We envision a future where people actively work to dismantle injustices and build a more peaceful, equitable world.

Banned or Challenged Chapter Books

Jane Addams awarded chapter books that have been banned or challenged in some school districts.

We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices

We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices

by Wade Hudson, Cheryl Willis Hudson, and Tony Medina

(Honor, 2019)

King and the Dragonflies

King and the Dragonflies

by Kacen Callender

(Finalist, 2020)

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

(Finalist, 2020)

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

by Mildred D. Taylor

(Honor, 1977)

Piecing Me Together

Piecing Me Together

by Renée Watson

(Honor, 2018)

From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun

From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun

by Jacqueline Woodson

(Honor, 1996)

When Stars Are Scattered

When Stars Are Scattered

by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed, and Iman Geddy

(Finalist, 2020)

Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963, The

The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963

by Christopher Paul Curtis

(Honor, 1996)

Seedfolks

by Paul Fleischman and Judy Pedersen

(Honor, 1998)

Rick

Rick

by Alex Gino

(Finalist, 2020)

Talk, The: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth

The Talk: Conversations about Race, Love & Truth

by Wade Hudson, Cheryl Willis Hudson, and Torrey Maldonado

(Finalist, 2020)

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work

by Tiffany M. Jewell and Aurélia Durand

(Finalist, 2020)

Ghost Boys

Ghost Boys

by Jewell Parker Rhodes

(Winner, 2019)

Alice Austen Lived Here

Alice Austen Lived Here

by Alex Gino

(Finalist, 2023)

Ninth Ward

Ninth Ward

by Jewell Parker Rhodes

(Honor, 2011)

Dragonwings

Dragonwings

by Laurence Yep

(Honor, 1976)

Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising

by Pam Muñoz Ryan

(Winner, 2001)

Sources:

PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023)

PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans.pdf

Marshall Libraries

Banning Books in Texas

Prattville mothers fighting to remove LGBTQ+ books from children’s section of local library

Why book about the Watsons was banned in Nebo is puzzling – Deseret News

Jane Addams Peace Association