Maia Kobabe’s graphic novel, Gender Queer, was the most challenged book of 2022, according to the American Library Association’s list. The illustrations in Gender Queer that were considered controversial include depictions of menstruation, sex toys, and oral sex. The controversy over books in school libraries has sparked a national debate about what kinds of books students should have access to with advocates on both sides.
The description on Amazon of the book explains, “Maia’s intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, [this book] is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity–what it means and how to think about it–for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.”
Available at Local Libraries
This book is available within the Franklin County Library System and is currently on display at the Coyle Free Library. It is also available at the Fulton County Library.
Bill to Amend Public Indecency to Include “Sexual Materials and Performances”
States across the country have introduced legislation that pertains to school library books. According to EveryLibrary.org, there were 26 states that have introduced legislation pertaining to library book materials in 2023.
PA currently has a bill that has been flagged by the organization EveryLibrary for “Criminalizing Librarianship”. Bill HB209, which is in the Judiciary to further Amend Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in public indecency, further providing for the offense of obscene and other sexual materials and performances.
