The American Library Association (ALA) has recently unveiled their State of America’s Libraries Report, spotlighting their commitment to enhancing diversity in children’s literature—both in terms of content and the creators behind it. However, this initiative has faced opposition, manifesting as “challenges.” These challenges are formal, written complaints submitted to libraries or schools, advocating for the restriction or removal of specific books or materials based on their content.
Upon reviewing the most challenged titles, the ALA found a concerning trend: books authored by people of color and those addressing issues relevant to communities of color were disproportionately targeted for bans. Below is a summary of the books that received the highest number of challenges, along with the criticisms cited.
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“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie
Reasons for challenges: anti-family themes, cultural insensitivity, drug-related content, gambling, offensive language, sex education, sexually explicit content, age appropriateness, and violence. Additional concerns included “depictions of bullying.” -
“Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi
Reasons for challenges: gambling, offensive language, and political viewpoints. Critics have also labeled it as “politically, racially, and socially offensive,” pointing to “graphic depictions.” -
“And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Reasons for challenges: anti-family sentiments, homosexuality, political and religious viewpoints, and age appropriateness. It’s worth noting that this book is based on the true story of two penguins at the Central Park Zoo. -
“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
Reasons for challenges: sexually explicit material and concerns over age appropriateness. Additional criticisms mentioned the presence of “controversial issues.” -
“It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robie Harris
Reasons for challenges: nudity, sex education, sexually explicit content, and age appropriateness. Some critics have gone so far as to allege it promotes child pornography. -
“Saga” by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Reasons for challenges: anti-family themes, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit content, and age appropriateness. -
“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
Reasons for challenges: offensive language, violence, and age appropriateness. -
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons for challenges: drug-related content, homosexuality, offensive language, sexually explicit material, and age appropriateness. Additional concerns included themes of “date rape and masturbation.” -
“A Stolen Life” by Jaycee Dugard
Reasons for challenges: drug-related content, offensive language, sexually explicit content, and age appropriateness. This book also recounts a true story. -
“Drama” by Raina Telgemeier
Reasons for challenges: sexually explicit content.
This recap offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by these books, reflecting broader societal debates about representation and appropriateness in literature. For further insights into the journey of parenthood and resources on home insemination, check out this informative post on intracervical insemination. Also, if you’re exploring options for becoming a parent, Make a Mom provides an excellent selection of home insemination kits. For additional guidance, the ACOG offers valuable resources on treating infertility.
In summary, the most challenged books of 2014 highlight ongoing tensions around diversity in literature and the implications of censorship, especially concerning narratives from marginalized voices.