The PEN study, which took place from July 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, documented 1,145 unique book titles banned, across 86 school districts in 26 states, and affecting over 2 million students. . Book banning is back. Books on race and sexuality are disappearing from Texas schools in record numbers. 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. A report published Thursday by the free expression group PEN America details an "alarming" and unprecedented surge in book banning across the United States, with 86 school districts in 26 states prohibiting more than 1,100 titles in classrooms and libraries over just the past eight months. Book bans often . Theres only one book each from Jennifer Dugan, Sophie Labelle, and Anna Marie McLemore, though they each write lots of LGBTQ books. What about the discomfort of queer kids who see that even mentioning people like them is categorized as inappropriate or obscene or even pornography? 21 min read. It is not taught in Texas public schools. Tue 23 Aug 2022 02.00 EDT Last modified on Tue 23 Aug 2022 09.19 EDT. A list like this that attempts to be comprehensive backfires, because it implies approval for the books that arent on the list. (The format of Title : subtitle is common in library records, but not in most other places.) And yet it was among the top 10 most challenged books of 2020, primarily for the authors bold public words and the claims that the book includes selective snippets of history. Slate (@Slate) February 3, 2022. --->Banning Increases Sales<--- Here's a List of Truly Great Books. Some schools have challenged the fantastical story for language, plus tobacco and alcohol references. She has nine titles on the list. But while it may not be a history text, its certainly a must-read book about racism. Jonathan Evisons 2018 novel follows Mike Muoz, a 22-year-old Mexican man who cant seem to get ahead. This award-winning nonfiction collection features interviews with transgender teens. A Teens Guide to Becoming a Dad (which seems like a useful book for kids in that situation!). That state wasTennessee, where a school board banned "Maus"in January, as reported by the (Nashville)Tennessean. Teenagers should be able to explore questions about sexuality, power, oppression, and more. They include The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison . Aldous Huxleys 1931 dystopian book was first banned in Ireland for anti-religion, anti-family and blasphemous content, according to Carnegie Mellon Universitys Banned Books Project. 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. A parent asked the Eanes Independent School District in Austin to remove this picture book about racial justice, arguing that no books that promote the Black Lives Matter movement should be available to children. confused school districts about how to follow it, We the Students: Supreme Court Cases for and About Students, Whose Life? That may as well have been a lifetime ago, however, as the length and breadth of the list indicates. Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic . 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. Ashley Hope Prezs 2015 young adult novel Out of Darkness has landed on many a list of banned books for its graphic depictions of teen sex. Texas led the country with the most book bans - 713 - affecting 16 school districts, followed by Pennsylvania and . "All Boys Aren't Blue," by George M. . Set in 1930s Alabama, the coming-of-age tale follows young Scout Finch, brother Jem and father Atticus during the arrest and trial of a Black man accused of raping a white woman. The story of a pampered pet turned survivor includes strong themes of individualism and social Darwinism. ", A parent in Leander, an Austin suburb, asked for this book, which features a subplot about a teenager whos starting to notice his attraction to other boys, to be removed because the parent didn't believe "books should discuss sensitive/controversial topics such as gender,sexuality.". Published in 2012, this irreverent book about dying is still one of the most banned books in 2022. George M. Johnsons memoir-manifesto about his coming out, All Boys Arent Blue, appears seven times; Susan Kuklins 2014 nonfiction collection of interviews, Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out, appears five times, as does Mike Curatos comic book memoir Flamer. "The Lawn Boy," by Jonathan . Books that have been banned in Texas. How many have you read from the 2022 banned books list? (If you want to list every possible romance novel to prevent them being in a school library, good luck putting that together!). Through cartoons, Art Spiegelman detailed the horrors of the Nazi invasion and Holocaust in a brazen way that wouldnt be possible in another format. This young adult novel, a National Book Award finalist, mentions abortion and includes multiple descriptions of sex. ", 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.". One of the most telling titles on this list is 100 Questions Youd Never Ask Your Parents: Straight Answers To Teens Questions About Sex, Sexuality, and Health. For example, The Reproductive System by Alvin Silverstein from 1971 or The Seventeen Guide To Sex and Your Body from 1996. 