5 Ways to Support LGBTQ-Inclusive Kids’ Books and Banned Books Week

This week is Banned Books Week, the annual event from the American Library Association (ALA) honoring the freedom to read! More than half the books in the ALA’s latest Top Ten Most Challenged Books list are there because someone objected to their LGBTQ content—underscoring how much work is yet to be done on the path to equity and justice. Here are some ways you can support Banned Books Week and the authors behind books that have faced challenges!

LGBTQ-inclusive children’s and young adult books have long comprised a significant part of the Most Challenged Books list, which includes books and other materials that people have attempted to have removed or restricted. In 2018 (the most recent year of data), the ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom tracked 483 books that were challenged or banned. The Most Challenged Books (with two tying for 10th place) were:

1. George by Alex Gino
   Reasons: banned, challenged, and relocated because it was believed to encourage children to clear browser history and change their bodies using hormones, and for mentioning “dirty magazines,” describing male anatomy, “creating confusion,” and including a transgender character
2. A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG Keller
   Reasons: banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ content, and for political and religious viewpoints
3. Captain Underpants series written and illustrated by Dav Pilkey
   Reasons: series was challenged because it was perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior, while Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot was challenged for including a same-sex couple
4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
   Reasons: banned and challenged because it was deemed “anti-cop,” and for profanity, drug use, and sexual references
5. Drama written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
   Reasons: banned and challenged for including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes
6. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
   Reasons: banned, challenged, and restricted for addressing teen suicide
7. This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
   Reasons: banned and challenged for profanity, sexual references, and certain illustrations. [It was also challenged in 2016 because it includes LGBTQIA+ characters]
8. Skippyjon Jones series written and illustrated by Judy Schachner
   Reason: challenged for depicting stereotypes of Mexican culture
9. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
   Reasons: banned and challenged for sexual references, profanity, violence, gambling, and underage drinking, and for its religious viewpoint
10. This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, illustrated by Kristyna Litten
    Reason: challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content
11. Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
    Reason: challenged and burned for including LGBTQIA+ content

Remember that supporting banned books doesn’t mean waiving our parental right to monitor what our own children are reading. We may feel that some things are inappropriate for them at certain ages or are never appropriate. That’s our decision—but it doesn’t mean we should make that decision for other people’s children by asking that books be removed or restricted from public spaces such as libraries and schools. And yes, despite our best efforts, sometimes our kids are exposed to things in books—whether at school, a library, or a friend’s house—that we would rather they not have seen. Sometimes we have to explain concepts that we might not have the language for yet. (I then refer you to your local librarian, who will likely point out some grown-up books and articles that can help you. If not, try the Internet). We shouldn’t let our own discomfort make us want to restrict the subject for all, however. Even a book whose viewpoint we disagree with or find repugnant may be useful in helping us formulate just why we feel that way—and that in itself may become a good lesson for our children. It may be difficult at times, but that’s parenting.

Here, then, are five things you can do to learn more, show your support for banned books, and bring attention to the perils of censorship. In no particular order:

1. Attend a Drag Queen Story Hour, like the ones listed here (or organize your own). The ALA’s annual State of America’s Libraries Report, issued earlier this year, noted that “Most challenges to library resources in 2018 focused on materials and programs associated with issues of concern to those in the gay, lesbian, transgender, and queer communities, most notably drag queen story hours and books affirming transgender youth, like Alex Gino’s George.”
2. Take part in the Dear Banned Author Letter-Writing Campaign by writing a letter to a banned and challenged author (or contacting them on social media), telling them about a favorite title or how their words have impacted you. The ALA has done the hard work and compiled contact information for you at the link. You can also host a letter-writing program at your library or school, if you’re feeling ambitious.
3. Download Banned Books Week images for your social media feeds, school, office or home.
4. Take a Banned Books Week Quiz from the New York Public Library.
5. Read a banned book! In addition to the 11 books above, the ALA has lists of hundreds more, including these classics. Buy one or check it out of your local library!

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