Chicken Girl
Heather Smith
About this book
Everybody has a story that will break your heart; a poignant coming-of-age YA for fans of David Arnold, from the author of the acclaimed The Agony of Bun O'Keefe, a Kirkus Best of the Year selection. Poppy used to be an optimist. But after a photo of her dressed as Rosie the Riveter is mocked online, she's having trouble seeing the good in the world. As a result, Poppy trades her beloved vintage clothes for a feathered chicken costume and accepts a job as an anonymous sign waver outside a restaurant. There, Poppy meets six-year-old girl Miracle, who helps Poppy see beyond her own pain, opening her eyes to the people around her: Cam, her twin brother, who is adjusting to life as an openly gay teen; Buck, a charming photographer with a cute British accent and a not-so-cute mean-streak; and Lewis a teen caring for an ailing parent, while struggling to reach the final stages of his gender transition. As the summer unfolds, Poppy stops glorifying the past and starts focusing on the present. But just as she comes to terms with the fact that there is good and bad in everyone, she is tested by a deep betrayal.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Chicken Girl" by Heather Smith was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States, primarily due to concerns over its themes and portrayal of online bullying. Specific complaints were raised during school board meetings in states such as Texas and Florida, where parents and community members argued that the book's content was inappropriate for young readers. The ban was upheld in some districts, reflecting a growing trend of challenges against young adult literature that addresses sensitive social issues.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | MoralObscenity |