Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. Below are some children’s books that have all been targeted for removal or restriction, including at least one of the reasons why.
Compiled by:
Children's Staff
Picture Books and Younger Elementary
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Bun)
The story of a lonely bunny, Marlon Bundo, who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence, the Vice President of the United States, and the very special day when he met another boy bunny named Wesley that changed his life forever.
(Juvenile Picturebook - Ej Parr)
Represents a variety of families, some big and some small, some with only one parent and some with two moms or dads, some quiet and some noisy, but all alike in some ways and special no matter what.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 306.768 Her)
Jazz had known she was a girl since she was two years old. After going to a doctor and learning more about transgender identities, Jazz's family becomes better able to understand and support their daughter. Based on the true story of coauthor Jazz Jennings.
(Juvenile Picture Books - J 921 Milk San)
Traces the life of the Gay Pride Flag, from its beginnings with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker to its spanning of the globe and its role in today's world.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Haa)
A prince and a knight in shining armor find true love in each other's embrace after fighting a dragon together.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 305.8 Cel)
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. Includes an extensive note to caregivers that provides general guidance about addressing racism with children, child-friendly vocabulary definitions, conversation guides, and a link to additional online resources for caregivers and teachers.
(Juvenile Picturebooks - Ej Ric)
At New York City's Central Park Zoo, two male penguins fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches. Based on a true story.
(Juvenile Picturebooks - Ej Pit)
Vivid illustrations and rhyming couplets convey the fun and exuberate feelings associated with attending a Pride parade. There is a reading guide at the end of the book that serves as a primer on LGBTQIA+ history and culture and explains the references made in the story.
(Juvenile Picture Books - Ej Luk)
Aidan, a transgender boy, experiences complicated emotions as he and his parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby.
Older Elementary
(Juvenile Fiction - J Pilkey)
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.
(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J-GN Johnson Breakaways)
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.
(Graphic Novels - GN Telgeme Drama)
Callie rides an emotional roller coaster while serving on the stage crew for a middle school production of Moon over Mississippi as various relationships start and end, and others never quite get going.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Lowry)
Given his lifetime assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, Jonas becomes the receiver of memories shared by only one other in his community and discovers the terrible truth about the society in which he lives.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Paulsen)
After a plane crash, 13-year-old Brian spends 54 days in the Canadian wilderness, learning to survive initially with only the aid of a hatchet given him by his mother, and learning also to survive his parents' divorce.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Gino)
When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then, her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. George really wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part...because she's a boy. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte—but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.
(Juvenile Graphic Novels - J GN Craft New Kid)
After his parents send him to a prestigious private school known for its academics, Jordan Banks finds himself torn between two worlds.
(Juvenile Fiction - J Taylor)
A black family living in the South during the 1930's are faced with prejudice and discrimination which their children don't understand.
(Juvenile Nonfiction - J 305.896 Che)
A chapter book adaptation of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix. Kids will discover where racist ideas came from, identify how they impact America today, and meet those who have fought racism with antiracism. Along the way, they'll learn how to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their own lives.