GRANBURY, Texas On Thursday, Granbury ISD confirmed it has pulled 130 titles from school libraries in the district to be reviewed by a committee for . by Brooke Park May 17 . Removing thoughtful materials because they offend is nothing new, but this particular ban has rekindled debates over censorship and convenient whitewashing of tragic historic events. By Meghan Mangrum. Now 20% Off. For nonfiction, books that discuss sex or its consequences openly tend to make the listtitles include Margaret O. Hydes Safe Sex 101: An Overview for Teens, Donna Langes Taking Responsibility: A Teens Guide to Contraception and Pregnancy, and Chloe Shantz-Hilkes My Girlfriends Pregnant! Nope, this one isnt a joke. The ensuing confusionboth internal and externalresults in her being ghosted by her peers. 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. Through cartoons, Art Spiegelman detailed the horrors of the Nazi invasion and Holocaust in a brazen way that wouldnt be possible in another format. And its not just trans kids books, its also Pugdog, which is about a kid realizing its okay for his girl dog to be slobbery and messy and not particularly girly. Anything that mentions gender, race, culture, or sexuality is up for grabs. Madeleine LEngles A Wrinkle in Time is widely considered a must-read for its creative take on splitting the twin elements of space and time. (In both instances, its Maia Kobabes award-winning comic book memoir Gender Queer, which has also been banned in nine districts in Texas. ", In asking to ban this book about the plight of a Black working-class family as they prepare for Hurricane Katrina, a parent in Katy wrote, "I object to the explicit description of the teenage girl having sex with the boys in her social group. This content contains affiliate links. She claimed that, because it includes references to microaggressions, the book is "about critical race theory, which is forbidden by Texas law. Some are banned in school libraries, others in classrooms. Join us for Texas biggest politics and policy event when you buy your tickets today. You might be wondering why a classic American coming-of-age story has been banned. Book banning is back. August 18, 20225:02 PM ET. The most egregious example for me is that The You Ive Never Known by Ellen Hopkins is on this list, which is a book about teen pregnancy, but its the only book by the author included. One Amazon reviewer called this heartfelt memoir a handbook for nonbinary kids that would help them feel not so alone. We cant think of a better way to describe it. One day before students returned to classrooms in North Texas, a school district ordered principals and librarians to remove books including the Bible and a graphic novel adaptation of Anne Frank . Many school curricula and parents of teens have objected to having the young adult novel "Charlie and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" available in public libraries. A parent asked administrators at the Spring Branch Independent School District in Houston to pull this graphic novel, which features gay and bisexual characters, because she claimed it might lead young students "to question their sexual orientation when they don't even comprehend what that means. confused school districts about how to follow it, We the Students: Supreme Court Cases for and About Students, Whose Life? Santa Spectacular was banned in Texas prisons because it contained stickers. Schools across the country have banned the Harry Potter series for its themes of witchcraft as well as its portrayals of death and evil. Sex education books for kids and teens have been facing increased censorship this year, including classics like Its Perfectly Normal (yep, that ones on the list!) Across the country, more books have been challenged and removed as religious and conservative groups target LGBTQ and race issues. A stack of books that have been challenged or banned in Texas, April 2022. Using racial slurs to highlight racism still means that the writer used profane, hateful language. The parents challenging these books say that sex ed should be taught in the home, by parents, but that ignores that many households wont do this, and also that most teens dont feel comfortable talking to their parents about sex. 2020 Black Lives Matter Marches Joyce Markovics $30.64 in cart Backorder A Complicated Love Story Set in Space Shaun David Hutchinson $19.99 $18.59 in cart add to cart . Dark magic, evil villains, sorcerers, oh my! Where did these books in particular come from, and whats really on it? Despite its widespread critical acclaim, Maus was recently pulled from Texas library shelves. 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. Florida and Pennsylvania followed Texas as the states with the most bans, respectively. As you might expect, looking into 850 books took a while, so these are based on a glance at the cover and description. Here is a list of banned books and how to shop. These books are theoretically related to House Bill 3979, a so-called anti-CRT bill that bans teaching any materials that could mean an individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of the individuals race or sex. Of course, the bill which is an overreach that has confused school districts about how to follow it doesnt actually mention books in school libraries. The 1962 science-fiction fantasy follows persnickety Meg Murry as she enters parallel universes in search of her father. Most of the targeted books have to do with race, gender, and sexuality.Unlike most book challenges in the past, whereby parents or other stakeholders in the community would engage teachers and school administrators in a debate over a title, local groups have received support from . Books at Vandegrift High Schools library on March 2, 2022. As with Alex Ginos George, the motivation behind banning this book is painfully apparent. And heres a quick guide to the ones schools dont want kids to read. Of course, this passionate romance novel between a Mexican American girl and a Black boy in 1930s Texas also covers important, complex topics like