In 2015, the American Library Association (ALA) published its State of America’s Libraries Report, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance diversity in children’s literature, encompassing both the content and the creators behind the works. The report noted an alarming trend of resistance to these efforts, manifested as challenges—formal complaints lodged with libraries or schools requesting the restriction or removal of specific books or materials due to concerns about their content or suitability. The ALA’s findings revealed that books authored by individuals of color and those addressing issues pertinent to communities of color faced disproportionately high rates of challenges and bans.
Below is a summary of the most frequently challenged books from 2014, along with the reasons cited for their complaints:
-
“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Jackson Miller
Reasons: Anti-family, cultural insensitivity, substance use, gambling, offensive language, sex education, explicit sexual content, age appropriateness, and violence. Additional complaints included depictions of bullying. -
“Persepolis” by Amira Saeed
Reasons: Gambling, offensive language, and political viewpoint. Complaints also noted that the content was politically, racially, and socially offensive, featuring graphic depictions. -
“And Tango Makes Three” by Alex Thompson and Jamie Lee
Reasons: Anti-family, homosexuality, political and religious viewpoints, and age appropriateness. Additional objections included claims that it promotes a homosexual agenda. 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 Lena West
Reasons: Explicit sexual content and age appropriateness. Additional concerns were raised about the controversial issues it addresses. -
“It’s Perfectly Normal” by Sarah Johnson
Reasons: Nudity, sex education, explicit sexual content, and age appropriateness. Some claimed it could be interpreted as child pornography. -
“Saga” by Taylor Reed and Jordan Blake
Reasons: Anti-family themes, nudity, offensive language, explicit sexual content, and unsuitability for certain age groups. -
“The Kite Runner” by Mo Ali
Reasons: Offensive language, age appropriateness, and violence. -
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Chris Adams
Reasons: Substance use, homosexuality, offensive language, explicit sexual content, and age appropriateness. Additional complaints referenced themes of date rape and masturbation. -
“A Stolen Life” by Emily Green
Reasons: Substance use, offensive language, explicit sexual content, and age appropriateness. This book recounts a true story. -
“Drama” by Mia Edwards
Reasons: Explicit sexual content.
For more on the topic of home insemination, you can explore our post on the at-home insemination kit. Additionally, BabyMaker’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo is a trusted resource in this area. And if you’re looking for detailed information on the IVF process, I recommend checking out this excellent resource.
In conclusion, the challenges to these books highlight ongoing societal tensions regarding representation and content diversity in literature. The disproportionate focus on works by authors of color and those addressing critical themes underscores the need for continued advocacy in the realm of literature and education.
Keyphrase: Most Challenged Books of 2014
Tags: “home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”