More on the Book Scholastic Banned

I posted Friday about Scholastic’s refusal to include Lauren Myracle’s new book Luv Ya Bunches in their school Book Fairs after she refused to change one character’s lesbian moms into a mom and a dad. Here’s a video of Myracle talking about the book. As you can see, the book is hardly “about” lesbian moms, but even the simple fact that one of the characters has them is too much for Scholastic. (Yes, the book will be in Scholastic’s Book Club catalog, but they will not let it appear at the Fairs.)

Clearly, Clifford needs to go bite someone.

[I originally wrote this in 2009; I am striking out this portion in 2020, after J.K. Rowling has made it clear she is not in fact an LGBTQ ally, but rather deeply transphobic.] Alternatively, maybe J. K. Rowling could put in a word. Scholastic subsidiary Arthur A. Levine publishes the Harry Potter series in the U.S. Since Rowling revealed two years ago that Dumbledore is gay, maybe the Harry Potter books will be the next to be banned.

Okay, in reality, there is nothing in the books themselves to indicate Dumbledore’s orientation, but they are in fact among the most-challenged books in libraries and schools because of their supposed promotion of witchcraft. If Scholastic is worried about complaints from parents because of lesbian moms, shouldn’t they be worried about complaints by parents because of witchcraft?

Rowling is an ally whose sense of social justice shines throughout her works. It’s probably a stretch to think she herself might do something about Myracle’s, but maybe her legions of fans will see the connections and fight for change.

Change.org has posted an online petition you can sign to send a message to Scholastic leaders.

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