PEN America has shared its findings on the most frequently banned picture books of the 2023–2024 school year. Several common elements are apparent in the 23 titles on the list, including LGBTQ+ representation (both human and animal), historical accounts of the U.S. internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, discussions of race and racism more broadly, and nudity (however cartoonlike).
At the top of the list, with seven bans, is And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, illustrated by Henry Cole. Based on the real-life story of two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo that adopted a chick, the picture book has been a frequent target of censors since its publication in 2005. Tied for second place, with four bans each, are The Family Book by Todd Parr, which represents a diverse array of families, including same-sex couples; and Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love (2018), a celebration of gender nonconformity.
Kasey Meehan, director of PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, said in a statement, “Picture books help us understand what’s really at stake in the book ban crisis; these innocuous books—written for pre- and early readers—overwhelmingly depict LGBTQ+ identities or themes and stories about individuals of color, along with the occasional silly goblin butt.” Meehan went on to address why removing these kinds of books from the shelves is detrimental to young readers. “The first literary encounter along with the illustrations of characters can help young children build empathy and joy in the discovery of the people and world around them. Removing these picture books from access robs children of an experience that might have enlightened and delighted them.”
PEN America counted more than 10,000 book bans in the 2023-2024 school year, affecting more than 4,000 unique titles. To see the complete list of the most banned picture books of 2023–2024, click here.
This story has been updated with further information.
