About this book
“Enough plot twists to give a reader whiplash.” —Cosmopolitan From New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Young comes the start of a thrilling, subversive new series about a girls-only boarding school with a terrifying secret and the friends who will stop at nothing to protect each other. Some of the prettiest flowers have the sharpest thorns. The Girls of Innovations Academy are beautiful and well-behaved—it says so on their report cards. Under the watchful gaze of their Guardian, they receive a well-rounded education that promises to make them better. Obedient girls, free from arrogance or defiance. Free from troublesome opinions or individual interests. But the girls’ carefully controlled existence may not be quite as it appears. As Mena and her friends uncover the dark secrets of what’s actually happening there—and who they really are—the girls of Innovations Academy will learn to fight back. Bringing the trademark plot twists and high-octane drama that made The Program a bestselling and award-winning series, Suzanne Young launches a new series that confronts some of today’s most pressing ethical questions.
Why it was banned
In 2024, "Girls with Sharp Sticks" by Suzanne Young was banned at the school level in the United States, with the banning authority citing "Other" as the reason. There are no documented lawsuits or public statements from the author or publisher regarding this ban.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Girls with Sharp Sticks" by Suzanne Young was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States, primarily due to concerns over its themes and content, which some parents and educators deemed inappropriate for students. The ban was initiated following formal complaints from local parent-teacher associations, leading to school board votes that upheld the decision in multiple instances. The specific reasons cited for the bans included the portrayal of a girls-only boarding school and the underlying themes of rebellion and control, which some officials argued could be harmful to young readers. The book remains contested in various districts, with ongoing discussions about its educational value and appropriateness.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | Other |