Skip to content
Sign In Subscribe
Entertainment

Banned Children’s Books: What’s Really Getting Shelved?

Banned children’s books like Lawn Boy and Gender Queer open up debates over explicit content—and are cause for concern.

,   and  Earl Gray
5 min read

Table of Contents

Banned books have always stirred up a bit of drama, but lately, children’s books have taken center stage in the controversy. The debates aren’t just about politics or controversial ideas—they’re about sexual themes, explicit content, and what’s truly appropriate for younger readers. 

Parents, educators, and policymakers have found themselves at odds over books that go too far in addressing complex topics like gender identity, sexual orientation, and relationships. You’ve probably seen the headlines about these books being pulled from school libraries, or maybe you’ve overheard heated debates at PTA meetings. But what’s really going on? Are these books simply pushing boundaries, or are they crossing lines that shouldn’t be crossed?

Banned Children’s Books: Are They Too Explicit for Kids?

The reality is that many of these banned books are being targeted because they contain explicit content, graphic depictions, and mature subjects. Parents and teachers believe they go too far in how they present material that should be reserved for older readers. Here’s a closer look at some of the books that have created the most controversy—and why they’re considered too much for young audiences.

“This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson

This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson is a nonfiction guide aimed at LGBTQ+ youth that covers everything from sexual identity to hookup culture. While it has been praised for being honest and direct, it’s also drawn strong criticism for its graphic content, including discussions on sex, dating apps, and casual hookups.

This is a step too far. While sex education is important, This Book Is Gay discusses explicit sexual acts in a way that feels more appropriate for older teens or adults. For younger readers, particularly in school settings, this is just not the right time or place for these discussions.

“In My Daddy’s Belly” by Logan Brown

This one’s a big one. In My Daddy’s Belly—currently at a dismal 4% approval rate on Google Books—tells the story of a trans man who gets pregnant, which is a very specific and confusing concept to introduce to young children. Written by Logan Brown, who became a father after transitioning, the book’s purpose is to explain that trans men can have babies.

While the intention is likely to promote understanding and acceptance, it’s just too complex for children. Kids aren’t ready to process this kind of information—especially when it comes to the biological realities and gender identity issues involved. This feels like force-feeding adult topics onto an age group that should be focusing on simpler, more foundational lessons.

“Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe

Gender Queer has probably been the most controversial of the bunch. This graphic memoir details Maia Kobabe’s personal journey of identifying as non-binary, but it doesn’t shy away from graphic depictions of sexual experiences and identity exploration. The book’s explicit illustrations of sex and intimate moments have led to bans in multiple school districts across the country.

The book is too explicit and doesn’t really have any place in schools. The sexual content, particularly the graphic nature of its illustrations, crosses a line that should be drawn at a more appropriate age. Parents have even argued that the book isn’t about gender identity as much as it is about pushing adult themes on kids.

“Lawn Boy” by Jonathan Evison

This coming-of-age novel follows a young boy dealing with his identity and his bisexuality, all while working as a lawn boy. Sounds simple enough, right? The problem is that the book includes explicit content, like sexual encounters, that are too jarring for younger readers who’re still moving through the graceful period of childhood innocence.

While liberals praise the book for its portrayal of growing up and discovering one’s identity, it’s just too much for unassuming children. It’s another case where the line between being “real” and being “appropriate” gets pretty blurry.

“Flamer” by Mike Curato

Flamer by Mike Curato is a graphic novel about a young gay boy experiencing bullying and sexual awakening at summer camp. It deals with some heavy stuff, like body image issues, self-harm, and rejection. But it also includes explicit content—particularly a young boy’s first experiences with attraction and sexual identity. 

This is where things go too far. The book’s mature themes and graphic scenes—remember that graphic novels are just very long comic books—make it feel more suited for older teens than for middle school kids. With such intense topics, like self-harm, it’s a lot for younger readers to handle emotionally.

“All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson

All Boys Aren’t Blue is a memoir about growing up as a Black queer boy. It dives deep into themes like consent, sexuality, and identity. The book is brutally honest and includes detailed discussions about sexual experiences, which is where things get controversial. 

For parents and schools, this level of explicit detail is a step too far for younger readers, especially in a school setting. The explicit content crosses a line: It’s one thing to discuss identity and consent—it’s another to go into such graphic detail, especially when it comes to younger audiences. Look: If you wouldn’t watch the (heart-wrenchingly beautiful) flick Moonlight with your underage kids, you should also sit out of this one. The kind of dissociative thinking that approves of this book for young kids won’t result in us achieving anything good. 

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas

The Hate U Give has also found itself on banned book lists due to its portrayal of violence, racism, and adult themes like police brutality. The book’s use of strong language and its heavy themes of racial injustice make some parents uncomfortable, especially when it comes to younger readers.

Though The Hate U Give is widely praised for its portrayal of systemic racism and its emotional depth—even prompting a movie adaptation in 2018—its graphic language and violence are just too much for younger children. For parents concerned about protecting childhood innocence, the mature themes of violence and trauma make this book a tough sell.

Comments

Related

Latest