love, family, friendship, racism and sexuality. KATY, Texas From a secluded spot in her high school library, a 17-year-old girl spoke softly into her cellphone, worried that someone might overhear her say the things she'd hidden from her parents for years. PEN America reported in the first edition of Banned in the USA (April 2022) that book bans had occurred in 86 school districts in 26 states in the first nine months of the 2021-22 school year. But some folks in the trans community have also criticized it for being voyeuristicthough the book features trans voices, its written by (and thus benefits) a non-trans author. In 1994, the book was banned in Alaska and Pennsylvania schools for graphic descriptions and offensive language. "However, from there, the issue has continued to snowball on a case-by-case basis with individuals taking it upon themselves to carefully and subjectively curate a selection of books to challenge based on specific themes and genres.". The list of books I own that are banned somewhere in the country includes books I read as a student in K-12 school . The jurys still out for banned books of 2022, but here are the top 10 most challenged books of 2021, according to the American Library Association: Lets start with the banned book on everybodys mind these days: Maus, a memoir in graphic novel form. A Katy parent asked to have this children's biography of the former first lady banned at every grade level because, the parent said, it unfairly depicts former President Donald Trump as a bully and because Obama's reflections on race gave the impression that "if you sound like a white girl you should be ashamed of yourself. I hope that school districts refuse to bow to this bullying and censorious tactic by the Texas lawmaker. confused school districts about how to follow it, We the Students: Supreme Court Cases for and About Students, Whose Life? The series is called Y: The Last Man, but all other series here are listed by individual volume. Texas has banned books about boys and books about girls, and books where the gender is more of a swirl. ", According to a Houston parent, reading this novel about a Black boy killed by police might cause white children who attend the Spring Branch Independent School District to feel ashamed based on color of their skin.. The Best New Fantasy Books of July 2022By Lacy Baugher MilasJuly 1, 2022 | 11:25am; Rosens queer rom-com Jack of Hearts (And Other Parts) has been banned in eight districts, while The Breakaways, Cathy G. Johnsons lightweight graphic novel about a kids soccer team, is banned in six because it includes a transgender boy among the players. These themesalong with some violent passagesled to the storys first banned books case in 1994. (The format of Title : subtitle is common in library records, but not in most other places.) Told entirely through instant messages among three high school students, this novel has no place in schools, according to a parent in the Dallas suburb of McKinney, because it contains a "description of oral sex with minors," among other sexually explicit passages. This novel, about a lesbian romance set in 1954 between a Chinese American teen and a white classmate, is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. ", A parent in Plano said this coming-of-age novel about a Mexican American character's journey to understanding his own sexuality and ethnic identity should be banned because it contains "profanity, pornography, gambling, homosexuality." Well, shes got cancer. Even titles that seem downright clinical in their examination of the history of gay folks in America make the listJaime A. Sebas Gay Issues and Politics: Marriage, the Military, & Work Place Discrimination, a 64-page explanation of its eponymous topic, has been banned twice. 2023 www.statesman.com. The librarian alsonoted adistrict in another state removed the title "Maus" from its curriculum, not library. Margaret Atwoods bestselling book (which inspired the Hulu TV show) is as dystopian as they come. In the midst of continuing Republican-led political fights over how issues related to race, gender and sex are allowed to be taught in public schools, Gov. Then weve got three adult romances from E. Lynn Harris, which again suggests that adult romance or erotica books in general are fine, but just not these particular ones. Again, some of these books are nonsensical to assume are being shelved in school libraries, like Whose Life? If youre wondering which author has the most books included on this list, its Julie Anne Peters, who broke barriers by publishing lesbian YA books in the early 2000s and has continued to write LGBTQ YA books since. "We checked four two owned it, one did not, and one did not, but had a video about it. Anne Franks diary was never meant to be public. The report released on Monday found that school administrators in Texas have banned 801 books across 22 school districts, and 174 titles were banned at least twice between July 2021 through June 2022. The reflections on race and identity are at once funny, poignant and heart-wrenching. That night, Maxs dreams take him to a dark land where he becomes king of the Wild Things and leads a loud, hair-raising Wild Rumpus. It was tough enough for author Maurice Sendak to get his borderline dark book published, but when it finally hit shelves in 1963, it (like Max) got in even more trouble. It looks like maybe two of them mention pregnancy? 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