by Annabelle Smith
We’ve talked about classics, but what about the books that aren’t supposed to challenge the norms? The books with adorable, illustrated characters and a guaranteed happily-ever-after? What about children’s books?
Illustrated classics and middle grade books are frequently the target of bans and challenges. Beloved stories like James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl and A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein are often removed from public library shelves. When it comes to these books, though, the issue isn’t as simple as whether the book is controversial or not. Most of the time, the answer is simple: it’s a children’s book. Of course it isn’t.
Or, that’s what you’d think. Many of these challenged books have earned their less-than-pristine reputations because parents have taken issue with a topic or theme, concerned that it will “indoctrinate” or expose their children to “non-traditional” views. In short, this means that books designed to teach children about LGBTQIA+ identities, bodily health and autonomy, and diversity are challenged, banned, and removed. What once was an accessible and safe way to educate children about themselves and the world they live in has, in some cases, been eliminated entirely.
It’s often difficult to decide if a book is safe for kids to read. Anything from misbehaved children to complicated religious themes can be justification for a ban, and in many cases, there are valid reasons for doing so. Not every book is suitable for a younger audience, especially when it comes to protecting elementary and middle school-aged children from mature content. Take The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: a powerful trilogy about the difference between freedom and safety, but too graphic for anyone under twelve, no matter how important the message. In these cases, content warnings are incredibly important, especially when it comes to helping parents make informed decisions about the material their kids are ready to read.
This reasoning ends there, though. Picture books like I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings and And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell don’t deserve to be banned because they portray LGBTQIA+ characters. It’s a Girl Thing: How to Stay Healthy, Safe and in Charge by Mavis Jukes is challenged rather than celebrated as a guide to girlhood and adolescence. For Every Child a Better World by Jim Henson is a gentle explanation of human rights told through the voice of Kermit the Frog, but still faced serious backlash because of its portrayal of children in poverty.
Children’s books pose a very difficult question. How do you gently expose kids to difficult and sometimes divisive content without denying them the opportunity to make their own decision -- or worse, forcing them to come to terms with harsh realities way too young? The answer to this question cannot be to remove these books from the shelves. In doing so, you take away a child’s ability to explore the world and to make decisions for themselves, whether that was the intent or not. Every child deserves the chance to see people both like and unlike themselves in literature. It teaches empathy, understanding, and compassion for those who are different. It can safely introduce core ideas like consent, equity, and sexuality without making a statement. These books can simply be about illustrated people existing. Going to the park. Flying a kite. Celebrating Mother’s Day with two moms instead of one.
Children have the opportunity to learn through the books written (and illustrated!) for them. By banning these books, you take that opportunity away from an entire generation.
Luckily, though, it’s never too late to pick up a picture book. The best thing about children’s literature is that it’s accessible. If you want an easy read or even a thought-provoking look into real-world issues through the eyes of a kid, look no further than the children’s section of your local library. Take a step back from all the grown-up troubles and have fun, if only for the time it takes to read a picture book.
Looking for an old favorite or something new? The Phantom has some picks for you!
Draw Me a Star by Eric Carle
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson
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