About this book
"Skim" by Mariko Tamaki follows the life of an introverted Japanese Canadian high school girl, Kimberly Keiko Cameron, who navigates the complexities of adolescence, relationships, and the impact of a classmate's death on her and her friends. The graphic novel explores themes of identity, grief, and the search for belonging as Skim grapples with her feelings of isolation and the pressure to conform. Its significance lies in its honest portrayal of teenage struggles and the nuanced representation of diverse experiences in young adulthood, making it a powerful work in contemporary literature.
Censorship history
In 2025, "Skim" by Mariko Tamaki faced a ban at the school level in several districts across the United States due to its LGBTQ+ content and perceived immorality. The book was challenged by local parent-teacher associations and conservative advocacy groups, leading to heated debates during school board meetings in states such as Texas and Florida. As a result of these challenges, the book was removed from school libraries in multiple districts, with some bans still contested in court as of late 2025.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | LGBTQ+Moral |
