Banned Books: Children’s Books

When George and Harold hypnotize their principal into thinking that he is the superhero Captain Underpants, he leads them to the lair of the nefarious Dr. Diaper, where they must defeat his evil robot henchmen. Why it was banned/challenged: was perceived as encouraging disruptive behavior and for offensive language, violence, and being unsuited to age group

When a popular student encourages her to join the soccer team, Faith signs up even though she has never played the game, and learns about loyalty and friendship. Why it was banned/challenged: features a transgender character

An artist’s drawing of a star begins the creation of an entire universe around him as each successive pictured object requests that he draw more. Why it was banned/challenged: includes a depiction of a naked man and woman

Uses bird and bee cartoon characters to present straightforward explanations of topics related to sexual development, love, reproduction, adoption, sexually transmitted diseases, and more. Why it was banned/challenged: provides information about sexuality

While Milo and his sister travel to a detention center to visit their incarcerated mother, he observes strangers on the subway and draws what he imagines their lives to be. Why it was banned/challenged: considered unsuited for age group because it refers to incarceration and includes an illustration of two women getting married

Eleven-year-old (nearly twelve) Celi Rivera, who is a mix of Black-Puerto Rican-Mexican Indian is uncomfortable about her approaching period, and the changes that are happening to her body; she is horrified that her mother wants to hold a traditional public moon ceremony to celebrate the occasion–until she finds out that her best friend Magda is contemplating an even more profound change of life. Why it was banned/challenged: accused of promoting the occult

Instead of sending Jordan to the arts school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics. Jordan turns out to be one of the few kids of color in his entire grade and struggles to find balance between his home life in Washington Heights and his new upscale academy. Why it was banned/challenged: accused of promoting critical race theory and racism

After discussing the police shooting of a local Black man with their families, Emma and Josh know how to treat a new student who looks and speaks differently than his classmates. Includes an extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers that provides general guidance about addressing racism with children, child-friendly vocabulary definitions, conversation guides, and a link to additional online resources for parents and teachers. Why it was banned/challenged: challenged for divisive language and because it was thought to promote anti-police views

A picture book illustrating a Pride parade. The end-matter serves as a primer on LGBT history and culture and explains the references made in the story. Why it was banned/challenged: inclusion of LGBT content

Aidan, a transgender boy, experiences complicated emotions as he and his parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby. Why it was banned/challenged: features a transgender character