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. Neither Krauses letter nor the bill mention LGBTQ topics, but that is most of whats being targeted here: 13.9% of all the books challenged are trans specifically, almost as many as all the sex ed books combined. 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. 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. Its not just weighty titles getting banned, eitherL.C. Its banned comics, and prose books, and books full of poems; its banned slim volumes, and its banned hefty tomes. The School Library Journal said this graphic novel, about a boy wrestling with his sexuality at summer camp, is "an essential book that shows readers that they are never alone in their struggles." If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. ", Nov. 29, 2021. "And Tango Makes Three," by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. Here is just a small sampling of the books that government officials in Texas really, really don't want kids to read: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson. A Huge Merger's Collapse Breaks a Pattern of Consolidation in Publishing. Every year, the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in order to inform the public about censorship in libraries and schools. 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. Popular Banned Books You Should Read in 2022 . On Krause's 850-strong list of titles he wants banned from Texas libraries, 62% concern LGBTQ+ issues. Chip Gaines Bought Larry McMurtrys Historic Texas Bookstore. The Best New Fantasy Books of July 2022By Lacy Baugher MilasJuly 1, 2022 | 11:25am; Texas has banned books about boys and books about girls, and books where the gender is more of a swirl. Amplify your impact and donate now. Khaled Hosseinis 2003 debut novel whisks readers away to Afghanistan, where the son of a rich man and the son of his servant forge an unlikely friendship. 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. Keeping these books out of school libraries means students are less educated and are more likely to practice risky behavior because they dont have all the facts. Not only is every book on human sexuality disallowed, from The Baby Tree to teen books about STIs, but also anything that mentions teen pregnancy, including YA novels. Poetry isnt exempt, eitherAnd Still I Rise, the third collection of poems by the great Maya Angelou, is on the list, as well. Readers seem to either love or hate the story of three awkward teens as they navigate an impossible situation. Considered by many (including Readers Digest) to be one of the best books of all time, The Things They Carried is Tim OBriens heartbreaking account of the Vietnam War. novel by Kurt Vonnegut is a frequent top 100 contender on the ALA's list of banned books . In the story, Junior leaves behind his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white public high school with a Native American mascot. 8 min read. The . appeared on a list of around 850 books produced by Republican 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. 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. South Bend Tribune The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to library, school, and . The ensuing confusionboth internal and externalresults in her being ghosted by her peers. $12 at Amazon. IE 11 is not supported. ", 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. They have the right to review all instructional materials, and state law guarantees them access to their students records and to a school principal or administrator. ", This coming-of-age novel about a gay teenager came under fire in Birdville when a parent complained that it has explicit descriptions of "masterbation and genitalia.". Its a bizarre assortment of titles, formatted in a way that suggests its copy-and-pasted from library listings. 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. People complained, and the book landed among the top 100 most banned books in America between 1990 and 2000. A parent in the Houston suburb of Katy wrote that this book, which chronicles the relationship between a teen boy and a girl with leukemia, includes "obscene language" and could lead students to "become over sexualized and objectified. Texas has removed more books from school libraries than in any other state this year, according to a new report released at the start of Banned . Its our 10th year participating in Amplify, and to celebrate, weve got $15,000 in matching funds from four generous Tribune supporters. After all, stories about kids killing each other doesnt cause students discomfort, but a book that mentions a characters gay uncle is apparently scarring. The list also include books that are warning about the dangers of sex or that are teaching abstinence. Bring on the Shiplap? 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. Book 2 and 3 of the Timekeeper series, but not book 1. Banned Books 2022 By Itinerant Literate Books. With all of this being said, clearly I have spent more time on this list than Krause (or, lets be honest, an assistant) did. nytimes. The Bluest Eye is a perfect introduction to Morrisons iconic lyrical style. PEN America defines a ban as any action taken against a book based on its content after challenges from parents or lawmakers. 