About this book
Italy, 1944: Florence is occupied by Nazi forces. The Italian resistance movement has not given up hope, though - and neither have thirteen-year-old Paolo and his sister, Costanza. A New York Times Notable Children's Book. From Booklist: ''An absorbing survival adventure.
Why it was banned
In 2024, "Hero on a Bicycle" by Shirley Hughes was banned at the school level in the United States due to its political content and depictions of violence. The specific school district involved has not been publicly disclosed. The official reason given for the ban was concerns over the book's political themes and violent elements.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Hero on a Bicycle" by Shirley Hughes was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States, with specific complaints citing concerns over its portrayal of war and violence. The ban was initiated by local parent-teacher associations and school boards, reflecting a growing trend of challenges against literature depicting historical conflicts. As of now, the book remains banned in these districts, with ongoing discussions about its appropriateness in educational settings.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | PoliticalViolence |