Introduction to Banned Bookbags
You’ve likely heard a lot about book bans or challenges recently, and we have a few of those books in our library! If you want to discuss ideas of censorship, intellectual freedom, and other issues with your child, you can take out a backpack full of books that have been previously challenged or banned in Canada and/or the United States.
However, we acknowledge that not every caretaker and child will be comfortable with different topics, and so this is a guide which lists general information on banned books, our library’s policies, the background on each book, and questions you can potentially ask your child while reading.
General Information
When a book is challenged, it means someone has come to the library and raises a formal complaint about a book in the library’s collection. A book can be challenged for a variety of legitimate reasons. Librarians themselves frequently remove books from the library in a process called weeding to keep books up-to-date, interesting to patrons, and in accordance with the library's collection management policies, but sometimes we miss a few, in which case the formal challenge process can help us find the bad eggs we miss.
After a book is challenged, the librarians, library board, or another group review the book to see if it follows collection management policy guidelines and may be removed (aka banned) if the book doesn't fit with the policy.
Fort Frances Public Library Policies Surrounding Children's Banned Books
If one wishes to challenge something, the first step in the process will be to fill out a "Request for Reconsideration of Materials" form. Upon completing the form and handing it to staff, the form will be kicked up to the appropriate staff member. This individual will then review the challenged material against Fort Frances Public Library's policies concerning our collection.
For a look at children's and youth's rights in the library, as well as caregivers' responsibilities, you can look here.
Banned Booklet on Gender Expression
This booklet examines books that have been challenged or banned that focus on themes of gender expression and identity. Introduces commonly used terms used in regards to gender identity. Books of discussion include: I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings, Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino, My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis, The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, and The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein. Summaries, backgrounds on why the books were challenged/banned, and discussion questions are included. In addition, there are recommendations on other books one can read on similar themes as well as digital resources you can access if you wish to look more into the topic of gender expression.
Banned Booklet on Media Literacy
This booklet examines books that have been challenged or banned that focus on themes of media literacy and interpretation. Introduces how to critically engage with a material's credibility and messages. Books of discussion include: Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss, Matthew and the Midnight Flood by Allen Morgan, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, The Penguin and the Pea by Janet Perlman, and The Santa Trap by Jonathan Emmett. Summaries, backgrounds on why the books were challenged/banned, and discussion questions are included. In addition, there are recommendations on other books one can read on similar themes as well as digital resources you can access if you wish to look more into the topic of media literacy.
Banned Booklet on Modern BIPOC Representation
This booklet examines books that have been challenged or banned that have BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People Of Colour) representation. Introduces how to discuss race with your child as well as why diversity in children's books is important. Books of discussion include: The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi, Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tontiuh, and We are Grateful Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac. Summaries, backgrounds on why the books were challenged/banned, and discussion questions are included. In addition, there are recommendations on other books one can read on similar themes as well as digital resources you can access if you wish to look more into the topic of BIPOC representation.
Banned Booklet on Modern 2SLGBTQ+ Representation
This booklet examines books that have been challenged or banned that have 2SLGBTQ+ representation. Introduces how to discuss 2SLGBTQ+ topics with your child. Books of discussion include: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson, In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco, and Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer. Summaries, backgrounds on why the books were challenged/banned, and discussion questions are included. In addition, there are recommendations on other books one can read on similar themes as well as digital resources you can access if you wish to look more into the topic of 2SLGBTQ+ representation.
Banned Booklet on Old Classics
This booklet examines books that have been challenged or banned due to being outdated in terms of their depictions of marginalized groups. Introduces how to discuss racism with your child. Books of discussion include: Crafts for Kids by Gill Dickinson, Madeline and the Gypsies by Ludwig Bemelmans, Tintin in America by Hergé, and If I Ran a Zoo by Dr. Seuss. Summaries, backgrounds on why the books were challenged/banned, and discussion questions are included. In addition, there are recommendations on other classics that have stood the test of time as well as digital resources you can access if you wish to look more into the topic of old classics.
COMING SOON!
In addition to those above, we will soon have banned booklets on different beliefs; mental health and self image; sexuality, age-appropriateness, and just plain silliness.