segregation, rape and forbidden love. "The Bluest Eye," by Toni Morrison. A librarian who is a member of#FReadom, a collective of librarians who highlight the work of libraries and books in reaction to Krause's letter, saidthey weren't aware of any of thebooks mentioned in the tweet being recentlychallenged in Texas, other than "The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel." Its banned books about sex and books about race, and books about those whose white hoods hide their face. When Melissa is shut down for wanting to play a female role in the class play, she decides its time to change things. Its a 1961 childrens book about an orphan who makes friends with two creatures living inside a peach. In 1999, one small Wisconsin town officially made it one of its banned books after claiming that a scene in which a spider licks her lips could be taken in two ways, including sexual. Cant say that would have been our first thought. Books about teen misfits such as Rainbow Rowells Eleanor & Park or Stephen Chboskys The Perks of Being a Wallflower both appear. Enlarge this image. Why? Over the past year, schools and libraries around the country have been banning a whole lot of books. ", 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.". : A Balanced, Comprehensive View of Abortion from its Historical Context to the Current Debate, 100 Questions Youd Never Ask Your Parents: Straight Answers To Teens Questions About Sex, Sexuality, and Health, Thinking Out Loud: On the Personal, the Political, the Public and the Private, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Eyes on Target: Inside Stories from the Brotherhood of the U.S. Navy SEALs, Life, Death and Sacrifice: Women and Family in the Holocaust, More Politicians Need To Address Book Bans: Book Censorship News, February 24, 2023, How to Talk About Book Bans With Friends, Library Patrons, and More: Book Censorship News, February 17, 2023, Write Your Legislators About Banned Books Right Now With This Template: Book Censorship News, February 10, 2023, The Book Banners Recruitment Agenda: Book Censorship News, February 3, 2023, An Open Letter to Stephen King: Book Censorship News, January 27, 2023, Proposed Legislation in Several States to Eliminate LGBTQ+, Obscene Books: Book Censorship News, January 20, 2023, Childrens and Middle Grade: 149 (17.55%), LGBTQ: 509 (59.95%), including Trans: 118 (13.95% of total), Misc: 124 (14.61%), including Pregnancy: 49 (5.77%), Abortion (not Sex Ed): 43 (5.06%), and Unknown 163 (19.20%). Can College Sports Get More Absurd Than SMU Joining the Pac-12? 3. Unsettling depictions of police brutality, violence and racism have led some to ban The Hate U Give from classrooms and libraries. 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. Because of heightened scrutiny around what is being taught in schools and Krause's list, there is a wave oflocal attempts to remove specific books from school and public libraries. Those in favor of banning this book cant seem to agree on a reason, though: Its been banned for being both too religious and not religious enough. Mike Hixenbaugh is a senior investigativereporter for NBC News, based in Houston. Well, shes got cancer. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Before long, Brave New World was topping the banned book list in at least eight U.S. states. A Katy parent asked to have this children's biography of the former first lady banned at every grade level because, the parent said, it unfairly depicts former President Donald Trump as a bully and because Obama's reflections on race gave the impression that "if you sound like a white girl you should be ashamed of yourself. ", This acclaimed novel about an unlikely friendship between a wealthy Afghan boy and the son of his father's servant was flagged for removal by a mom in Birdville who complained that it "depicts the rape and sexual exploitation of minors.". By Itinerant Literate Books Banned Books 2022 "Any book worth banning is a book worth reading." . Texas has banned a huge number of books, indeed! Books at a New Jersey high school library that were targeted for bans. Its obvious why some parents might feel bewildered by this nonsensical book. Apr 08, 2022. Mara Mndez, Austin American-Statesman, ", Email from Shirley Robinson, executive director of the Texas Library Association in an email via Elizabeth Christian Public Relations, Feb. 8, 2022, American Library Association, "Banned & Challenged Classics", Maria Mndez, Austin American-Statesman, "Abbott push to probe pornography in schools prompts question: When is a book pornographic? Greg Abbott has put a promise to increase parental rights at the center of his reelection platform. This censorious movement is turning our public schools into political battlegrounds, driving wedges within communities, forcing teachers and librarians from their jobs, and casting a chill over the spirit of open inquiry and intellectual freedom that underpin a flourishing democracy, Suzanne Nossel, PEN Americas chief executive officer, said in a statement. 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. But while it may not be a history text, its certainly a must-read book about racism. Art Spiegelmans Pulitzer Prizewinning history of the Holocaust, the comic book Maus, appears on the list, as does Ari Folmans graphic adaptation of Anne Franks Diary of a Young Girl. Texas-based NBC reporter Mike Hixenbaugh spoke . Also, school boards must establish a way to consider complaints from parents. It's interesting to me because the political right, in both the UK and US, are obsessed . Not only is this list badly put together, with strange gaps, puzzling inclusions, and broadly applied keywords, but its goal is oppressive and dangerous. We may earn a commission from your purchases. Chip Gaines Bought Larry McMurtrys Historic Texas Bookstore. He lacks successful role models or mentors. Aug. 10, 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. 