Read & Discuss

The Great Nijinsky: God of Dance by Lynn Curlee

“Vaslav Nijinsky led a complicated, messy life. People are often complicated and messy. Nijinsky was also one of the greatest artists in history. He broke ballet and put it back together in a new and even more beautiful way. The Great Nijinsky: God of Dance by Lynn Curlee is a frank, mature, and beautifully told story of a man who made such an impact that, despite efforts to erase him in his lifetime, could not be forgotten. Efforts to ban this book would seem familiar to Nijinsky, but giving young readers a space in these pages to feel seen and appreciated, to explore real life, and to be given the chance to feel empathy for all humans is our hope. In his life Nijinsky was an incomparable artist, an LGBTQ+ pioneer, a man who suffered serious mental illness, and a man who broke the rules—and in his own words ‘lived like a martyr’—to create the most beautiful life he could imagine.”
—statement from the publisher, Charlesbridge Publishing Group

Download the free discussion guide for "The Great Nijinsky" here.

I'll Be the Moon: A Migrant Child's Story by Phillip D. Cortez, Illustrated by Mafs Rodriguez Alpide

“Banning books not only negatively affects the book industry but the lives of millions of people. Books allow us access to new perspectives that not only educate readers but also give them the opportunity to change their lives. Similarly to what Phillip D. Cortez has said, we hope that by fighting against these bans and providing access to meaningful stories, like I'll Be the Moon, people will exercise their empathy and view the world around them in a new, more understanding way.” —statement from the publisher, The Collective Book Studio

Download the free discussion guide for "I'll Be the Moon" here.

A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger

“When A Snake Falls to Earth received a Newbery Honor, we were surprised to learn it faced challenges from parent groups. Despite the book's lack of sexual content, violence, or vulgar language, it became a target due to the author, Darcie Little Badger, identifying as asexual. In this case, Darcie's asexual identity, as well as queer representation in her novels, seems to have drawn the attention of extremist groups. Even books without explicit content can be challenged based on the author's identity. A Snake Falls to Earth is a story about community, environmental care, responsible social media use, and deep friendships – themes that benefit and resonate with children of all backgrounds. It would be a shame for some readers to miss it because adult gatekeepers were scared off by any implication of non-heterosexual identity.”
—statement from the publisher, Levine Querido

Download the free discussion guide for "A Snake Falls to Earth" here.

The Proudest Color by Sheila Modir and Jeffrey Kashou, Illustrated by Monica Mikai

At Familius, book bans are always on our minds. One of our core "Happy Family Habits" is to "talk together," and we believe that discussing tough topics with children helps them learn, grow, and build positive habits at home. The Proudest Color embodies this principle, offering parents, teachers, and caregivers a valuable resource to address race-based bullying. Unfortunately, some regions in the U.S. have banned books on race, limiting our ability to share this story. Equally concerning are the soft bans—where books aren't formally challenged but are quietly avoided or excluded due to fear of backlash. We've heard from school librarians who fear that including this book might violate restrictions on Critical Race Theory. Though The Proudest Color hasn’t been directly challenged, the impact is clear.

Download the free discussion guide for "The Proudest Color" here.

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff, Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

LEE & LOW BOOKS INC. is honored to be part of this inaugural group of fiercely independent children's publishers for WE ARE STRONGER THAN CENSORSHIP. Our beloved award-winning picture book When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff & illustrated by Kaylani Juanita tops our list of known banned or challenged books. It's a universal and relatable story for any child concerned about being a good big sibling that also offers readers a glimpse into the everyday life of a trans child and his family. It's for these reasons and so many more that When Aidan Became a Brother needs to be readily accessible across all communities. Lee & Low trusts our Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and intersectional storytellers to share their truths. Lee & Low trusts librarians and educators for their professional expertise. And above all, we believe young people have the right to access and read the books in which they see themselves.

Download the free discussion guide for "When Aidan Became a Brother" here.