For anyone who thought The Fault in Our Stars was too saccharine, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl offers an alternative: a book about teens and dying that feels just crass and off-kilter enough to be genuine. PEN America counted school book bans in the 2021-2022 school year and found an alarming 1,648 titles banned somewhere in the United States the most comprehensive count of book bans to date. While libraries attempt to keep all their collections up-to-date, politically charged topics like abortion will be updated the most, because information becomes out of date very quickly. It's interesting to me because the political right, in both the UK and US, are obsessed . Of course, the debate over Steinbecks prized work is similar to the ones around the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird. IE 11 is not supported. 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. Its hardly the only book about gender identity and same-sex romance to find itself banned in a Texas school or library, however. The 2022 book ban list includes titles that have been restricted in previous years. 28. Across the country, PEN America found that 1,648 unique titles had been banned by schools. ", This illustrated collection of poems and essays about overcoming prejudice and racism shouldn't be allowed in schools, an Eanes parent wrote, because it "promotes discrimination. By far the most common combination was YA LGBTQ Fiction. 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. When it comes to straight, cisgender folks, though, things have to get a bit more specific. The story follows Melissa, who her teacher and classmates call George. Photo Courtesy: Montinique Monroe/The Washington Post/Getty Images. These books are theoretically related to House Bill 3979, a so-called anti- CRT bill . Jonathan Evisons 2018 novel follows Mike Muoz, a 22-year-old Mexican man who cant seem to get ahead. August 18, 20225:02 PM ET. The pages brim with real-world stories of homophobia, transphobia, sexual and gender identity struggles, and the ups and downs of transitioning. 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. 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. A viral Feb. 1 tweet that garnered at least . How many have you read from the 2022 banned books list? Please click a link below to access information about titles that are currently being challenged or have previously been challenged: Books Under Review. "Lawn Boy" covers the journey of self-realization and acceptance of one Mike Muoz, a 22-year-old . Also, while the Texas State Teacher Association said that a district asking if they had to teach two sides to the Holocaust was an overreaction, there is a Holocaust history book on this list: Life, Death and Sacrifice: Women and Family in the Holocaust. The books the user refers to are: Is this post right about these books being banned in Texas and "Mein Kampf" not banned? Even in fiction, books that explore fascist violence are verbotenthe DC Comics graphic novel V for Vendetta, by legendary comic book creator Alan Moore, is banned in three districts for some reason. Simon . Readers seem to either love or hate the . ", 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 parents challenging these books say that sex ed should be taught in the home, by parents, but that ignores that many households wont do this, and also that most teens dont feel comfortable talking to their parents about sex. Greg Abbott showed support for Krause'sscrutiny of school books, he said parents "are rightfully outraged about highly inappropriate books and other content in public school libraries. 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. 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. Texas has banned books about boys and books about girls, and books where the gender is more of a swirl. Though frequently included in high school curriculums, this book has been banned in the past for obvious reasons: senseless and, according to some, gratuitous violence. Instagram Twitter. Claire Lawrence. As you might expect, looking into 850 books took a while, so these are based on a glance at the cover and description. Theyre subjects that kids and teens are curious about, and they may not be things they feel comfortably speaking to their parents about. The story centers on Alices disorienting adventure down a rabbit hole and into a fantasy world of talking animals and utterly absurd events (ahem, Mad Hatter tea party). https://gvan42.blogspot.com/2022/08/ban-my . Despite its somewhat grown-up themes, Lowrys Newbery Medalwinning classic is a worthy read (or listen; its available as an audiobook on Audible) for all kids. For more child-friendly fare, pick up one (or a few) of these nonfiction books for kids. Read more: Books on race and sexuality are disappearing from Texas schools in record numbers. These books have clearly been found using some sort of keyword search, and this list includes both LGBTQ books from the 1980s and 90s that are very unlikely to be shelved in school libraries anymore as well as books that just mention LGBTQ people. The Pants Project, a middle grade LGBTQ book, and Not My Idea, an anti-racist picture book, are both on here twice. ", 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. series on your book ban list is sinister, and challenging 100 Questions Youd Never Ask Your Parents with the expectation that students will learn sex ed in their homes is pretty on the nose, I have to give the irony award to the inclusion of the title The Year They Burned the Books by Nancy Garden. Published Aug 18, 2022. North East Independent School District in San Antonio identified 414 books in its libraries, which are included in a list of about 850 titles compiled by Texas Rep. Matt Krause. 