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 mistakes and strange choices on this document show how little care was put into it, and how little Krause must think of school officials, that they should comb their collections according to this hastily slapped together list. This illustrated children's book about a transgender child based on the real-life experiences of one of the authors is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. But is its psychedelic-like prose worth banning? ", A viral Feb. 1 tweetsaid, "Books banned in Texas include 1984,Maus,and The Handmaid's Tale, but not Mein Kampf. There are Leslea Newman books, but not Heather Has Two Mommies. Proponents for book banningare painting this issue "with a broad brush" forpolitical support while taking the decision-making process away from children andparents, Robinson said. Ella Scott, left, and Alyssa Hoy, co-founders of the Vandegrift High School Banned Book Club, speak at a rally for the right to read. "Book challenges in American schools are . PEN America defines a ban as any action taken against a book based on its content after challenges from parents or lawmakers. 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. (Psst! This novel, about a young slave boy who becomes swept up in a struggle for his own liberation, is one of dozens of library books that have been flagged for removal in Keller. 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. "We checked four two owned it, one did not, and one did not, but had a video about it. Fiction bannings include some of the most acclaimed books in American literature: Toni Morrisons Beloved and The Bluest Eye, Sherman Alexies The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, and white author William Styrons The Confessions of Nat Turner have all been removed from libraries. A Texas School District Banned My Book. Readers seem to either love or hate the . according to the American Library Association, a popular culture librarian at Texas Tech University, heightened scrutiny around what is being taught in schools, When Gov. Book Challenges. Queer and trans kids face much higher risks of depression and suicide when they are in an unaccepting environment, and schools play a big role in that. 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? Book-banning attempts have grown in the U.S. over the . And Fort Worth Republican state Rep. Matt Krause compiled a list of 850 books dealing with racism and sexuality he challenged Texas schools to investigate, NBC reported. Robinson wrote that it is possible titles mentioned in the tweet may have been discussedon the local level. The list also include books that are warning about the dangers of sex or that are teaching abstinence. Book 2 and 3 of the Timekeeper series, but not book 1. That night, Maxs dreams take him to a dark land where he becomes king of the Wild Things and leads a loud, hair-raising Wild Rumpus. It was tough enough for author Maurice Sendak to get his borderline dark book published, but when it finally hit shelves in 1963, it (like Max) got in even more trouble. Keller ISD has policies in place to allow parents, employees, or community members to challenge the content of books that are available to students. Ive already shared some of the mistakes, omissions, and strange inclusions (like sex ed books from the 70s) on this list, but thats only scratching the surface. 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. . So its interesting to look at the books that arent on this list. Texas librarians face harassment as they navigate book bans. Nate Expectations, the third book in a series about a gay kids, but not the first two. Greg Abbott showed support for Krause'sscrutiny of school books, Texas officials to target obscene content in school libraries at governor's request, An Octoberanalysis by The Dallas Morning News, Records requested by NBC News of nearly 100 Texas school districts found 86 formal requests to remove books from libraries in 2021, as reported by the (Nashville)Tennessean, Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books: 2010-2019, Leander removes 13 books from high school book club lists amid parent concerns, 'Absurd': Author of 'Maus' condemns Tennessee school's decision to pull book on Holocaust, Here are 50 books Texas parents want banned from school libraries, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Texas state Rep. Matt Krause, from Fort Worth, who chairs the Texas House's General Investigating Committee, made a 16-page list of roughly 850 book titles he said might make students feel "discomfort." Driving the news: Granbury ISD pulled at least 125 books from school libraries as part of a review and some students were furious. 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. ", A Katy mom said this graphic novel, the second in a series, should be removed from schools because it will make white children feel guilty and "kids will be brainwashed that one race is superior than the other. 21 min read. More recently, however, the book has been challenged because of sexual harassment allegations against the author himself. But only four of the 10 districts removed books. This list has so many excellent, beloved queer YA books, like Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (both the English and Spanish versions). 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 Pants Project, a middle grade LGBTQ book, and Not My Idea, an anti-racist picture book, are both on here twice. We checked four two owned it, We the Students: Supreme Court Cases for and about Students Whose... Nate Expectations, the book has been banned Heather has two Mommies, 2022 as its portrayals of and... Despite its widespread critical acclaim, Maus was recently pulled from Texas library shelves can College Sports more. The class play, she decides its time to change things challenged because sexual! Female role in the tweet may have been challenged and removed as religious and conservative groups target LGBTQ and issues. Class play, she decides its time to change things & quot ; book in. Take on splitting the twin elements of space and time, in both the UK us! 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