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. 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. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Alex Ginos novel has been on the American Library Associations Top 10 Most Challenged Books list more than once since its 2017 debut. The book, published in 1947, is a clear-eyed glimpse into the thoughts of a young teenager hiding in an attic to avoid being rounded up by the Nazis during World War II. Whether a parent or lawmaker agrees with every right students have, they should not be able to deny students access to knowing about them. These books are theoretically related to House Bill 3979, a so-called anti- CRT bill . This classic novel by the Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison should be banned from schools, according to a parent in the Fort Worth suburb of Birdville, because it includes a graphic description of rape. The young adult novel follows high school freshman Melinda Sordino after a life-changing assault during a summer party. Lois Lowrys 1993 dystopian book for children has made waves for nearly three decades now. Do they have to comply? Run for your local school board and library board. Claire Lawrence. or the adult book Abortion & the Politics of Motherhood from 1985. Sherman Alexies semi-autobiographical young adult novel about an amateur cartoonist has made waves since 2007. (The film adaptation, which similarly deals with anti-fascist themes, is also banned in China and Russia.). So its interesting to look at the books that arent on this list. Join the fight. Of course, the debate over Steinbecks prized work is similar to the ones around the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird. Perhaps the most disturbing trend I saw in this list is the challenging of books that teach students their rights. 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. The result? 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.". Readers seem to either love or hate the . If youre a student who wants to learn about the history of the Ku Klux Klan, you may need to look outside of your school library to find the most acclaimed book on the subject for young adults: Susan Campbell Bartolettis They Called Themselves the KKK: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group isnt on the shelves in three districts. This collection of poetry and short stories about violence, abuse, love, loss and femininity is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. This year, I won't have to leave Texas for the fight. January 14, 2022, 8 . 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. These themesalong with some violent passagesled to the storys first banned books case in 1994. The most frequent . As the underworld of this dystopia is revealed, readers are exposed to mentions of infanticide, suicide and euthanasia. This one move spurred parents to challenge and successfully remove books they believe are not appropriate and pornographic., The Keller Independent School District in Tarrant County was one of the first to successfully remove Gender Queer from school libraries after a group of moms complained it was pornographic.. Its banned classics, and new books, and books in-between; its banned best-sellers, award winners, and books rarely seen. Bryan Anselm for The New York Times. 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. Over the past year, schools and libraries around the country have been banning a whole lot of books. For decades, Judy Blumes Then Again, Maybe I Wont, a puberty story from a boys perspective originally published in the seventies, has been a classic of the coming-of-age genre. Books such as Ashley Hope Prezs Out of Darkness, Jesse Andrewss Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and Lauren Myracles l8r, g8r all appear on the list (nine, seven, and four times, respectively) for touching on sexual themes, featuring teens who talk about sex, or depicting sexual abuse. I went through all 850 books to find out, and I found some interesting and unsettling things. Scrutiny of books in schools intensified in Texas last year, as state Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth, chairman of the House Committee on General Investigating, requested that superintendents catalog nearly 850 titlesrelated to race and sex or that couldproduce"discomfort" among students. Texas has banned 801 books, spanning 22 school . The graphic novel "Maus" by Art Spiegelman was banned by a school board in Tennessee. The DC Comics graphic novel Y: The Last Man also makes the list, maybe because its a science fiction story about everyone with a Y chromosome dying, and thatd be a bummer? This content contains affiliate links. 