Kristen's [Banned] Picture Book Book Club Releases Favorite Banned Children's Books for 2025

Kristen’s [Banned] Picture Book Book Club is excited to announce its list of favorite banned children books, released in time for consideration during this year's gift giving season.

1. "The 1619 Project: Born on the Water" by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson

"A book with the important and essential message that African-American history doesn’t begin in America with the institution of slavery. It begins in Africa…and to fully understand the depth, breadth and beauty of that history, one has to begin in Africa … not Jamestown. Africa." — Marsha

2. "A is for Activist" by Innosanto Nagara

"I love this book and all of the possibilities presented for doing good in the world." — Kristen

3. "Unicorns Are the Worst" by Alex Willan

"So many children, me included, have little self-esteem and are bullied. This shows it's possible to overcome that and we can be different. The colors are beautiful and rainbows have a different meaning for young children, than the banned reason." — Mary

4. "Milo Imagines the World" with words by Matt de la Pena and pictures by Christian Robinson

"This lovely book shows us how exciting the world can be when seen with our imagination. The surprise ending also teaches us that we shouldn't make assumptions about others, or judge them, because their experience might be more like ours than we can possibly imagine." — David

5. "Julián is a Mermaid" by Jessica Love

"This sumptuously-illustrated book is a celebration of creativity and the joy of leaning into the fullness of who we are, at whatever age or stage." — Denise

6. "Draw Me a Star" by Eric Carle

"This is an ode to the creative spirit; an inspiration for children (often natural imaginers) to wonder at the world and discover their own beautiful possibilities; and an invitation for us grown-ups to joy in the beauty of the world that is ... and maybe to revisit our creative child-selves within!" — Ray

Rev. Kristen Barner started this banned picture book out of concern for the savage banning of children’s books in schools and libraries. She says that everything she taught to her high schoolers and middle schoolers is now banned. Kristen’s primary concern is for children who cannot drive to the library and, therefore, have no access to the beautiful picture books that advocate empathy, curiosity, love, respect for others and respect for self. Her desire is to introduce banned picture books to adults who would have no other reason to read these books. The idea is simple: if you like the book, perhaps you’ll share the book. If you don’t like the book, you don’t have to do anything. It’s a book. You can let it be. (But she really hopes you’ll like it and share it.)

Please consider shopping at your local bookstore and explore the titles of banned picture books. If you do not have access to a local bookstore, online options can include bookshop.org and www.thriftbooks.com.

About Kristen's [Banned] Picture Book Book Club

Kristen's [Banned] Picture Book Book Club is a private virtual book club for adults that explores banned children’s picture books. Hosted by Kristen in Charleston, South Carolina, the club meets biweekly via Zoom, sharing titles and facilitating discussions about censorship and access in a respectful, confidential environment. Our mission is to outrage against bans and to introduce these titles to adults who may not otherwise encounter them. Learn more at www.charlestonweddingbellerev.com.

Media Contact

Kristen Barner
revkristenbarner@gmail.com
+1 843-801-1041