Recently, well-respected, award-winning children’s and teen titles have faced severe, targeted censorship attacks in such states as Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Virginia, Georgia and Illinois. Award winning titles such as the Newbery-winning title New Kid by Jerry Craft have faced heavy racist and anti-LGBTQIA+ attacks, and we in the Trove wanted to celebrate and support the #fREADom to read them, and all books that affirm the uniqueness and special characteristics of every child and teen. The excellent children’s books highlighted in this blog come from Texas State Representative Matt Krause’s list of over 800 titles (16 pages!) he is seeking “to investigate.” Krause, who serves on the Texas House Committee on General Investigating and is currently running for District Attorney, submitted a letter to the Texas Education Association in late October calling for an investigation into the books available in schools across the state and Governor Abbott has jumped on the bandwagon also demanding these books be removed from the schools. Kelly Jenson of Book Riot writes, “The 800+ titles on the list include a range of books by or about LGBTQ+ people, books about racism and Black history, and a slew of award-winning, highly decorated titles published explicitly for young readers.” If you would like to read further on the matter, Jenson’s article provides a good summary. Book Riot follows book censorship news closely, and has an excellent article on supporting the #fREADom to read – How to Fight Book Bans and Challenges: An Anti-Censorship Tool Kit. Please join us in celebrating the uniqueness of each child and the shared humanity of all of us!

Hurricane Child by Kacen Callender
(Grades 4-6)
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“Born during a storm, Caroline Murphy, a 12-year-old black girl, is convinced that she has been cursed with bad luck. The old ladies around her way say this is the fate of any child born during a hurricane. Recent events in her life seem to confirm this. Feeling unwanted by everyone, especially since the abrupt departure of her mom, Caroline leads a difficult life. She is bullied by those at her school in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, including her teacher, for her skin, which is darker than theirs. She is also followed around by a spirit–the woman in black–that she is sure only she can see. The arrival of a new student from Barbados changes Caroline's life significantly. Also bullied, the exuberantly dreadlocked Kalinda becomes Caroline's first and only friend, and soon Caroline's feelings blossom into something more than platonic. This spells problems for Caroline, since feelings like these are considered sinful in Catholic school. Caroline now must deal with growing up without a mother and her feelings for Kalinda, all while trying to figure out why the woman in black will not leave her alone. Her journey to the answers to her most burning questions finds her discovering much about herself and those around her. Writing in Caroline's present-tense voice, Callender draws readers in and makes them identify with Caroline's angst and sorrow and joy and pain. Embedding her appealing protagonist in a fully realized Caribbean setting, Callender has readers rooting for Caroline the whole way.”– Kirkus Reviews
New Kid by Jerry Craft
(Grades 4-6)
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“Jordan Banks takes readers down the rabbit hole and into his mostly white prep school in this heartbreakingly accurate middle-grade tale of race, class, microaggressions, and the quest for self-identity.He may be the new kid, but as an African-American boy from Washington Heights, that stigma entails so much more than getting lost on the way to homeroom. Riverdale Academy Day School, located at the opposite end of Manhattan, is a world away, and Jordan finds himself a stranger in a foreign land, where pink clothing is called salmon, white administrators mistake a veteran African-American teacher for the football coach, and white classmates ape African-American Vernacular English to make themselves sound cool. Jordan's a gifted artist, and his drawings blend with the narrative to give readers a full sense of his two worlds and his methods of coping with existing in between. Craft skillfully employs the graphic-novel format to its full advantage, giving his readers a delightful and authentic cast of characters who, along with New York itself, pop off the page with vibrancy and nuance. Shrinking Jordan to ant-sized proportions upon his entering the school cafeteria, for instance, transforms the lunchroom into a grotesque Wonderland in which his lack of social standing becomes visually arresting and viscerally uncomfortable. An engrossing, humorous, and vitally important graphic novel that should be required reading in every middle school in America.”–Kirkus Reviews
We March by Shane Evans
(Preschool – 3rd Grade)
