(NEW YORK)— PEN America today released the top banned picture books counted during the 2023-2024 school year. These 23 most frequently banned titles feature gay or transgender characters, along with stories about the U.S. internment of Japanese during World War II and Draw Me a Star by the late admired author Eric Carle, which has illustrated, unclothed Adam and Eve-like figures.

The picture books were among more than 10,000 book bans counted by PEN America during the 2023-2024 school year; about 45% of the bans occurred in Florida and 36% in Iowa. Most bans targeted young adult or adult titles, but about 2% of bans were picture books for the youngest readers. 

Kasey Meehan, director, PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, said: “Picture books help us understand what’s really at stake in the book ban crisis; these innocuous books – written for pre- and early readers – overwhelmingly depict LGBTQ+ identities or themes and stories about individuals of color, along with the occasional silly goblin butt. The first literary encounter along with the illustrations of characters can help young children build empathy and joy in the discovery of the people and world around them. Removing these picture books from access robs children of an experience that might have enlightened and delighted them.” 

The top three banned picture books include And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell, Justin Richardson, and Henry Cole, with 7 bans (No. 1) and The Family Book, by Todd Parr, with 5 bans, and Julián Is a Mermaid, by Jessica Love, with 5 bans, which are tied at No. 2.

Since 2021, PEN America has documented nearly 16,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, a number not seen since the Red Scare McCarthy era of the 1950s. This censorship mobilized by conservative groups predominantly targets books about race and racism or individuals of color and also books on LGBTQ+ topics as well those for older readers that have sexual references or discuss sexual violence. Read more about PEN America’s documentation of and advocacy against book bans. 

About PEN America

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.