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Once Upon a Ban

@onceuponaban.bsky.social
424 followers 608 following 87 posts

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. www.onceuponaban.com

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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
What is it about boys and pink that sets people off? It’s not just colors. Stepping outside of any stereotypical gender norm seems to get books challenged. This week we're highlighting a few incredible children's books that dare to think beyond pink and share a message of acceptance. #freedomtoread
onceuponaban.com
Why are people so afraid of pink?
My Shadow is Pink gets pulled into controversy.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
Are parents really behind book bans? We asked @txfreedomread.bsky.social for their thoughts. 🤔 #freedomtoread #bannedbooks
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
We're excited to share our latest newsletter featuring @txfreedomread.bsky.social! We had the opportunity to chat with them about SB 13 and how we can all stand up to censorship in our communities. Check it out! #freedomtoread #ireadbannedbooks
onceuponaban.com
Don't Mess With Texas Libraries
The Texas Freedom to Read Project shares what to expect with SB 13 and how to stand up to censorship in your community.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Coming Wednesday! We can't wait to share our conversation with @txfreedomread.bsky.social. From SB 13 to how parents can protect the freedom to read in their communities, there's a lot to cover! Visit www.onceuponaban.com to sign up to get this week's newsletter. #freedomtoread #bannedbooks
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
What started as a complaint over a Pride display has turned into a multi-year debate over the future of the Fontana Regional Library System. Residents are organizing to protect their library so it stays the way it has always been, a true community center. #freedomtoread #bannedbooks #savethefrl
onceuponaban.com
Library at Risk Over Pride Display
In North Carolina, Jackson County residents rally to protect the future of their library.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Last Sunday our community came together to Turn the Page and celebrate the #freedomtoread! Thank you to everyone who joined us and we hope to Turn the Page again soon! #ireadbannedbooks
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Hey Orange County! Free this Sunday? Join us for our summer reading event in paternship with @wave4all.bsky.social. We’ll have storytime with community leaders, a book fair with a local bookstore, crafts and more! RSVP encouraged but not required. #orangecounty #missionviejo #ocevents
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Reposted by Once Upon a Ban
kelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
We can still save the Institute for Museum and Library Services. Here's a practical guide to what to do right now to save not just the agency's funding but its future all together: bookriot.com/we-can-still...
bookriot.com
We Can Still Save the Institute for Museum and Library Services
Act now to help save the Institute for Museum and Library Services and ensure the well-being of public libraries nationwide.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
We decided it was time to introduce ourselves. 👋 www.onceuponaban.com/p/introducin...
onceuponaban.com
Introducing Ourselves
After six months, we felt it was finally time to share why we're here.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Wow! This is so wrong. Libraries should be for everyone.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Three banned children’s picture books to add to your TBR list this holiday weekend. #letfreedomread #freedomtoread #ireadbannedbooks
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Incoming transmission... July's featured book has landed! Written by @underwoodwriter.bsky.social and illustrated by @meghunt.bsky.social, Interstellar Cinderella is the story of a smart, independent heroine and it was banned by the DoD. Check out our interview with the author! #kidlit #bannedbooks
onceuponaban.com
Interstellar Cinderella Quarantined
Author Deborah Underwood shares why censorship won't stop her from creating empowering characters for young readers.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
With the Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling last week, many of us are left wondering what’s next. We checked back in with author @cswild.bsky.social to get her take on the ruling and where we go from here. #freedomtoread #weneeddiversebooks #kidlit #lgbtqkidlit
onceuponaban.com
I Joyfully Dissent
Author Charlotte Sullivan Wild shares her response to the Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling and where we go from here.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
With the Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling last week, many of us are left wondering what’s next. We checked back in with author @cswild.bsky.social to get her take on the ruling and where we go from here. #freedomtoread #weneeddiversebooks #kidlit #lgbtqkidlit
onceuponaban.com
I Joyfully Dissent
Author Charlotte Sullivan Wild shares her response to the Mahmoud v. Taylor ruling and where we go from here.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
Sharing some thoughts. #freedomtoread #weneeddiversebooks
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
RSVP at the QR or the link below and we'll share more information!
wavepac.nationbuilder.com
RSVP HERE for Turn the Page!