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“Written in the same spare style as Evans’s Underground, this account of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom—identified only in a concluding note—drives home the emotion and the drama of that event. Brief, blunt sentences propel the narrative and place readers on the scene: ‘We follow our leaders. We walk together. We sing.’ Evans spotlights a family of four, first pictured rising with the sun and creating placards with their church congregation. Buses bring them to the Washington Monument, where they join others in the march that culminates in Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Though the day unfolds through the family’s perspective, what emerges is a communal voice that conveys a strong sense of solidarity and purpose (‘We lean on each other as we march to justice, to freedom, to our dreams’). Similarly minimalist, Evans’s art features angular characters whose expressions capture their passion and commitment. Evans’s predominantly cool palette is warmed by the diffuse light of the sun, which appears in full blaze behind a closeup image of King. A moving introduction to a historic day.”– Publisher’s Weekly
Ho’onani: Hula Warrior by Heather Gale
(Preschool – 2nd Grade)
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“In this picture book based on a true story, a nonbinary youth finds her place as a hula warrior. Hoʻonani Kamai doesn't identify with either wahine (girl) or kāne (boy); ‘she prefers just Hoʻonani.’ (Feminine pronouns refer to Hoʻonani throughout.) One day, her teacher Kumu Hina announces auditions for a traditional hula chant the high school kāne will perform. With Kumu Hina's encouragement, Hoʻonani auditions despite the shock of the kāne. After passing the test, she practices ‘until Hawaii's history [becomes] a part of her.’ Practice pays off, as her chant's strength and power gain her true acceptance as their leader. Kumu Hina warns that people may get upset that a wahine is leading, but Hoʻonani faces the performance with courage. Through every challenge and doubt, Hoʻonani ‘[holds] her place. Strong, sure, and steady.’ Her strength and bravery lead her to find her place as a hula warrior. Based on the documentary A Place in the Middle, this story brings to light the Hawaiian tradition of valuing those who are māhū, or nonbinary. Teacher and activist Kumu Hina creates a place of safety and acceptance, encouraging her students to treat others with respect. Hoʻonani's courage to be true to herself and her place in the middle is empowering. Hawaiian words are intermixed, and Song's illustrations are full of emotion and determination. Hoʻonani deserves a place on any shelf.”–Kirkus Reviews
Pride: the Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders & Steven Salerno
(Grades 1-3)
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“Written in direct, accessible language, this book opens with a quote from Harvey Milk about hope, the connecting theme of this uplifting introduction to the symbol of the Rainbow Flag. The text starts with Milk's choice to enter politics and Gilbert Baker's design of the first flag and connects that to the flag's modern appearances as a symbol of equality and pride and the use of it on June 26, 2015 across the White House. The illustrations are vibrant and lively, taking inspiration from 1970s fashions and styles while emphasizing the effectiveness of symbols. The narrative includes references to opposition to Milk's dream of equality and the assassination of Milk and George Moscone, but moves decisively on to tell of enduring hope, with an illustration of the candlelight vigil and the persistence of the rainbow flag as an icon. Biographical notes include more information on the flag, Milk, Baker, and the significance of the June 16, 2014 rainbow lights across the White House. The back matter also includes two timelines, a few suggested books and websites, and assorted photographs related to the story. VERDICT With its emphasis on pride and hope, this title will make a strong addition to classroom and school library collections to support discussions of character and equality. Recommended for all collections.”–School Library Journal
I am Jazz by Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthal & Shelagh McNicholas
(Grades 1-3)
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“An autobiographical picture book describes trans-youth activist Jazz Jennings' story of embracing and asserting her transgender identity.Both the title and the opening text proclaims, ‘I am Jazz!’ The book goes on to detail Jazz's various interests and tastes, which follow traditionally feminine gender norms. But as Jazz goes on to explain, she has ‘a girl brain but a boy body. This is called transgender. I was born this way!’ Although the realistic watercolor illustrations consistently display only happy faces in these beginning pages, the text recounts her family's struggle to understand her early-childhood assertion of femininity: ‘At first my family was confused. They'd always thought of me as a boy.’ Jazz recalls her pain when compelled to wear ‘boy clothes’ in public. ‘Pretending I was a boy felt like telling a lie.’ Her parents' efforts to understand prompt them to meet with a doctor who introduces the word ‘transgender,’ which enables the family's powerful affirmation: ‘We understand now. Be who you are. We love you no matter what.’ The story balances this acceptance with honest acknowledgement of others' ongoing confusion and intermittent cruelty, and it briefly addresses Jazz's exclusion from girls' soccer in her state. Ultimately, Jazz's self-acceptance, bolstered by her family's support and advocacy, acts as a beacon for readers, trans- and cisgender alike. An empowering, timely story with the power to help readers proclaim, in the words of Jazz's parents, ‘We understand now.’”–Kirkus Reviews
