What Just Happened: Actress Julianne Moore discovered that her 2007 children’s book, Freckleface Strawberry, has been banned from Department of Defense schools. This ban is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to remove books dealing with race, gender, and sexuality, following an executive order targeting diversity-related topics in the military. The book is about a girl learning to accept her freckles and that differences unite us by our humanity.
So What: A well-known, seemingly innocuous children’s book about self-acceptance has been caught up in a politically motivated book ban. Moore, a graduate of a Department of Defense school and daughter of a Vietnam veteran, expressed shock and sadness, questioning what was deemed controversial. The access to library books was suspended for a week for a compliance review, accused of radical indoctrination.
Why It Matters: This highlights the escalating “culture war” around book censorship in the US, particularly targeting topics related to diversity and inclusion. It raises concerns about freedom of expression and the potential impact on children, especially those in military families, who may be denied access to relatable stories. It also underscores the personal impact of these bans on authors and readers.
