Why Julianne Moore's book was banned by Trump administration
What's the story
Donald Trump's administration has reportedly banned the 2007 children's book Freckleface Strawberry by actor Julianne Moore from schools operated by the Department of Defense (DoD). Moore shared the news on Instagram, expressing her shock and confusion over the decision. "I can't help but wonder what is so controversial about this picture book that caused it to be banned by the US Government," she wrote.
Book details
Moore's book is a semi-autobiographical tale
Freckleface Strawberry, Moore's first book, is a semi-autobiographical tale of a seven-year-old girl who hates her freckles but learns to love them. The official synopsis indicates the story teaches children to embrace their individuality. "Because after all, the things that make you different also make you, YOU," it reads.
Personal ties
Moore's personal connection to DoD schools
Moore, a graduate of the DoD-operated Frankfurt American High School and daughter of a Vietnam veteran, was particularly disappointed over the ban. She emphasized that children growing up in military families and attending DoDEA schools will now be denied access to her book. "I am truly saddened and never thought I would see this in a country where freedom of speech and expression is a constitutional right," she said.
Additional bans
Other books were also banned in a recent purge
The ban on Moore's book is part of a larger purge of books related to race, gender, and sexuality. This comes after President Donald Trump's executive order targeting diversity-related topics in the military. Other banned books include Kathleen Krull's Ruth Bader Ginsburg picture book No Truth Without Ruth and Ellis Nutt's Becoming Nicole. Moore was informed of the additional bans by the non-profit literary activist group Pen America.
Compliance review
Defense Department's memo to parents about book review
Previously, the Defense Department had distributed a memo to parents at Pentagon schools catering to US military families. The memo indicated that access to library books would be temporarily suspended for a week due to a "compliance review." This review is part of an effort by the administration to identify and remove books accused of "radical indoctrination" amid Trump's campaign against DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).