Banned Books 

Heather Has Two Mommies 

                       by Lesléa Newman

First published in 1989. The story follows the life of Heather and her two moms trying to navigate Heather's first days at school. This book was remarked as one of the first ever representations of LGBTQ children's books to gain mass attention. This book was banned in several school districts and libraries, banned for its representation of a same sex family. It's important to preserve the message that families come in all shapes and sizes. 

Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story

                        by Reem Faruqi 

Published in 2019. Lailah's lunchbox follows the story of a young Muslim girl settling in a new country and school during Ramadan. The story is constantly navigating through racism and alienation. This book shares the message of the importance of faith, family, and the love of giving. The book was later challenged and labeled "divisive," " racist," and "socialist." It's so important to preserve the message of cultural representation and social acceptance so that other young children like Lailah can feel proud about their culture and accepted in their communities 

The Diary Of Anne Frank

Published in 1947. This book is a recovered diary of the late Anne Frank and her life as a Jewish person during the Holocaust from 1942 to 1944. The diary is written as a letter to an imaginary pen pal and documents Anne's challenges as she tries to survive the horrors surrounding her life in hiding with her family. Later, Anne's uncle, as the only surviving family member, publishes Anne's diary on June 25, 1947. This book was banned for content about self-expression, sexual curiosity, and graphic adaptations of violence. Reading this book is important because it gives insight into the consequences of intolerance, and the human spirit during dark times in history, alwell as themes of hope and resilience.   

Ghost Boys

  by  Jewell Parker Rhodes

Published in 2018, follows the life of 12-year-old Jerome Rogers, and how his life was suddenly ended by a police officer, and now Jerome spectates the aftermath of the shooting as a ghost. Jerome now faced the past of all other little black boy ghosts who also faced brutality and racism. This book urges the reader to "bear witness" and fight for change in a time of racial injustice and systemic violence. This book was challenged because of its political viewpoints and complaints about police violence.  

The Handmaid's Tale 

                     by Margaret Atwood 

Published in 1985, is a dystopian novel depicting a world in which women are used as housekeepers and breeding tools, framing a world where only rich married women have rights in a time where the death rate is incredibly low. This book touches on themes like sociological torture, women's rights, bodily autonomy, and social hierarchies. This book is widely challenged because of its critiques of authoritarianism, gender oppression, anti-Christian themes, and LGBTQ representation. This book is a must-read because of its political relevance and ties to real-world events. This book also is messages of social control and how easily small freedoms can be taken away.

All Boys Aren't Blue 

                      by George M. Johnson 

Published in 2020, All Boys Aren't Blue is a memoir/manifesto of the author's life growing up queer and black, facing challenges like gender identity, family struggles, and sexual assault. The author was not only sharing his story but also providing a voice for younger marginalized queer teens. This book has become one of the most banned books in the United States. It is being targeted for its mention of sexual experience, abuse, trauma, and LGBTQ representation.