Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
This book has been challenged multiple times since its publication in 2013 due to its "cover image of two boys kissing," "sexually explicit LGBT content," and "condoning public displays of affection.”
Two boys who try to set a Guinness World record for longest kiss, challenge not only themselves, but family, friends, and questions of identity. I wanted to depict the boys as two beautiful individuals trying to be true to themselves.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Since publication, it has consistently appeared on the American Library Association's list of the most challenged books. Reasons cited are "sexually explicit material," "graphic descriptions and language," and "a socialist-communist agenda."
Pecola, the 11-year-old Black girl at the center of Toni Morrison’s novel “The Bluest Eye,” descends into madness, believing that she would be valued and loved if she had pink skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Although this classic novel is taught in high schools across the country, it has been challenged or banned many times over the years. Most notably, it was challenged in 1987 at Baptist College of Charleston, SC over the book's sexual references and profane language.
I represented the characters being arrested for their “crimes,” highlighting the reasons this book has been banned.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
In 1996, a Texas school district banned the book from its Advanced English class lists because it "conflicted with its community values."
I wanted to portray the arrogance of Man presuming domination of Nature. Original British editions of the book had passages deleted for “sacrilegious” sentiments or promotion of “secular Humanism.”
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Orwell's controversal allegorical novella has been accused of being Communist propaganda and a call to overthrow organized states. In has been banned in multiple countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Soviet Union, and China.
This piece, made from fabric sewn to handmade paper, depicts Napoleon at the end of the book when he has completed his transition from farm pig to authoritarian leader.
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Labeled “the most banned book in the country” by the New York Times, Kobabe's 2019 graphic memoir faced local challenges at the Wake County Public Library for profanity and “pornographic” images
Labels. Our society is intent on boxing people into rigid categories—by ethnicity, gender, socioeconomics, politics, religion, even fashion. When I found these vintage clothing tags, saved by my mother, I wanted to comment on the safety, confusion, and limitations of labels.
Kindred by Octavia Butler
Several state and federal prisons, including North Carolina state prisons, have banned Kindred. According to its banned publications list, the NC Department of Public Safety has censored many other books about racial inequality and Black history.
I chose to illustrate the family Bible page with info linking the two times. Dana’s maiden name has been crossed out by their mother as if she no longer existed. Hagar has no listed father, and the tree is rooted less.