There is something palpable and special about the way she tells this story, giving the reader an almost voyeuristic peak into her adolescence that is difficult to turn away from. The thing about Fun Home is…it’s brilliant. Where do we begin with Alison Bechdel? Oh, you mean MacArthur Foundation Genius Alison Bechdel? You mean she of “Bechdel Test” fame? Oh, that’s right, we’re talking about Alison “There’s A Pulitzer Nominated Musical Based on My Book” Bechdel. Another citizen who spoke at a library board meeting even contended that the books could result in “seedy people coming into the library and moving into our community.” Mills characterized the books as “pornography” and expressed concern that children might be drawn to them because they looked like comic books. In 2006, Louise Mills of Marshall, Missouri, requested that the book (and another graphic novel, Blanketsby Craig Thompson) be removed from the local public library. Why was it challenged/banned?: From CBLDF:Īs with many critically-acclaimed books - particularly graphic novels - Fun Home soon drew the attention of would-be censors. Today’s banned book review is Fun Home by Alison Bechdel.

Also, check out the people over at The Uprise Books Project and their efforts to end poverty through literacy.

Their work helps keep comics on bookshelves. While you’re at it, go help the good folks over at CBLDF if you can. Thanks to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund for the handy dandy list.

In honor of Banned Books Week, my buddy Eric over at The Other Comic Book Teacher and I are going to review comics and graphic novels that have been challenged.

Fun home by alison bechdel