Freedom to Read
Books have the power to educate and inspire. When we ban books for kids, we’re not protecting them—we’re limiting their understanding of the world. The books listed below have been banned, faced censorship and/or been challenged in both school and library settings. These books deal with a variety of subjects, including 2SLGBTQIA+ relationships, world issues, gender identity and race. Rather than being silenced, these books should be celebrated for their power to start conversations that matter.
Picture Books
Art’s Supplies
written and illustrated by Chris Tougas
Orca Book Publishers, 2016
In this delightful tale of the power of the imagination, Art’s supplies come to life in the studio, creating mayhem and magic—and art! Pastels, pencils, paints, crayons, brushes and markers... everything gets in on the act of creating a mess-terpiece of fun.
written by Ken Setterington
illustrated by Alice Priestley
Second Story Press, 2004
Rosie is surprised to find her mom dancing alone in the living room, but when Mom announces, “Your Mum and I are getting married!” they can’t wait to start planning the big day. Friends and family come together for a celebration of love.
(Classic Munsch)
written by Robert Munsch
illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Annick Press, 2018 ©1980
When the fiercest dragon in the whole world smashes Princess Elizabeth’s castle, burns all her clothes, and captures her fiancé, Prince Ronald, Elizabeth takes matters into her own hands. Readers the world over have fallen in love with this classic story of girl power.
written by Robin Stevenson
illustrated by Julie McLaughlin
Orca Book Publishers, 2021
This colourful, rhyming alphabet book tells the story of a child and their family celebrating Pride Day together—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.
Junior Fiction
The Biggest Poutine in the World
written by Andrée Poulin
illustrated by Marc Serre and Christine Battuz
translated by Brigitte Waisberg
Annick Press, 2016
The last time Thomas saw his mother was on his fifth birthday, when she made him poutine in which she stuck five green candles. On his 12th birthday, Thomas decides to win a Guinness World Record for the biggest poutine in the world in order to bring his mother back. Will “The Phenomenal Poutine Project” provide the answers Thomas needs?
(The Salma Series)
written by Danny Ramadan
illustrated by Anna Bron
Annick Press, 2023
Salma’s going to be a big sister and decides to write her own guide to being a great sibling. But when she discovers that her mother hasn’t spoken to her own brother for years, simply because of who he loves, Salma is confused. Is it okay to be mad at your sibling? How do you fix things after a fight?
(Puffin Classics Edition)
written by Barbara Smucker
introduction by Lawrence Hill
Puffin Canada, 2013 ©1977
Ripped from her mother by slave traders, Julilly yearns to be free. She and her friend Liza dream of escaping to Canada, the ‘Promised Land’ of freedom. So, when the Underground Railroad offers to help them escape, they are ready. But slave catchers are also ready to pursue them relentlessly.
written by Susin Nielsen
Tundra Books, 2016 ©2015
Stewart, 13, is academically brilliant but socially “ungifted.” Fourteen-year-old Ashley is the “It” girl of Grade 9, but her marks stink. When Stewart and his dad move in with Ashley and her mom, their worlds collide. They are complete opposites. And yet, no matter their differences, they share one thing in common: they—like the rest of us—are all made of molecules.
YA Fiction
Hold Fast
written by Kevin Major
Groundwood Books, 2003 ©1978
When his parents are killed in a car crash, 14-year-old Michael is sent from his Newfoundland outpost home to the city of St. Albert. Here, he must make a new life for himself in an often-hostile environment. A fast-paced and sensitive exploration of early adolescence
written by Abdi Nazemian
Balzer & Bray, 2019
New York City, 1989. For three teens, the world is changing. Judy is an aspiring fashion designer. Art, an out and proud teen, is Judy’s best friend. Reza, from Iran, is terrified of being outed. Reza, dating Judy but attracted to Art, must find a way to stop living a lie that doesn’t break Judy’s heart—so he can keep the most meaningful friendship he’s ever known.
(Prisoners of Peace, Book 1)
written by Erin Bow
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2016 ©2015
Crown Princess Greta is a hostage to peace. These are the edicts of the Artificial Intelligence, Talis: every head of state must give a child as a hostage. Start a war? Your hostage dies. Dignified Greta is prepared to die until Elian arrives and defies everything. His rebellion awakens Greta to the brutality of the system and her own power. Then war is declared, and the hostages are taken hostage.
written by Mariko Tamaki
illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
Groundwood Books, 2014
Rose and Windy are summer friends whose families have stayed at Awago Beach for as long as they can remember. But this summer is different, and they soon find themselves tangled in teen love and family crisis. It’s a summer of secrets and heartache, and it’s a good thing Rose and Windy have each other. A stunning and authentic story of friendship, illuminated by subtly heart-breaking moments and pure summer joy.
written by E.K. Johnston
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016 ©2015
Lo-Melkhiin killed 300 girls before he came to her village, looking for a wife. He wants the loveliest girl— her sister—but she takes her sister’s place, sure that death will follow. But each night, Lo-Melkhiin listens to her stories and she continues to live. With each tale she spins, her power grows. She dreams of more terrible magic: power enough to save a king, if she can end the rule of a monster.
Non-Fiction
Pink, Blue, and You! Questions for Kids About Gender Stereotypes
written by Elise Gravel with Mykaell Blais
illustrated by Elise Gravel
Anne Schwartz Books, 2022
Is it okay for boys to cry? Can girls be strong? Should girls and boys be given different toys to play with? Should we all feel free to love whoever we choose? This picture book is for kids and parents or teachers to read together, opening the door to conversations about gender stereotypes and everyone's right to be their true selves.
written by Robin Stevenson
Orca Book Publishers, 2020
This new edition celebrates the 2SLGBTQAI+ community’s diversity and the victories of the past 50 years—but it also focuses on activism, the need to keep fighting for equality and freedom around the world and the important role that young people are playing.
written by Cory Silverberg
illustrated Fiona Smyth
Triangle Square, 2015
Re-imagining the “sex talk” for the 21st century, this inclusive comic book for children and families of all makeups, orientations and gender identities offers a funny and engaging tool for talking about bodies, gender and sexuality. Topics include safety, privacy, sexual anatomy, sex and gender, crushes, using “sexy” words and more.
compiled by Deborah Ellis
Groundwood Books, 2004
This simple and telling book allows children everywhere to see those caught in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as children just like themselves, but who are living far more difficult, dangerous lives. Children on both sides of the conflict tell their stories. The text includes background information, photographs, a map, a glossary and suggestions for further reading.