Tom
Sylvia Aguilar Zéleny
About this book
After spending a summer at a Teen Mental Health Clinic, sixteen-year-old Tom accepts that he is gay. He attends a new school where he has made friends, is on the swim team, and most importantly, has found love. Tom's secret relationship with Sean, the most popular guy in school, saves him from the cruelty of his mother, and the indifference of his father. But when everything falls apart, Tom must face his inner demons alone. Tom is a book from Coming Out, an EPIC Press six set series. Some titles may contain explicit content and/or language.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Tom" by Sylvia Aguilar Zéleny was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States due to its LGBTQ+ content and perceived immorality. This ban reflects a broader trend of challenges against LGBTQ+ literature in educational settings, often initiated by parents and community organizations advocating for conservative values. Specific instances include formal complaints lodged during school board meetings, leading to votes that upheld the bans in various districts. As of now, the book remains contested in multiple locations, with ongoing debates about its appropriateness in school curricula.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | LGBTQ+Moral |
