The Agony of Alice
By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
"Eleven-year-old, motherless Alice decides she needs a gorgeous role model who does everything right; and when placed in homely Mrs. Plotkins's class she is greatly disappointed until she discovers it's what people are inside that counts." - HELM
Why was this book challenged?
Banned book element tile
Reasons: LGBTQIA+, Sexual Content, Language, Religion
The Agony of Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor was banned from a school library in Webb City, Missouri for promotion of homosexuality in 2002.
The Alice series of books was on the ALA Top 100 most challenged books list for both 1990-1999 and 2000-2009 decades.
See our Frequently Asked Questions webpage for more information about why LGBTQIA+ books are frequented challenged in schools and libraries.
Ways to read this book at STCC!
Members of the STCC community have full borrowing privileges at the STCC Library, located in Building 19, 2nd Floor, provided they are actively registered in the college system and their records are in good standing.
Database access and e-content is available to all students, faculty, and staff using the following credentials:
Username: STCC ID number
Password: Last name in capital letters.
Additional Resources and Accessibility
If you prefer to listen to your books, or if the print or eBook versions of this book are checked out at STCC, you have additional checkout options through Massachusetts public libraries. CW/MARS and Boston Public Library eCards will give you access to eBook and Audiobook versions of this book. You can also download the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on your smartphone. These resources are outside of STCC Library, please consult your local public library for any questions regarding these outside resources.
Check public libraries in Western Massachusetts via CW/MARS:
Residents of Massachusetts can sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard, to access their digital materials such as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Follow the instructions on the BPL's website: