Children’s Books About Black People’s Everyday, Joyful Lives are Sometimes Banned – But They Help All Kids Explore What it Means to be Human

Researchers studying "Black livingness" literature—children's books by Black authors depicting Black children and families in everyday, joyful situations—have identified concerning trends in book banning that disproportionately affect these works. Since 2021, nearly 23,000 individual book bans have occurred in schools and libraries, with approximately 44% targeting books featuring characters of color. The researchers argue that contemporary Black children's literature from 2020-2024 reveals three key themes: the central role of extended family networks, the use of imagination as a tool for hope and possibility, and diverse pathways to learning beyond traditional schooling.