This One Summer, a celebrated graphic novel by Jillian and Mariko Tamaki, was banned in 2016 due to its inclusion of various mature themes and content. This critically acclaimed work, which received both a Caldecott Honor and a Printz Honor, faced challenges primarily because of its realistic portrayal of adolescent experiences.
The core reasons behind the ban revolved around several specific elements deemed inappropriate by some groups. These objections typically arise when books are perceived to contain content unsuitable for younger audiences or that challenge community standards.
Primary Reasons for the Ban
The graphic novel's ban stemmed from multiple content objections, reflecting concerns over its mature themes and depictions. These included:
- Featuring LGBT Characters: The presence of characters identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender was a significant point of contention.
- Profanity: The use of swear words or offensive language within the dialogue contributed to the objections.
- Drug Use: References to or depictions of substance use, even if minor, were cited as a reason for its removal from shelves.
- Sexually Explicit References: The book contains allusions or discussions related to sexual themes, which were considered too explicit for some readers.
- "Mature" Illustrations: The visual content, specifically illustrations depicting sensitive or adult themes, was also a factor in the decision to ban the book.
These elements, while integral to the coming-of-age narrative of the graphic novel, were the basis for its controversial status and subsequent removal from library and school collections in various locations.
Summary of Objections to This One Summer
| Category of Objection | Specific Content Concerns |
|---|---|
| Character Representation | Inclusion of LGBT characters |
| Language | Use of profanity |
| Substance Use | Depictions or references to drug use |
| Sexual Content | Sexually explicit references |
| Visuals | "Mature" or sensitive illustrations |
This One Summer tells the story of two young girls, Rose and Windy, spending their annual summer vacation in a small beach town. It explores themes of growing up, friendship, family dynamics, and the complexities of adolescence, including first crushes, body image, and navigating adult issues from a child's perspective. The realistic portrayal of these experiences, though lauded by critics for its authenticity and artistic merit, led to its classification as challenged material in many contexts.
For more information on challenged books, you can explore resources that discuss the reasons behind book bans and their impact on literary freedom.
