Jekel Loves Hyde
Beth Fantaskey
About this book
"Jekel Loves Hyde" by Beth Fantaskey is a captivating modern retelling of the classic Jekyll and Hyde story, focusing on high school students Jill and Tristen as they navigate their tumultuous attraction and the dark legacy of their lineage. As they experiment with a dangerous serum that heightens emotional states, they grapple with themes of identity, morality, and the duality of human nature. This novel's significance lies in its exploration of love and self-discovery amid the struggle between good and evil, making it a fresh and thought-provoking take on a timeless tale.
Why it was banned
Listed in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans as banned pending investigation in Escambia County Public Schools, Florida, in August 2023.
Censorship history
United States school ban context: Jekel Loves Hyde was listed by PEN America as banned pending investigation in Escambia County Public Schools in August 2023. As with many titles in the Escambia list, the public record identifies the district, month, status, and process, but not a detailed book-by-book rationale. That absence is itself important: broad restrictions can remove books from students before the public receives a clear explanation of why a particular work was considered inappropriate.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | LGBTQ+SexualDrugsMoral |
