10 Frequently Challenged Graphic Novels | Banned Books Week

To kick off Banned Books Week 2014—celebrating graphic novels—SLJ presents a list of 10 frequently challenged titles in this format.
Banned Books Week (September 21–27) is celebrating graphic novels this year, thanks to a partnership between the Comic Books Legal Defense Fund and the Banned Books Week planning committee. Below is a list of 10 frequently challenged graphic novels, compiled by Brigid Alverson, SLJ "Good Comics for Kids" editor, and Eva Volin, a "Good Comics for Kids" blogger and children's librarian. Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2: Revelations by J. Michael Straczynski, John Romita, Jr., and Scott Hanna (Marvel, 2002) Key Challenge: a middle school library in Millard, Nebraska Reason: sexual overtones 10_books_stacked_v2 “Bone” series by Jeff Smith (Scholastic) Key Challenge: multiple locations Reason: promotion of smoking and drinking, political viewpoint, racism, violence, unsuited for age group The Color of Earth by Kim Dong Hwa (First Second, 2009) Key Challenge: multiple locations Reason: nudity, sexual conduct, unsuited for age group “Dragon Ball” series by Akira Toriyama (VIZ Media) Key Challenge: all public school libraries in Wicomico County, Maryland Reason: violence and nudity In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak (Harper & Row, 1970) Key Challenge: multiple locations Reason: nudity Maus by Art Spiegelman (Pantheon, 1986) Key Challenge: Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena, California Reason: anti-ethnic and unsuited for age group Persepolis by Marjane Sartrapi (Pantheon, 2003) Key Challenge: the public school system in Chicago, Illinois Reason: profanity, violent content Sidescrollers by Matthew Loux (Oni, 2006) Key Challenge: the public school district in Enfield, Connecticut Reason: profanity and sexual references Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan (Candlewick, 2009) Key Challenge: multiple locations Reason: profanity, violence or horror Stuck in the Middle edited by Ariel Schrag (Viking, 2007) Key Challenge: the public school system in Dixfield, Maine Reason: language, sexual content, drug reference  

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?