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Hey Southern California! Free on July 13th? We’re excited to share that we're partnering with @wave4all.bsky.social on a summer reading event to celebrate the freedom to read! We'll have storytime with community leaders, crafts and so much more. Join us for an afternoon of summer fun and community!
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Reporting back on The Complete Book of Cats. #bannedbooks #cats
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
It's totally terrifying! Books help kids learn about the world around them, see new perspectives and find commonalities with others. All of these bans are limiting the chance for the next generation to be more accepting than the last.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
The @rainbowdefense.bsky.social (RDC) brings together volunteers to create a physical barrier from protestors so families in the DMV area can safely attend Drag Queen Story Hours. Link in bio to read our interview and learn how you can support their efforts. Photo credit @robinfader.bsky.social
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
We have moved to substack! Find us at OnceUponaBan.com.
onceuponaban.com
Once Upon a Ban | Substack
We aim to shine a light on attempts to censor children’s picture books around the country. Part journalism, part book club, we read banned books and talk to activists and authors about their work prot...
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Why though? #bannedbooks #ireadbannedbooks #cats
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
When the rise in censorship begins to feel overwhelming, we like to take a page out of Mr. Rogers’ book and look for the helpers. We’re excited to introduce you to @rainbowdefense.bsky.social and Books Not Bans, two organizations that are working to ensure LGBTQ+ stories remain accessible.
onceuponaban.com
Finding the Helpers
The Rainbow Defense Coalition and Books Not Bans work to ensure LGBTQ+ stories remain accessible.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
This month's book is Molly's Tuxedo by @vickijohnsonwrites.bsky.social. Johnson shared more with us about her love for reading and what inspired her to write Molly's Tuxedo. Link in bio to read our interview.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
The votes have been counted and the people of Huntington Beach delivered a resounding victory for the freedom to read on Tuesday night. We caught up with Carol Daus, a representative of Our Library Matters, to get her perspective on the win. #freedomtoread
onceuponaban.com
Victory in Huntington Beach
Our Library Matters stood up to censorship and won.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Residents are heading to the polls this Tuesday to vote on two measures about the library. It’s not too late to catch up on what is happening in Huntington Beach! linktr.ee/onceuponaban
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Happy Pride! This month (and every month) we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, authors, and illustrators who bring stories to life. We believe representation in stories matters and we stand with you.
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.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
We’re not falling for it. #bannedbooks #freedomtoread
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
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
We recently interviewed author Vicki Johnson about what inspired her to write Molly's Tuxedo and her upcoming book. Link in bio to read more!
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
For #whatimreadingwednesday our family is reading Molly’s Tuxedo by @vickijohnsonwrites.bsky.social. It’s picture day at school and Molly is excited. There’s just one problem, her mom insists she wears a dress when Molly wants to wear her brother’s old tuxedo instead. What will Molly do? #kidlit
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
The Huntington Beach City Council says there is explicit material in the children’s library, so we asked parents what their children checked out. #freedomtoread #libraries #bannedbooks
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Our featured book for June is Molly's Tuxedo by @vickijohnsonwrites.bsky.social! We had a chance to speak with Johnson about her experience with soft censorship, what motivates her to keep writing, and her upcoming book Mac Wears a Hat. Check it out! #freedomtoread #softcensorship #kidlit
onceuponaban.com
Molly's Tuxedo and Soft Censorship
An Interview with author Vicki Johnson
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
With the special election days away, supporters of the Huntington Beach Public Library have been staging read-ins to bring awareness to the campaign. We stopped by to ask what the library means to them. #freedomtoread #bannedbooks
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Want to join our summer reading challenge? Visit our site to download our tracker and find book lists.
onceuponaban.com
Join Our Summer Reading Challenge
It's a banned book summer. Read along with us!
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
We're kicking off our summer reading challenge and sharing what our family is reading. This week it's books by @rajanilarocca.bsky.social including Your One and Only Heart, Summer is for Cousins and her newest book Some of Us! What is your family reading? #summerreading #bannedbooks #kidlit
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
You're invited to join our summer reading challenge focused on banned books! Read 20 banned children's picture books OR 1,000 pages of banned books for any age. Link below to get our challenge tracker and lists of banned books to get you started. #ireadbannedbooks #summerreadingchallenge
onceuponaban.com
Join Our Summer Reading Challenge
It's a banned book summer. Read along with us!