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. This young adult novel, a National Book Award finalist, mentions abortion and includes multiple descriptions of sex. And a potpourri of other random titles, including a five-book set of The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine and Eyes on Target: Inside Stories from the Brotherhood of the U.S. Navy SEALs. below is a list of 50 books that . All rights reserved. But here are some trends. ET on February 3, 2022. Will it reflect all soldiers experiences? Book 2 and 3 of the Timekeeper series, but not book 1. 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. Some schools have challenged the fantastical story for language, plus tobacco and alcohol references. Toni Morrisons 1970 bestseller is also one of the best short books in our collection. Whether its on the news or your Facebook feed, youve probably noticed comments about the rise in book banning in libraries and schools. Also, keep in mind that age category pie graph: these are mostly YA books, not board books. Angie Thomass 2017 New York Times bestseller frequently appears on lists of banned stories. Readers seem to either love or hate the story of three awkward teens as they navigate an impossible situation. The most egregious example for me is that The You Ive Never Known by Ellen Hopkins is on this list, which is a book about teen pregnancy, but its the only book by the author included. "The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison. Books at a New Jersey high school library that were targeted for bans. Proponents for book banningare painting this issue "with a broad brush" forpolitical support while taking the decision-making process away from children andparents, Robinson said. A librarian who is a member of#FReadom, a collective of librarians who highlight the work of libraries and books in reaction to Krause's letter, saidthey weren't aware of any of thebooks mentioned in the tweet being recentlychallenged in Texas, other than "The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel." Jos R. Ralat is Texas Monthlys taco editor, writing about tacos and Mexican food. This novel, which includes descriptions of sexual abuse, is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. Conservative parents have swarmed school board meetings in Texas and across the country in recent months to call for the removal of library books that deal with race, racism, sex, gender and sexuality. Where the Wild Things Are is now a fun classic, but it was initially banned because little Maxs punishment was starvation and the story had disturbingly supernatural themes. Those titles were: "Out of Darkness" by Ashley Hope Perez. The letter also doesn't include the titles mentioned in the tweet, though it does include 'The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel'by Margaret Atwood and Renee Nault. : A Balanced, Comprehensive View of Abortion from its Historical Context to the Current Debate, 100 Questions Youd Never Ask Your Parents: Straight Answers To Teens Questions About Sex, Sexuality, and Health, Thinking Out Loud: On the Personal, the Political, the Public and the Private, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Eyes on Target: Inside Stories from the Brotherhood of the U.S. Navy SEALs, Life, Death and Sacrifice: Women and Family in the Holocaust, More Politicians Need To Address Book Bans: Book Censorship News, February 24, 2023, How to Talk About Book Bans With Friends, Library Patrons, and More: Book Censorship News, February 17, 2023, Write Your Legislators About Banned Books Right Now With This Template: Book Censorship News, February 10, 2023, The Book Banners Recruitment Agenda: Book Censorship News, February 3, 2023, An Open Letter to Stephen King: Book Censorship News, January 27, 2023, Proposed Legislation in Several States to Eliminate LGBTQ+, Obscene Books: Book Censorship News, January 20, 2023, Childrens and Middle Grade: 149 (17.55%), LGBTQ: 509 (59.95%), including Trans: 118 (13.95% of total), Misc: 124 (14.61%), including Pregnancy: 49 (5.77%), Abortion (not Sex Ed): 43 (5.06%), and Unknown 163 (19.20%). Understanding how those roots affect the U.S. today might be a challenge tooVegas Tenolds Everything You Love Will Burn: Inside the Rebirth of White Nationalism in America, which traces the history of racist violence from the early days of the Ku Klux Klan to the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, is also on the list in two districts. Like many other banned stories, Gender Queer is perfect for members of the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who wants to be a better ally to their fellow humans. Texas has banned 801 books, spanning 22 school . Jack Londons 1903 classic follows Buck, a giant, lovable cross between a Saint Bernard and Scotch