Yes, Stuart Little was notably "banned" from the New York Public Library by a highly influential figure at the time, Anne Carroll Moore, upon its publication.
Historical Context of the "Ban"
Published in 1945, E.B. White's beloved children's book Stuart Little faced significant opposition from Anne Carroll Moore, a prominent children's librarian and supervisor of children's work at the New York Public Library. Moore held immense influence in the field of children's literature, and her disapproval had tangible consequences for the book.
Her actions included:
- Banning from the New York Public Library: Moore actively removed Stuart Little from the library's collection, preventing its circulation within that major system.
- Influence on the Newbery Medal: Her considerable sway also reportedly played a role in shutting the book out of contention for the prestigious Newbery Medal, despite its literary merit and later popularity.
- Scathing Criticism: Moore went as far as to send a harsh letter to E.B. White and his wife, stating that the book must have been written by “a sick mind.”
While not a widespread, government-imposed ban, Moore's actions represented a significant institutional rejection from one of the most important library systems in the United States, effectively limiting its reach to young readers there and impacting its early recognition. This historical instance is a notable example of a book facing censorship from within the literary community itself.
For more details on this historical event, you can refer to an article by Quill and Quire: Stuart Little vs. The New York Public Library.
