It’s Banned Books Week, and we’re celebrating the freedom to read and the value of free and open access to information. Literature plays such a critical role in our society, and, like you, we love to read the books that challenge and enlighten us—when we want and however we want. Like many banned books, these picks discuss topics that have been challenged or banned in schools and libraries, including gender, sexuality, and stories from and about historically marginalized voices. We hope you find something you love, and that helps inspire you to promote literacy and our right to read—uncensored.
Pride Puppy! by Robin Stevenson (Orca Book Publishers)
A young child and their family are having a wonderful time together celebrating Pride Day—meeting up with Grandma, making new friends, and eating ice cream. But then something terrible happens: their dog gets lost in the parade! Luckily, there are lots of people around to help reunite the pup with his family.
This rhyming alphabet book tells a lively story, with rich, colorful illustrations that will have readers poring over every detail as they spot items starting with each of the letters of the alphabet. Pride Puppy by Robin Stevenson, an LGBTQ+ author, features vibrant illustrations and a joyful Pride parade experience, showcasing the lively community celebrating this special day each year.
Out Now!
Elizabeth Quocksister: Keeper of History by Haley Healey (Heritage House Publishing)
The uplifting true story of an Indigenous woman and community leader, who occupied many roles in her life, and who was dedicated to protecting her language and cultural traditions. She was a cultural teacher, a community leader, a dancer, a nurse, a photographer, a residential school survivor, and a mother of ten. Born on the Da’naxda’xw Nation on Knight Inlet on the central coast of British Columbia, Elizabeth spoke fluent Kwak’wala and proudly celebrated her Kwakwaka’wakw culture at a time when the Canadian government actively discouraged Indigenous traditions and the speaking of Indigenous languages. She cared for community members in need and saved many children from the horrors of residential school. In the fight against state censorship, hers is a vital story of resistance and perseverance.
Elizabeth Quocksister: Keeper of History is an inspiring picture book and beautiful tribute to a proud Indigenous woman whose name deserves to be well-known throughout her community and beyond.
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It’s a They! by Dr. Lindsay Herriot (Orca Book Publishers)
It’s a They! is one of the first baby board books acknowledging families that choose to use gender-neutral pronouns for their babies—a practice that is being embraced by ever more families who wish to let their child choose their own pronouns when they’re ready.
In sweet rhyming couplets, we are invited to celebrate a new baby, and their gender-neutral pronouns, from the point of view of their excited siblings. The baby is snuggly and sweet in their bright pajamas, they love to snooze and sway… and when asked if they’re a boy or a girl, we’re told, “We aren’t sure of their gender yet—and they bring us so much joy.” Accompanied by delightful photos of babies and siblings of diverse ethnicities, it’s clear that no matter which gender pronouns baby eventually chooses, they are loved just for who they are, and always will be.
Out Now!