PEN America Reveals the Top Banned Picture Books of the 2023-2024 School Year
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In a recent report by PEN America, the most banned picture books from the 2023-2024 school year have been disclosed. On the 27th of January, the non-profit organisation, dedicated to raising awareness of banned or challenged titles in the United States, unveiled a list of 23 picture book titles that faced the most frequent bans during this academic year. Out of a total of 10,000 banned books during the 2023-2024 calendar year, a mere 2% comprised picture books.
Kasey Meehan, the director of PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, highlighted the significance of picture books in understanding the underlying issues amidst the book ban crisis. Meehan pointed out that these seemingly innocuous picture books, tailored for pre- and early readers, predominantly feature LGBTQ+ identities or themes, stories about individuals of colour, and occasionally whimsical elements like goblins. The director emphasised that the removal of these picture books deprives children of an enriching and enlightening experience, one that fosters empathy and appreciation for diversity.
Picture books play a crucial role in shaping the literary encounters of young children, providing them with an opportunity to build empathy and joy in discovering the world around them. By engaging with characters and narratives through illustrations, children begin to form a deeper understanding of people and their surroundings. The absence of these picture books due to bans can potentially hinder the development of these essential traits in children, impacting their growth and perception of the world.
Among the banned picture books, ‘And Tango Makes Three’ by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson took the top spot, facing bans on seven occasions. Additionally, ‘The Family Book’ by Todd Parr and ‘Julián Is a Mermaid’ by Jessica Love were tied for the second-most banned titles, each being banned five times. These statistics shed light on the specific themes and representations in picture books that have been met with resistance or censorship in educational settings, raising concerns about the freedom to access diverse literary content.
The surge in banned books during the 2023-2024 academic year, especially those focusing on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) and LGBTQ+ themes, underscores the challenges faced in promoting inclusivity and diversity in literature. As book bans continue to impact the availability of diverse narratives for young readers, initiatives like the one undertaken by PEN America serve as a crucial platform for advocating for the freedom to read and access a wide range of stories.
The list of frequently banned picture books from the 2023-2024 school year includes a variety of titles that celebrate diversity, explore gender identity, and highlight social issues. From ‘Prince & Knight’ by Daniel Haack to ‘Milo Imagines the World’ by Matt de la Peña, these books offer valuable perspectives and insights that contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape. Despite facing challenges and opposition, these picture books continue to resonate with readers and play a significant role in promoting understanding and empathy among children.
In a society where discussions around censorship and the freedom to read are ongoing, the recognition of banned picture books draws attention to the importance of embracing diverse voices and narratives in children’s literature. By acknowledging the impact of book bans on access to inclusive and representative stories, efforts can be made to safeguard the right of readers, especially young minds, to explore and engage with a wide array of perspectives through literature.
In conclusion, the revelations about the most banned picture books of the 2023-2024 school year serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring access to diverse and inclusive literary content. As organisations like PEN America continue to champion the freedom to read and advocate for the importance of diverse narratives, the dialogue around censorship, representation, and inclusivity in children’s literature remains crucial for fostering a more tolerant and understanding society.