Not My Idea by Anastasia Higginbotham
(Grades K-4)
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“In this call to action, a young white child catches news fragments of a police officer shooting an unarmed black man. They witness their family members' discomfort, avoidance, and eventual dismissal of the shooting (and the resulting protests) while claiming, ‘We don't see color.’ The child's confusion leads them to the library for answers about the history of racism in the United States. Ultimately, they vocalize feelings of frustration to their parent. Told in second person to an assumed white audience, the text intersperses firm declarations that the structure of whiteness oppresses people of color with gentle reassurances that growth and change are possible-when bolstered by honesty and accountability. Higginbotham's trademark collage connotes the sweet simplicity of homemade crafts sharpened with the candor of radical zines, and adds layers of meaning that can serve as conversation starters for keen-eyed readers. A page discussing economic oppression, for example, depicts white hands with shirt sleeves made of U.S. dollar bills. The inclusion of a relatable narrative alongside age-appropriate language and direct explanations make this an essential text for young readers, and adults, unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the role of white people in dismantling racism. Back pages include an activity section that is visually rich but structurally vague; each page reads more as a discussion point than an exercise. In an image depicting racial profiling, the security guard closely observing a black child also appears to be a person of color; in a book on whiteness, this feels like detraction from an otherwise consistent message. VERDICT A much-needed title that provides a strong foundation for critical discussions of white people and racism, particularly for young audiences. Recommended for all collections.” –School Library Journal
Totally Joe by James Howe
(Grades 6-8)
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“Delivering trenchant messages about tolerance, self-knowledge and the vacuity of teenage popularity, Howe's ultimately uplifting tale marks the welcome return of the Gang of Five (though there are really only four), introduced in The Misfits. The novel's innovative format reveals the “alphabiography” of 13-year-old Joe Bunch, the gay member of the seventh-grade misfits. In this alphabetical survey, assigned by his English teacher, he shares his heartfelt, snappy reflections. For ‘A is for Addie,’ he recalls his earlier years, when he liked to dress up and play with Barbie dolls (a pastime that bonded him to Addie, also from the Gang of Five). He confesses that in fifth grade he wanted to be a ‘guy-guy’ so badly that he asked his friend to teach him how (‘Oh. My. God. It was pathetic’). Joe has a crush on ‘totally cool, smart’ Colin (the ‘C’ entry), a jock who returns his affection but is not ready to go public with their relationship and eventually calls it off. Encouraged by his insightful aunt, Joe takes a major leap when he comes out to his supportive family. Howe deals with weighty issues, but uses Joe's affable personality to interject ample humor, and the hero ends each segment with a ‘Life Lesson,’ many presenting principles appropriate to any kid (e.g., ‘Just be who you are, okay?’). This narrator is anything but an average Joe: he's candid, memorable and—though he might find this hard to believe—totally charismatic.”–Publisher’s Weekly
The Breakaways by Cathy G. Johnson
(Grades 4-8)
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“Faith has just joined the Bloodhounds, the middle school girls' soccer C team, made up of the least skilled players. But this isn't one of those heartwarming sports stories where an inspirational coach rallies the underdogs to victory. Instead, these Dogs lose every game and feud with one another while the coach spends most practices on his phone. Vignettes show the players' varied home lives, interests, and friendship dramas. Sketchy full-color artwork features characters with exaggerated expressions. Faith and her teammates are diverse in body type and ethnicity. One player comes out as trans and another as queer during the course of the story, and both have supportive friends. Readers who like a touch of romance will enjoy seeing two sweet relationships blossom on the page. Realistic scenes of school, soccer practice, and sleepovers are interspersed with Faith's daydreams about adventures on horseback with a handsome butch royal messenger named Mathilda, who inspires Faith to unite her misfit teammates, team or no team. VERDICT A down-to-earth friendship story for readers of Svetlana Chmakova's Awkward, Jennifer L. Holm's Sunny Side Up, and Raina Telgemeier's Drama.”– School Library Journal
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
(Grades 2 & Up)