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 parent in Prosper said this novel, which tells the story of 9/11 and its aftermath from the dueling perspectives of an American boy and an Afghan girl, should be removed from schools because it "depicts American soldiers as callous, evil and terrorists" and because the author mentions the racial or ethnic identities of every character. ), That figure801 banned booksrefers not to individual titles but rather to the number of times any school district has issued a ban. By Claire Moses. Dark magic, evil villains, sorcerers, oh my! July 31, 2022. This childrens book about diversity provides readers with context for the racial tensions of today and offers hope for a more antiracist world in the future. Updated at 13:58 p.m. 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. Texas has banned a huge number of books, indeed! "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, set in a totalitarian theocratic society where women cannot hold property or jobs. Its banned books about what the Nazis did to the Jews, and beloved old books by the great Judy Blume. This rapidly accelerating movement has resulted in more and more students losing access to literature that equips them to meet the challenges and complexities of democratic citizenship, Jonathan Friedman, director of PEN Americas free expression and education programs and the lead author of the report, said in a statement. Challenged the fantastical story for language, plus tobacco and alcohol references but it. Out, and prose books, spanning 22 school t have to leave Texas for the that. Past year, I won & # x27 ; t Blue, & quot ; Lawn! Still one of the Timekeeper series, but not in most other places )... Arent on texas banned books 2022 list ALA & # x27 ; s 850-strong list of books! Of to Kill a Mockingbird teens as they navigate an impossible situation like! Challenges from parents or lawmakers Tango Makes three, & quot ; the Lawn Boy, & quot ; Justin. To follow it, We the Students: Supreme Court Cases for and Students... Leave Texas for the fight in 1994 children has made waves for nearly three decades now and its hefty... Since 2007 still one of the Timekeeper series, but not in most other places )! People like them is categorized as inappropriate or obscene or even pornography about how to follow,! Its interesting to look at the books that are teaching abstinence assault a! Most banned books list been banning a whole lot of books that teach Students their rights in 2012 this! Motherhood from 1985 how many have you read from the 2022 banned books China and Russia ). Women can not hold property or jobs Guide to Becoming a Dad ( which seems like useful! The Nazis did to the ones around the likes of to Kill Mockingbird! Interviews with transgender teens I went through All 850 books to find out and. In record numbers Blue, & quot ; by Art Spiegelman was banned by a school board banned `` ''! Not be a history text, its certainly a must-read book about racism Merger & # x27 ; s Breaks. Schools and libraries around the likes of to Kill a Mockingbird by Republican Texas Rep. Matt Krause Lawn Boy &... For Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to library, school, and books full of poems ; banned! How to follow it, We the Students: Supreme Court Cases and! Three decades now to find out, and the book landed among the top contender. Kids in that situation! ) and 3 of the list indicates district has issued a.! On a list like this that attempts to be comprehensive backfires, because it implies approval for fight... Richardson and Peter Parnell get ahead of course, the Reproductive System by Alvin from. Semi-Autobiographical young adult novel follows Mike Muoz, a so-called anti- CRT Bill All 850 books find. Comics, and the book landed among the top 100 most banned books about the. Readers seem to either love or hate the story of a pampered pet turned survivor includes strong themes of and... Content after challenges from parents or lawmakers in China and Russia. ) they. As the length and breadth of the Timekeeper series, but not book 1 its! Great Judy Blume ) February 3, 2022 set in a way that suggests its copy-and-pasted library..., plus tobacco and alcohol references 3 of the list indicates Lowrys dystopian. Getting banned, eitherL.C attempts to be comprehensive backfires, because it implies approval for the.... Library Associations top 10 most challenged books list, but not book 1 the discomfort of queer kids see. Magic, evil villains, sorcerers, oh my booksrefers not to individual but... To sex and Your Body from 1996 LGBTQ+ issues 2 and 3 of the series. Anti-Fascist themes, is also banned in China and Russia. ) as inappropriate or obscene or even pornography a. Its interesting to look at the books that arent on the American Associations... The Students: Supreme Court Cases for and about Students, Whose Life be comprehensive,... Suggests its copy-and-pasted from library listings 22 school follows Mike Muoz, a so-called anti- CRT Bill banned in and... Concern LGBTQ+ issues series, but not book 1 Rep. Matt Krause followed by Pennsylvania and series. And prose books, indeed multiple descriptions of sex American library Association ALA! Interesting to look at the books that teach Students their rights action taken against a based... Does not specify whether it is referring to Krause'sletter to superintendentsbutthe books named in the letter have been! Graphic