Green mural painting by Eric Carle
See full image

Celebrate The Freedom To Read: Picture Books

Artists & Authors
For Families
Talks
-
Auditorium

Free with Museum admission

Join us for a presentation and reading of award-winning picture books and elementary level graphic novels that have faced challenges. The program will feature Lesléa Newman (Heather Has Two Mommies and Sparkle Boy), Gwen Agna (True You: A Gender Journey and Finding Home: Words from Kids Seeking Sanctuary), Sarah Prager (Rainbow Revolutionaries and A Children’s Introduction to Pride), and Colleen AF Venable (Katie the Catsitter). 

Book signing to follow program. Can’t make the event? You may reserve signed books online.

Learn more about Banned Books Week here.

This event is free with museum admission. Free and discounted admission options are also available.

Who You'll Meet
Photo of Lesléa Newman

Lesléa Newman

Lesléa Newman is the author of 75 books for readers of all ages. In 1989 Ms. Newman wrote Heather Has Two Mommies, the first children’s book to portray lesbian families in a positive way, and has followed up this pioneering work with several more children’s books on lesbian and gay families.
Author website
Author Gwen Agna

Gwen Agna

Gwen Agna has been an educator for more than forty years. Trained in early childhood education, throughout her career she worked to incorporate social justice, anti-bias, and anti-racism in all aspects of classroom practice. She is dedicated to making the world a safe and happy one for all children.

Author Sarah Prager

Sarah Prager

Sarah Prager is an advocate for queer history education. She is the author of four books about LGBTQ+ history for youth and her writing has been published in the New York Times, National Geographic, NBC News, The Atlantic, Cosmopolitan, HuffPost, The Advocate, and many other national outlets.

Author website
Author Colleen AF Venable

Colleen AF Venable

Colleen AF Venable is the author of the National Book Award Longlisted Kiss Number 8, a graphic novel co-created with Ellen T. Crenshaw. Her other books include the Katie the Catsitter series with Stephanie Yue, Mervin the Sloth is About to Do the Best Thing in The World with Ruth Chan, The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom with Lian Cho, and the Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye series, also with Stephanie Yue and nominated for the Best Publication for Kids Eisner.

Author website
Explore Further
A photograph of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art with its sign in the front.
Event

Celebrate the Freedom to Read With Your Favorite Authors

-

September 22 marks the first day of Banned Books Week 2024.

A colorful pile of collage papers with different textures and patterns on them.
Event

Special Art Activity: Banned Books Week

-

Create colorful collage postcards to send to librarians, thanking them for their incredible work!

alt=""
Event

Special Storytime: Banned Books Week

-

Various award winning and bestselling authors will read their favorite books that have faced censorship. 

alt=""
Event

Celebrate the Freedom to Read: YA and Middle Grade

-

Join us for a presentation and reading of award-winning Young Adult and Middle Grade books that have faced challenges. 

Visit the shop

In the Bookshop

Cover of Sparkle Boy by Leslea Newman

Sparkle Boy

Cover of True You: A Gender Journey by Gwen Agna

True You: A Gender Journey

Cover for A Child's Introduction to Pride by Sarah Prager

A Child's Introduction to Pride

Cover for Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable

Katie the Catsitter

Cover of Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman

Heather Has Two Mommies

Cover for Rainbow Revolutionaries by Sarah Prager

Rainbow Revolutionaries