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“Not your typical alphabet board book, this one packs a powerful message both visually as well as verbally. Each spread presents a letter and a bit of social commentary urging children to take a stand against war and violence, develop an awareness of our environment, and promote acceptance and equality for all cultures, races, religions, genders, and walks of life. For example, ‘A is for Activist./Advocate. Abolitionist. Ally./Actively Answering A call to Action.’ ‘Y is for You. And Youth./Your planet. Your rights/Your future. Your truth./Y is for Yes. Yes! Yes! Yes!’ Despite the format, this introduction to social justice is best suited to older children, who will need plenty of explanation and discussion to help them understand issues such as feminism or workers' rights. Nagara relies upon colorful illustrations—many representing the energy behind activism with arms and fists raised—lots of alliteration, and rhyming for each letter and idea. An ever-present black cat hiding or prowling on each letter's page seeks to hold listeners' interest as well. An unusual offering that may plant the seeds for and spark discussions about activism.”–School Library Journal
Peaceful Fights for Equal Rights by Rob Sanders & Jared Andrew Schorr
(Grades K-2)
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“Proudly progressive and unabashedly direct, this anthem is dedicated to ‘those who lost their lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.' Writing in stirring, crisp imperatives, Sanders (Pride) creates a to-do list for change: “Inquire. Invite. Inform. Imagine. Join others on the journey. Join others in the fight.” While some of the suggestions are timeless (‘STRIKE,’ written in big white letters on a black background), and a few illustrations reference specific movements (the 1965 Delano grape strike), much of the book feels timely. Placards that read ‘#RESIST’ and ‘LOVE IS LOVE’ are among the first images; in a later spread, a knitter creates a pink hat as she watches an African-American football player take a knee on television. It’s a tribute to the potent rhythm of Sanders’s text and exuberant cut-paper images by Schorr (Better Together) that the litany never grows wearying—in fact, the book relays useful, action-based suggestions as it moves along. Back matter details a short history of peaceful protests and defines related terms.” –Publisher’s Weekly
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
(Grades 5-8)
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“Seventh-grader Callie has been in love with the stage ever since she saw Les Miz when she was younger. Since her singing skills leave much to be desired, she’s forged a place for herself at the drama club as the set decorator. While her love for the stage is clear, which boy she loves is a different matter. Is it Greg, the handsome eighth-grade jock who trifled with her while on a break from his diva girlfriend, Bonnie? Or Justin, the cute boy who is playing the comic relief in the middle school production of Moon over Mississippi?—who happens to be gay. Or what about his twin brother, Jesse, who isn’t gay and is helping Callie with set decorating? The author follows up her award-winning graphic novel Smile with another dead-on look at the confusing world of middle school, sweetly capturing all the drama swirling around the school production: from jealousies and misunderstandings to the last-minute surprise stage substitution that may not make a star, but helps settle who likes who. Telgemeier’s manga-infused art has some moments of heartache, but the generally cheerful and affirming story should be eagerly devoured by her many fans.”–Publisher’s Weekly
Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonaiuh
(Grades 1-5)
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“A little-known yet important story of the fight to end school discrimination against Mexican-American children is told with lively text and expressive art. Most associate the fight for school integration with the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education. However, seven years earlier, Mexican-American students in California saw an end to discrimination there. The little girl at the center of that case, Sylvia Mendez, was the daughter of parents who looked forward to sending her to the school near their newly leased farm. When her aunt attempted to register the family children, they were directed to the ‘Mexican school,’ despite proficiency in English and citizenship. No one could explain to Mr. Mendez why his children were not allowed to attend the better-appointed school nearby. Despite the reluctance of many fellow Mexican-Americans to cause ‘problems,’ he filed a suit, receiving the support of numerous civil rights organizations. Tonatiuh masterfully combines text and folk-inspired art to add an important piece to the mosaic of U.S. civil rights history. The universality of parents' desires for better opportunities for their children is made plain. The extensive author's note provides context, and readers can connect with the real people in the story through photographs of Sylvia, her parents and the schools in question. Helpful backmatter includes a glossary, bibliography and index. Even the sourcing of dialogue is explained. A compelling story told with impeccable care.”–Kirkus Reviews