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Banned Books Week (September 21–27) is celebrating graphic novels this year, thanks to a partnership between the Comic Books Legal Defense Fund and the Banned Books Week planning committee. Below is a list of 10 frequently challenged graphic novels, compiled by Brigid Alverson, SLJ “Good Comics for Kids” editor, and Eva Volin, a “Good Comics for Kids” blogger and children’s librarian.
Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2: Revelations by J. Michael Straczynski, John Romita, Jr., and Scott Hanna (Marvel, 2002)
Key Challenge: a middle school library in Millard, Nebraska
Reason: sexual overtones
“Bone” series by Jeff Smith (Scholastic)
Key Challenge: multiple locations
Reason: promotion of smoking and drinking, political viewpoint, racism, violence, unsuited for age group
The Color of Earth by Kim Dong Hwa (First Second, 2009)
Key Challenge: multiple locations
Reason: nudity, sexual conduct, unsuited for age group
“Dragon Ball” series by Akira Toriyama (VIZ Media)
Key Challenge: all public school libraries in Wicomico County, Maryland
Reason: violence and nudity
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak (Harper & Row, 1970)
Key Challenge: multiple locations
Reason: nudity
Maus by Art Spiegelman (Pantheon, 1986)
Key Challenge: Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena, California
Reason: anti-ethnic and unsuited for age group
Persepolis by Marjane Sartrapi (Pantheon, 2003)
Key Challenge: the public school system in Chicago, Illinois
Reason: profanity, violent content
Sidescrollers by Matthew Loux (Oni, 2006)
Key Challenge: the public school district in Enfield, Connecticut
Reason: profanity and sexual references
Storm in the Barn by Matt Phelan (Candlewick, 2009)
Key Challenge: multiple locations
Reason: profanity, violence or horror
Stuck in the Middle edited by Ariel Schrag (Viking, 2007)
Key Challenge: the public school system in Dixfield, Maine
Reason: language, sexual content, drug reference