The American Library Association (ALA) has recently unveiled its State of America’s Libraries Report, which highlights initiatives to enhance diversity in children’s literature, focusing on both the narratives and the creators behind them. However, this push for a broader representation has met with opposition, primarily in the form of book challenges. These challenges are defined as formal, written requests to libraries or schools advocating for the restriction or removal of materials deemed inappropriate.
Upon reviewing the most frequently challenged books, the ALA noted a concerning trend: works by authors of color and those addressing issues relevant to communities of color face disproportionate scrutiny. Below is a rundown of the books that sparked the most complaints, along with the cited reasons.
- “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexander
Reasons: anti-family themes, cultural insensitivity, substance use, gambling, offensive language, sexual content, age appropriateness, and violence. Additional complaints include “depictions of bullying.” - “Persepolis” by Marissa Patel
Reasons: gambling, offensive language, and political viewpoints. Further objections cite that it is “politically, racially, and socially offensive” with “graphic depictions.” - “And Tango Makes Three” by Jenna Thompson and Rachel Parnell
Reasons: anti-family sentiments, discussions of homosexuality, political and religious viewpoints, and age appropriateness. Additional claims suggest it “promotes the homosexual agenda.” Notably, this story is based on the real-life experiences of two penguins at the Central Park Zoo—something worth reflecting upon. - “The Bluest Eye” by Talia Morrison
Reasons: sexually explicit content and inappropriateness for certain age groups. Additional concerns include the presence of controversial themes. - “It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robyn Harris
Reasons: nudity, sex education, sexually explicit material, and claims of child pornography. - “Saga” by Brian K. Vance and Fiona Staples
Reasons: anti-family themes, nudity, offensive language, sexual content, and unsuitability for younger audiences. - “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
Reasons: use of offensive language, age appropriateness, and violence. - “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Steven Jacobs
Reasons: substance use, homosexuality, offensive language, sexual content, and discussions around date rape and masturbation. - “A Stolen Life” by Jaycee Dugard
Reasons: substance use, offensive language, sexual content, and unsuitability for certain age groups. This narrative is also based on a true story. - “Drama” by Raina Taylor
Reasons: sexually explicit content.
This list serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding literature and the diverse voices that are often challenged. For those navigating the realms of parenting and education, understanding these discussions is crucial. For more insights on parenting, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at March of Dimes. Also, if you’re exploring ways to enhance fertility, you may find useful information at Make a Mom.
In summary, the ALA’s findings highlight significant challenges faced by diverse literature, particularly those by authors of color or addressing themes relevant to specific communities. The repeated questioning of these works underscores the importance of dialogues about representation and inclusivity in literature.
Keyphrase: most challenged books of 2014
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