Yesterday, Julianne more shared via her personal Instagram, that her children's book published in 2007, Freckleface Strawberry, has been "banned" from schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
This is deeply troubling as diversity in publishing is already a major issue. One of the most eye opening aspects of this current wave of censorship is that, this book is NOT about race or history! The Department of Defense (DoD) just snatched Freckleface Strawberry, a feel-good kids’ book about self-acceptance, off the shelves of school libraries.
And the reason? A crackdown on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Wait.... What?!
EXACTLY
Let's Be Crystal Clear
For those individuals that prefer to hide under the comforts of chosen confusion. Let me break it down for ya:
This is not a political book.
This book is not critical race theory
This book is not about race, gender, or even activism
This book was written by Hollywood A-lister and accomplished American actress Julianne Moore and illustrated by (one of my personal favorites) the amazing LeUyen Pham — a celebrated Vietnamese-American artist and a big deal in the publishing industry today.
Freckleface Strawberry is literally a light hearted story (inspired by Moore's own childhood) about a young girl learning to love her freckles. Self love and celebrating our differences.
How can this not align with initiatives involving schools and school aged children?
How this has become "controversial" and in need of "further review" is far beyond me. The mental gymnastics are at Olympic levels here. These individuals are clearly familiar with the stretching of truths and should channel that imagination into writing high fantasy and sell some books versus banning them. Let's use these powers for good.
But with this current climate of book bans and DEI rollbacks, even that would be asking for way too much.
Julianne Moore Speak Out
Moore, a vocal advocate for literacy and education, was shocked when she learned about the ban. “It is a great shock for me to learn that my first book, Freckleface Strawberry, has been banned by the Trump Administration from schools run by the Department of Defense,” she said in an emotional Instagram post.
This isn’t just about one book—it’s about a larger movement to erase diversity and inclusivity from educational spaces. Because who wants well-rounded, inclusive, and empathetic adults?!
If even a straight, white, Oscar-winning actress is being silenced for promoting kindness and self-acceptance, what does that say about the state of books by marginalized voices?
So What's the Real Message Here?
The bottom line is clear. No one is safe. Any semblance of acceptance, representation, and inclusion is against policy.
My personal solution: The power will forever lie in the purse. So stay aware (subscribe to Erudite Encounters today) and buy books with purpose.
As always books changes lives- buy them, read them, share them. Every page turned is a new dimension of your mind unlocked.
Nilaja Empress Erudite Biggs
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