The Girls I've Been
Tess Sharpe
About this book
Nora, a teenage girl with a complex past, navigates the challenges of her identity while dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event. As she confronts her history of being the daughter of a con artist, themes of survival, resilience, and the impact of familial relationships emerge. Set against a backdrop of a tense hostage situation, the narrative explores the intricacies of love, trust, and the masks people wear to protect themselves. Through Nora's journey, the story delves into the struggles of self-acceptance and the quest for autonomy in a world filled with deception.
Censorship history
In 2024, "The Girls I've Been" by Tess Sharpe faced bans at various school levels across the United States, primarily due to its LGBTQ+ content, sexual themes, and depictions of violence. Notably, in several school districts, including those in Texas and Florida, parents and community members filed formal complaints leading to school board votes that resulted in the book's removal from library shelves. The bans were upheld despite pushback from advocacy groups like the American Library Association, which argued for the importance of diverse narratives in educational settings. As of late 2024, the book remains contested in multiple districts, with ongoing discussions about its appropriateness in school curricula.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | LGBTQ+SexualViolenceMoral |
