About this book
Suzie is a dark-eyed twelve-year-old who desperately needs to feel safe and worthy of love. Seeking only to be "good enough," she remains motionless and silent for hours on end, feeling the walls of her psychological prison pressing against her. Ultimately, Suzie finds herself in a mental hospital where she begins a long and fear-filled journey. To make sense of her world, Suzie must piece together a puzzle that involves seemingly unrelated clues--a broken bicycle, a torn picture, peacock feathers, and more--which together reveal a secret that is likely to change Suzie's life forever, and give her an opportunity to regain her voice and reclaim here spirit.
Why it was banned
In 2024, "Black-eyed Suzie" by Susan Shaw was banned at the school level in the United States due to concerns over themes of race and colonialism, as well as immorality. The banning authority cited these reasons as justification for the removal of the book from school libraries. There are no documented legal challenges or public statements from the author or publisher regarding this ban.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Black-eyed Suzie" by Susan Shaw was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States due to concerns over themes of race and colonialism, as well as perceived immorality. Notably, the book faced challenges during a school board meeting in Texas, where parents voiced objections leading to a vote that resulted in its removal from the curriculum. The ban has been upheld in some districts, while discussions about its reinstatement continue in others, reflecting ongoing debates about educational content and censorship.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | RacialMoral |