About this book
"Beyond the Black Door" by A.M. Strickland follows the story of a young girl named Elsie, who discovers a mysterious door in her home that leads to a realm of nightmares and hidden desires. As she explores the depths of her mind and confronts her fears, themes of identity, sexuality, and the power of choice emerge, highlighting the struggle between personal truth and societal expectations. This thought-provoking tale is significant for its representation of LGBTQ+ experiences within the fantasy genre, challenging conventional narratives by exploring the complexity of self-acceptance and the journey toward understanding one's true self.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Beyond the Black Door" by A.M. Strickland faced bans at the school level across several states in the United States, primarily due to its LGBTQ+ and sexual content. Notably, in Texas, a school district board voted to remove the book from its libraries following complaints from local parents and advocacy groups concerned about its themes. The ban was upheld despite pushback from students and educators advocating for diverse representation in literature.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | LGBTQ+Sexual |
