Once Upon a Ban

@onceuponaban.bsky.social

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We're a newsletter that covers attempts to censor children’s picture books around the country. Part journalism, part book club, we talk to activists and authors about the freedom to read. https://www.onceuponaban.com

Image shows a rainbow going from the bottom left to the top right of the square. The rainbow looks like it was painted. To the right of the rainbow it says "Happy Pride" with a painted pink heart beneath it.
Image shows the top of a bookshelf filled with children’s picture books and a wall sign that says once upon a time. The text overlay says: Propaganda we are NOT falling for: - Parents aren’t reading to their kids - The library has 🌽 - Avoiding books with difficult topics helps our kids
The video starts with the caption "what our family is reading". It shows a pink dress with ruffles on a hanger and then it is throw out of frame. In pops a child's suit jacket with a white button up shirt and a red bow tie. With the suit jacket in frame, the book Molly's Tuxedo appears on screen.
The video is a collection of clips from different attendees at the read in. Collectively it says “We’re here to protect the library. It’s a representation of freedom and independence because it serves the entire community. Not everyone has the resources to buy a book. I believe in protecting our freedoms, the freedom to read and the freedom of speech. For your family and ours.”
This image shows a Dr. Seuss themed cover that says "Imagine all the things I can be if you vote Yes on A and B".
This video shows dozens of residents of Huntington Beach marching in support of the library. They’re holding handmade signs. Sayings from the signs include “we trust parents, not teachers”, “hands off our libraries”, and “stop censorship”. They are encouraging fellow residents to vote yes on measures A and B in the upcoming June election.
This image is a quote from a recent interview with Carol Daus, Volunteer with Our Library Matters. She says "This is a public library and it's for the people. The people are the tax payers and should have a say on what's in the library and how their library is run."
The picture shows a shelf full of colorful books at the library. The books shown are primarily health books.
This image is a quote from our recent interview with Charlotte Sullivan Wild, Author of Love, Violet. "What if children could grow up with ordinary, realistic images of Q+ people? Children might feel kindness is normal, rather than bullying. And Q+ children could see themselves, from the beginning, as not alone."
The video shows groups of people in front of the Supreme Court building to show support for the case. There are rainbow umbrellas and several handmade signs being held by supporters. There is a main speaker on stage that is speaking to the importance of ensuring that LGBTQ representation and contributions are included in school curriculum.
This is a picture of the cover of the book Love, Violet, a touching story of young love and learning how to be vulnerable with your feelings. In the book, the main character, Violet, makes a Valentine's card for her school crush Mira. Surrounding the book is a collection of craft supplies including paper, pom poms, markers, and scissors. The Valentine that Violet Makes for Mira was recreated and placed in the upper right hand corner. It says "For Mira. Love, Violet". It's a pink heart with purple writing and hearts drawn on it.
Images shows a stack of books with the titles facing the viewer. The books are on a blue chair with part of a pink rainbow pillow visible in the background. The books shown are all part of the picture book series The Questioneers by Andrea Beaty.
Cover of the book Sofia Valdez, Future Prez. It shows a young girl standing and presenting the book title. Her Abuelo is standing next to her holding a sign that says “Sofia for President (someday)”. Their dog is also running by and there is a duck with glasses holding a sign that says “vote Sofia”.
Cover of book Thank You, Omu by Oge Mora. A woman is holding a bowl of delicious stew she has cooked and the smell is wafting through the neighborhood.