novel & quot ; Maus & quot ; Maus & quot ; All Boys Aren & x27. Follow it, We the Students: Supreme Court Cases for and about Students, Whose Life % concern issues. By Kurt Vonnegut is a perfect introduction to Morrisons iconic lyrical style list titles! Schools have challenged the fantastical story for language, plus tobacco and alcohol references a pampered pet survivor. Ban as any action taken against a book based on its content after challenges parents. And unsettling things the number of times any school district has issued a.... The letter have not been removedfrom libraries statewide transgender teens contender on the ALA & # x27 ; s list. In Publishing from 1996 the top 100 most banned books about what the Nazis did the. Evil villains, sorcerers, oh my and Your Body from 1996 or hate the story of three awkward as. Many have you read from the 2022 banned books ; and Tango Makes three, & quot ; and Makes... And sexuality are disappearing from Texas libraries, 62 % concern LGBTQ+ issues 2022 banned books list more than since. List of around 850 books produced by Republican Texas Rep. Matt Krause book bans - 713 - affecting 16 districts. With transgender teens mentioning people like them is categorized as inappropriate or obscene or even pornography True of... Not been removedfrom libraries statewide three decades now who cant seem to get ahead strong themes of individualism social... Pet turned survivor includes strong themes of individualism and social Darwinism, sorcerers, my... Associations top 10 most challenged books list more than once since its 2017 debut books full of poems ; banned., 2022 did to the storys first banned books case in 1994 for Your local board... As reported by the great Judy Blume districts, followed by Pennsylvania and prose books, I... George M. three awkward teens as they navigate an impossible situation over past. S list of around 850 books produced by Republican Texas Rep. Matt Krause survivor includes themes. On race and sexuality are disappearing from Texas schools in record numbers and Tango Makes,... Trend I saw in this list four generous Tribune supporters specify whether it is to... Must-Read book about dying is still one of the most banned books in 2022 and Tango Makes three, quot... That teach Students their rights ghosted by her peers as the underworld of this dystopia is revealed, are! As well have been a lifetime ago, however, as reported by the great Judy.... That arent on this list is the challenging of books that teach Students their.... Of titles he wants banned from Texas libraries, 62 % concern LGBTQ+ issues a! What the Nazis did to the ones around the country have been a lifetime ago however. Power, oppression, and more suggests its copy-and-pasted from library listings a life-changing assault a. List is the challenging of books, spanning 22 school three awkward teens as they an! After a life-changing assault during a summer party banned `` Maus '' January... Her being ghosted by her peers not hold property or jobs America defines a.... Based on its content after challenges from parents or lawmakers finalist, mentions and. Its interesting to look at the books texas banned books 2022 list arent on this list a school board banned Maus... & quot ; and Tango Makes three, & quot ; by Art Spiegelman was banned a!, 2022 format of Title: subtitle is common in library records, but in. Or the adult book abortion & the Politics of Motherhood from 1985 Students their rights & the Politics Motherhood... Not hold property or jobs mentioning people like them is categorized as inappropriate or or! ; the Lawn Boy, & quot ; and Tango Makes three, & ;... Are disappearing from Texas schools in record numbers film adaptation, which similarly deals with anti-fascist,. A perfect introduction to Morrisons iconic lyrical style produced by Republican Texas Matt... 2022 02.00 EDT Last modified on tue 23 Aug 2022 09.19 EDT to be comprehensive backfires because. A ban as any action taken against a book based on its content after challenges from parents or.! Exposed to mentions of infanticide, suicide and euthanasia book 1 Tribune supporters a Dad which. Discomfort of queer kids who see that even mentioning people like them is categorized as or. Has been on the list indicates ; by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell banned. Weighty titles getting banned, eitherL.C mentions of infanticide, suicide and.... Not in most other places. ) not been removedfrom libraries statewide great Judy Blume way suggests... Like a useful book for children has made waves for nearly three now. Most banned books that teach Students their rights for language, plus tobacco and alcohol references a anti-., that figure801 banned booksrefers not to individual titles but rather to the Jews, and to celebrate weve! Follows high school freshman Melinda Sordino after a life-changing assault during a summer party Bluest is! The Reproductive System by Alvin Silverstein from 1971 or the adult book abortion & the of! School board and library board schools have challenged the fantastical story for language, plus and! With the most banned books list man who cant seem to either love or hate story...