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
Loving the creativity of these mailers from @ourlibrarymatters.bsky.social! It has been a heated race leading up to the special election on June 10th in Huntington Beach. This mailer feels like it cuts through the noise with a touch of library magic. #freedomtoread
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 image shows three cartoons that say "Libraries are magical, wonderful places, with many, many smiling faces. But some want to ruin that fun, with twisted tales they have spun. Book banning and Library Privatization? These will hurt our community for all duration!"The cartoon continues saying, "We must protect our awesome library! Everyone loves them. Just ask Larry, Terry, and Barry! That is why we must vote YES, because our library is simply the best. So, vote YES on or before June 10, and let's enjoy our libraries once again." This image is the back of the mailer and encourages residents of Huntington Beach, CA to vote YES on Measure A and B in the June 10th special election. It points to ourlibrarymatters.org as a resource to learn more.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Inspired by a book as a child, @rajanilarocca.bsky.social now writes to encourage the next generation. Her book Your One and Only Heart was at one point restricted at the HB Library. She shared her take on censorship, why she writes for children, and her upcoming book. #kidlit #freedomtoread
onceuponaban.com
A Conversation with Author Rajani LaRocca
Inspired by a book as a child, LaRocca now writes to encourage the next generation.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
We had a chance to chat with this month’s featured author @rajanilarocca.bsky.social about what inspired her to write Your Only and Only Heart, why she believes access to nonfiction is important, and her upcoming book Some of Us. Can’t wait to share our May 19th newsletter! #kidlit #freedomtoread
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
On Fridays, @protecthb.bsky.social walks to the Huntington Beach pier to show their support for the library. We joined them and it was exciting to see all of the support they got from people walking by! #freedomtoread #bannedbooks
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Next month Huntington Beach residents will vote on whether their City Council can move forward with establishing a library review board to decide what content is appropriate for minors. It would consist of 21 political appointees and there would be no option to appeal decisions. #freedomtoread
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."
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Walk with me to the restricted section of the Huntington Beach library where health books for preteens are considered inappropriate. California has a law against book bans but that hasn’t stopped the Huntington Beach City Council from relocating content to achieve the same effect. #freedomtoread
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
We couldn’t believe it either! We ❤️ Your One and Only Heart!
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
Our featured book for May is Your One and Only Heart written by @rajanilarocca.bsky.social and illustrated by @laurenpaigeconrad.bsky.social. Consisting of paired poems, this book is an engaging introduction to how the heart works. Pick up your copy and read along with us! #ireadbannedbooks #kidlit
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
The debate over access to children's health books has the residents of Huntington Beach, CA headed to the ballot box this June for a special election. We spoke with Carol Daus from @ourlibrarymatters.bsky.social about their work to protect their local library. #ireadbannedbooks #freedomtoread
substack.com
Your One and Only Heart and The Huntington Beach Library
The debate over access to children's health books has this town headed to the ballot box.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
In Monday’s newsletter, we’ll head to a town where the freedom to read is on the ballot and talk to some of the residents who are organizing to protect their library. Our featured book for May is one of the many books that have been challenged. More to come on Monday!
The picture shows a shelf full of colorful books at the library. The books shown are primarily health books.
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 26/04/2025
Thank you @cswild.bsky.social for the wonderful conversation and all of your work to increase representation in children’s stories. 🙌
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
We've joined Substack! We're excited to be able to chat more directly with you about the books and interviews we cover. Come join us!
onceuponaban.substack.com
Once Upon a Ban | Substack
We aim to shine a light on attempts to censor children’s picture books around the country. Part journalism, part book club, we read banned books and talk to activists and authors about their work prot...
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
This quote is on our mind today. Read our full interview with Author @cswild.bsky.social whose book Love, Violet is one of nine books at the center of the Mahmoud v. Taylor SCOTUS case. onceuponaban.com/p/once-upon-...
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."
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Once Upon a Ban @onceuponaban.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
If they had, they’d know what beautiful stories they are missing out on!
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