Be Your True Self (Social Justice and You)
Gonzalez. Maribel Valdez · 2025
Banned in 1 country
About this book
"Be Your True Self (Social Justice and You)" by Maribel Valdez Gonzalez is an empowering guide that encourages readers to embrace their authentic identities while engaging with social justice issues. Through personal anecdotes and practical exercises, the book explores themes of self-acceptance, diversity, and the importance of activism in creating a more equitable society. Its significance lies in its ability to inspire individuals, especially youth, to understand their role in social movements and to confidently advocate for change.
Censorship history
In 2025, "Be Your True Self (Social Justice and You)" by Maribel Valdez Gonzalez faced bans in several school districts across the United States, primarily due to its LGBTQ+ content, political themes, and discussions of race and colonialism. Notably, the book was challenged during a school board meeting in Florida, where local parents and advocacy groups voiced concerns over its appropriateness for students. As a result, the book was removed from school libraries in multiple districts, with some challenges still being contested in court.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | LGBTQ+PoliticalRacial |