Books are disappearing from shelves again – this time at the more than 100 schools serving the children of active-duty and civilian military personnel.
This rampant censorship is the result of the Department of Defense’s new policies banning books, classroom discussions, events, and extracurriculars that relate to race and gender in military-run schools on bases around the world. At the American Civil Liberties Union, we know that all students deserve access to a diverse education and the DOD’s efforts to strip them of this right violates the First Amendment. So we took the DOD to court.
Below, find the books the DOD claims promotes allegedly “woke” ideologies. A list of 233 of the 555 books alleged to be banned can be found here.
Freckleface Strawberry, by Julianne Moore
Authored by actress Julianne Moore, this story follows a young girl with bright red hair and lots of freckles, which earns her the nickname Freckleface Strawberry. While she’s full of energy and loves to play, she feels self-conscious about her freckles because they make her look different from other kids.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
Set in the racially charged American South during the 1930s, this classic novel follows a young girl’s coming-of-age as her father, a principled lawyer, defends a man facing grave injustice. Through her innocent eyes, the story explores complex themes like morality, empathy, and social inequality. It’s been a part of school English curriculums since it was published in 1960.
Julián Is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love
This picture book tells the story of a boy named Julián who is inspired by beautiful mermaids he sees one day. As he explores his imagination and sense of identity, the book gently celebrates self-expression, acceptance, and the freedom to be oneself.
The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
Set in a dystopian future where a theocratic regime strips women of their rights, this chilling narrative follows a woman forced into reproductive servitude. It examines themes of power, control, and resistance with eerie relevance and emotional depth.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler, by Casey McQuiston
In this contemporary young adult romance-mystery, a straight-laced high school girl finds herself unraveling clues left behind by her enigmatic classmate, Shara Wheeler. What follows is a playful yet meaningful journey through identity, love, and the unexpected connections we form.
The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
Told through deeply personal letters, this novel traces the life of a Black woman in early 20th-century rural America as she endures hardship and seeks empowerment. The story is a powerful portrait of resilience, sisterhood, and the journey toward self-worth that has been adapted for stage and screen.
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander
A staple found in many college and late-high school classrooms, this nonfiction work exposes how mass incarceration functions as a contemporary system of racial control in the United States. Through clear analysis and compelling research, it challenges readers to confront the deep inequalities within the criminal justice system.
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
Spanning decades and continents, this emotional novel follows the intertwined lives of two boys from Kabul, exploring how choices made in youth can echo across time. This novel has been banned repeatedly for exploring Afghan culture, Islam, and the impact of sexual violence.
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
This historical novel sheds light on the brutal realities of a reform school in the segregated American South. The book sheds light on the corruption within the criminal justice system and the cruelties faced by Black individuals, particularly during the Jim Crow era.
The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures by Christian Allaire
This nonfiction work highlights how marginalized communities are using fashion, beauty, and personal expression to reclaim narratives and celebrate cultural pride. It’s a visually rich celebration of identity and representation.
The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg
A comprehensive and urgent call to action edited by young activist Greta Thunberg, this book gathers insights from scientists, activists, and experts around the world to explain the climate crisis.
The Untold History of the United States by Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznick
This expansive work reexamines major events in American history from a critical perspective, focusing on overlooked truths and lesser-known narratives. It challenges conventional interpretations and encourages readers to think more deeply about the nation’s past and future.
Rise: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now by Jeff Yang, Phil Yu, and Philip Wang
This cultural chronicle mixes personal stories, humor, and history to explore how Asian Americans have shaped—and been shaped by—pop culture. It celebrates milestones and moments of progress while examining the challenges of representation and identity.
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