Jack (Not Jackie) by Erica Silverman | Banned Book Project
Jack (Not Jackie) Synopsis:
In this heartwarming picture book, a big sister realizes that her little sister, Jackie, doesn’t like dresses or fairies-she likes ties and bugs! Will she be able to accept that Jackie identifies more as “Jack”?
Susan thinks her little sister Jackie has the best giggle! She can’t wait for Jackie to get older so they can do all sorts of things like play forest fairies and be explorers together. But as Jackie grows, she doesn’t want to play those games. She wants to play with mud and be a super bug! Jackie also doesn’t like dresses or her long hair, and she would rather be called Jack.
Readers will love this sweet story about change and acceptance.
Locations Challenged and Banned:
Waukee, Iowa 2020 – Waukee Public Library patrons were concerned about Jack (Not Jackie) on a display of new books. They felt the book infringed on their parental rights to teach their children about sexuality and family values. The patrons wanted the Waukee public library to create a “parent-guided children’s book section” where similar titles could be placed. The patrons felt the book covered a “highly controversial subject and needs to be taught by the parent first,” “may be confusing to children,” “it’s a sexual topic,” and “it’s an adult theme.”
Jack (Not Jackie) was retained on the Waukee Public Library shelves.
Reasons:
Promotes LGBTQIA issues, sexual content, and adult themes.
Awards & Accolades:
2021 – Buzzfeed ’21 Children’s Books About Gender Identity and Gender Expression That Should Be on Every
Kid’s List’
Sources:
Marshall Libraries: https://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/jack-not-jackie/
Buzzfeed: ’21 Children’s Books About Gender Identity and Gender Expression That Should Be on Every
Kid’s List’
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