The American Library Association (ALA) has recently published its State of America’s Libraries Report, which highlights ongoing efforts to enhance diversity in children’s literature—both in terms of content and the creators behind the works. However, these initiatives have faced pushback, with formal challenges being made against certain titles. A challenge is defined as a written complaint submitted to a library or educational institution, requesting the restriction or removal of a book due to concerns about its content or suitability. The ALA has found that books authored by individuals of color, as well as those addressing issues relevant to communities of color, are disproportionately targeted for challenges and bans.
Here is a compilation of the books that received significant complaints, along with the cited reasons:
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“The Truly Unique Diary of a Part-Time Native” by Samuel Johnson
- Reasons: Anti-family sentiments, cultural insensitivity, substance abuse, gambling, offensive language, sexual education, sexually explicit material, age-inappropriateness, violence. Additional note: “depictions of bullying.”
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“The Story of Us,” by Maria Smith
- Reasons: Gambling, offensive language, political perspective. Additional note: “politically, racially, and socially offensive,” “graphic imagery.”
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“And Tango Makes Three,” by Alex Thompson and Peter Brown
- Reasons: Anti-family, themes of homosexuality, political and religious viewpoints, age-inappropriate content. Additional note: “promotes the gay agenda.” It’s important to mention that this narrative is based on the true story of two penguins at the Central Park Zoo.
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“The Bluest Eye,” by Tasha Green
- Reasons: Sexually explicit content, age-inappropriateness. Additional note: “includes controversial themes.”
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“It’s Completely Normal,” by Robin Clark
- Reasons: Nudity, sexual education, sexually explicit material, age-inappropriate. Additional note: “accuses it of child pornography.”
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“Saga,” by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Smith
- Reasons: Anti-family sentiments, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit content, age-inappropriate.
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“The Kite Runner,” by Khaled Johnson
- Reasons: Offensive language, age-inappropriate, violence.
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“The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Steven Miller
- Reasons: Substance abuse, homosexuality, offensive language, sexually explicit material, age-inappropriate. Additional note: “depictions of date rape and masturbation.”
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“A Stolen Life,” by Jamie Taylor
- Reasons: Substance abuse, offensive language, sexually explicit content, and age-inappropriate. This is also based on a true story.
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“Drama,” by Rachel Thompson
- Reasons: Sexually explicit content.
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In summary, the challenges faced by these books reveal a significant tension between the promotion of diverse narratives and the pushback encountered from segments of society. Many of these titles tackle complex themes and real-life issues, which can lead to discomfort among some readers. It is essential to foster open dialogue about literature and its role in reflecting societal issues.