Jacob’s Missing Book by Sarah & Ian Hoffman, illustrated by Chris Case

“Jacob adores “the penguin book”…but it’s missing! Later, his classmate Emily, who has two dads, wants to show the book to Noah, but their teacher explains that “some people are unhappy with the books we have in our library.” Jacob knows it’s because the penguins are both dads. Since Noah still doesn’t know what the book is about, the kids decide to play penguins at recess, gathering rocks and pretending to hatch eggs. The story ends with Jacob’s mother reading the book to him at bedtime and the two deciding to try to get the book reinstated in the library. (Picture book. 4-7)” Source: Kirkus Reviews

Book Comes Home by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Micah Player

“Book enjoys an idyllic life, bringing joy to countless children. Then, a sinister unnamed someone, concealed by dark shadows, sends her to the Banned Book Closet to languish without readers—a thought that sends “shivers up Book’s spine.” But a group of dedicated readers organize (and presumably protest), and Book is brought back out to the light of the library. Written by “A. Person,” Book has a lavender-gray cover and a perky nose and proudly displays a book award seal. The illustrations use light and shadow to great effect: The opening pages are full of vibrant colors, while the Banned Book Closet is drawn in a wash of dark-blue grays. With an appropriately light hand, Sanders shows the power of organizing and the value of the freedom to read, though readers may emerge with questions about why books are censored; adults should be prepared to offer context. The author’s note provides a brief history of book censorship. In addition, Sanders includes a glossary of related words (though not all appear in the book) and a list of resources. Human characters are diverse in terms of age, skin tone, and size. A simple, child-friendly exploration of book banning. (Picture book. 5-7)” Source: Kirkus Reviews

Tip: Picture books are often effectively used with older ages, especially when an educator or parent begins by reading the author’s note/supplementary material aloud.

Answer in the Pages by David Levithan

“Gr 5 Up–A timely and relevant release from prolific author Levithan,
this slim tale showcases the turbulence and confusion of fifth grade as a
school community tackles a classroom book challenge. The challenge is
mainly rooted in a single sentence at the end of the assigned book that a
mother happens to read when her son leaves it on the counter. Suddenly
the classroom is in an uproar, with readers getting the play-by-play
from a number of sources: Donovan, the kid who left the book out and
whose mother is challenging it; Gideon and Roberto, two students paired
up for a language arts project; and Rick and Oliver, the main characters
in the controversial book. The interpretation of the novel and the
nature of the challenge become a philosophical quagmire that the school
leaders, parents, and students have to traverse, leaving family and
friends on both sides of the issue…This heartfelt treatise on book banning and
equality showcases how it feels to be stuck in the middle of a
generational fight. Levithan has crafted a story that provides a window
into a uniquely transitory age, one ripe for exploring the nuance of
identity and the nature of personal prohibition, and which ultimately
celebrates the messiness of being human, no matter the age.” Source: School Library Journal