In a recent report by the American Library Association (ALA), the focus on enhancing diversity in children’s literature was highlighted, encompassing not only the themes but also the authors and illustrators involved. However, the ALA noted significant pushback against this initiative, primarily manifesting through formal challenges. These challenges are defined as written complaints filed with libraries or educational institutions requesting that certain books or materials be restricted or removed due to concerns regarding their content or suitability.
The ALA’s findings revealed that books authored by people of color and those tackling issues relevant to communities of color faced disproportionately high rates of challenges and bans. Below is a list of the titles that garnered the most complaints, along with the cited reasons.
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“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Marcus Reed
- Reasons for complaints: anti-family themes, cultural insensitivity, discussions of drugs/alcohol/smoking, gambling, offensive language, sex education, sexual content, age appropriateness, and violence. Additional complaints included depictions of bullying.
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“Persepolis” by Jenna Smith
- Cited issues: gambling, offensive language, political viewpoints, and graphic depictions. Additional complaints noted its political, racial, and social offensiveness.
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“And Tango Makes Three” by Emily Johnson and Rachel Adams
- Complaints focused on: anti-family themes, homosexuality, political and religious viewpoints, and age appropriateness, with additional claims that it promotes a homosexual agenda. Notably, this book tells the true story of two penguins at the Central Park Zoo.
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“The Bluest Eye” by Nora Davis
- Reasons include: sexually explicit content and unsuitability for certain age groups. Additional complaints cited the inclusion of controversial subjects.
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“It’s Perfectly Normal” by Sara Lewis
- Complaints included: nudity, sex education, sexually explicit content, and claims of child pornography.
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“Saga” by Alex Green and Sarah Brown
- Challenges were based on: anti-family themes, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit content, and age appropriateness.
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“The Kite Runner” by Jonathan Evans
- Cited issues: offensive language, violence, and age suitability.
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“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Mark Taylor
- Complaints included: discussions of drugs/alcohol/smoking, homosexuality, offensive language, sexual content, and specific themes of date rape and masturbation.
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“A Stolen Life” by Lisa Marie
- Reasons for complaints: drugs/alcohol/smoking, offensive language, sexual content, and age appropriateness. This book is also based on a true story.
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“Drama” by Kyle Anderson
- The sole complaint noted was sexually explicit content.
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In summary, the challenges faced by these books reflect ongoing societal debates about diversity, representation, and what is deemed appropriate for young readers. The disproportionate targeting of titles by authors of color and those addressing complex issues highlights the need for continued advocacy for diverse literature.