collie. And at the crossroads are the handmaidswomen taken hostage by the government because of their ability to have children. This graphic novel, which the School Library Journal praised for its message "that periods need not be a dirty secret, is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. Parents complained about a number of books at a school board meeting in Osceola County on April 19. Keller ISD has policies in place to allow parents, employees, or community members to challenge the content of books that are available to students. They have questions that they deserve answers to. Here are just a few of the most frequently banned books we think everyone should read. Whats more, denying kids this information puts them in danger. Compare that with, say, Alaska or South Carolina, which have banned one book each. 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. Set in a seemingly utopian community where everyone has a clear role and family group, The Giver turns dark when a boy named Jonas realizes the high cost of living without pain, war or blatant hatred. "Maus" by Art Spiegelman depicts the author askinghis father, aHolocaust survivor, abouthis experiences. 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. Texas has banned books about boys and books about girls, and books . Aug. 10, 2022. ", 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. Double your gift when you give by 6 p.m. Thursday. The list of books I own that are banned somewhere in the country includes books I read as a student in K-12 school . "Many of these challenges began with the titles on Rep. Krauses list, including 'The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel'by Margaret Atwood and Renee Nault," said Shirley Robinson, executive director of the Texas Library Association,in a Feb. 8 email to PolitiFact Texas. Banned Book List - Texas Edition By Wild Geese Bookshop. But even before that, the authors of Stamped had begun leaving a deep imprint on libraries nonfiction collections. The book has been banned several times, mostly for its profanity and references to sex. Its a beautiful and tender coming-of-age story that offers readers a glimpse of love and creativity, yes, but also racism and trauma. 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. Another strange consequence of this keyword approach is that a lot of books are listed that are ridiculous to think any library would currently have in stock. Starrs careful balancing act crumbles when a police officer kills her unarmed friend. This is the list of the most banned books in the 2021-2022 school year, according to the PEN America . Youll also find lots of award-winning books, like the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Confessions of Nat Turner by William Styron and Harvey Awards Book of the Year The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen. But Lawn Boy offers plenty of discussion points, making it a perfect pairing for these book club questions. Of course, honest descriptions of gender identity, racism and queer love have raised the hackles of those who advocate for banning books with sensitive content. The story was first published in 1980 as a magazine serial but really gained attention when it was released as the first volume of Maus: A Survivors Tale in 1986. As the full list from PEN America indicates, book banning has become a popular cause among some in our polarized electoratebut this wasnt always the case. Amplify your impact and donate now. A viral Feb. 1 tweet that garnered at least 16,100 retweets and 65,800 likes by Australian user @AnthCondon said, "Books banned in Texas include 1984,Maus,and The Handmaid's Tale, but not Mein Kampf. Why? (Montinique Monroe/For The . Between 2021 and 2022, there were a considerable number of books banned or challenged in the United States. Where did these books in particular come from, and whats really on it? Tracing the story of a 17-year-old girl who's beginning to question her sexual orientation, this is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. Mimi Swartz is a staff writer based in Houston. This book, in which the author interviews people who've been shamed on the internet, touches on sensitive subjects, including rape and suicide. In San Antonio, a Road Map for the Future of Texas Art, The Best High School Basketball Team in Texas Doesnt Need a State Title, The Photo the Dallas Cowboys Never Wanted the Public to See, The Cross-dressing, Bank-Robbing, Outlaw Tale of Cowboy Bob Is Now a Musical, Ten Perfect Texas Romance Novels for Your Bookworm Valentine, How to Become a Regular at a Texas Dive Bar, A Novelist and Hollywood Screenwriter Grapples With Her Texan Identity, Jones, Manson, and Now Koresh: Writer Jeff Guinn Has Completed His Unholy Trinity, How Florence ButtNot Her SonLaunched the H-E-B Empire, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country, Jimmy Carters Peanut-and-Egg Taco Made Quite the Impression on San Antonians, The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints: 2021 Edition. Readers seem to either love or hate the story follows Melissa, who her teacher classmates... 2022 book ban list includes titles that have been restricted in previous years making it a perfect pairing these. 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