About this book
A bold, timely novel about speaking up and coming out as parents lobby to ban a beloved book from the school curriculum by New York Times-bestselling author David Levithan. When Donovan left his copy of The Adventurers on the kitchen counter, he didn't think his mom would read it—much less have a problem with it. It's just an adventure novel about two characters trying to stop an evil genius...right? But soon the entire town is freaking out about whether the book's main characters are gay, Donovan's mom is trying to get the book removed from the school curriculum, and Donovan is caught in the middle. Donovan doesn't really know if the two boys fall in love at the end or not—but he does know this: even if they do, it shouldn't matter. The book should not be banned from school. Interweaving three connected storylines, David Levithan delivers a bold, fun, and timely story about taking action (whether it's against book censors or deadly alligators...), being brave, and standing up for what's right.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Answers in the Pages" by David Levithan faced bans in several school districts across the United States due to its LGBTQ+ content. Notably, in April 2024, a school board in Texas voted to remove the book from its curriculum following complaints from local parents and advocacy groups opposing the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes in educational materials. The ban was upheld despite protests from students and LGBTQ+ rights organizations, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding discussions of sexual orientation in schools.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | LGBTQ+ |