Art is freedom of expression. Banning books goes against everything creativity and freedom stands for. As efforts to ban books gain ground, some of the most notable children’s books, graphic novels, and other illustrated works have been disappearing from classrooms, university curricula, and public libraries. The Graphic Artists Guild is unalterably opposed to the censoring of diverse voices and perspectives. Book bans quell voices that educate our children, evolve our culture, and foster an informed, empathetic democracy. The loss is particularly felt in marginalized communities, even as creativity and self expression have been shown to be powerful tools for fostering wellness.
We are gathering here some of the most-banned illustrated books (as determined by PEN America) and some of our favorites. Learn more about the books, and where you can purchase them.
Email us the name of the book, where it was banned, and a link to where it can be bought.
The graphic novel tells the story of a middle schooler who becomes embroiled in the in the drama of producing her school play. ...
The graphic novel has been objected to for depiction of violence – unavoidable subject matter for a work dealing with the Holocaust....
This picture book traces the story of the rainbow flag, from its conception by Harvey Milk in 1978 to the legalization of same-sex marriage....
Illustrator Renee Nault’s adaptation of the novel uses a spare color palette and evocative watercolors to illustrate the dystopian theocracy...
This coming-of-age graphic novel by Mariko and Jillian Tamak tells the story of two friends contending with family trauma....
The roots of racism and the positive actions people can take to counter racism are explored throughout the 20 chapters of this guidebook....
It’s Perfectly Normal educates pre-pubescent children on sexuality: body changes which occur during adolescent, gender identity, sexual health, etc....
Alison Bechdel’s autobiographical graphic novel describes her childhood in rural Pennsylvania and her complicated relationship with her father, a closeted gay man....
This young adult novel by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney, tells the story of a young cartoonist who leaves the Spokane Reservation to attend an all-white high school....
This graphic novel describes Kobabi’s lifelong journey to self discovery and realization of eir true Queer identity....