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
“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
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