Jacob's New Dress
Sarah Hoffman
About this book
One of 10 Best Indie Picture Books of 2014, ForeWord Reviews Runner-Up, 2014 New England Book Festival: Children's Books 2014 Distinguished List of the Association of Children's Librarians of Northern California CCBC Choices 2015 An affirming story about gender nonconformity. Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can't wear "girl" clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by children who don't identify with traditional gender roles.
Why it was banned
Removed from a first-grade lesson in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina, in 2017 after political and parent complaints that the book promoted gender nonconformity.
Censorship history
United States school ban context: Jacob's New Dress was pulled from a first-grade anti-bullying lesson in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina, in 2017 after objections from conservative groups and state lawmakers. The book, about a boy who wants to wear a dress and faces bullying, was replaced with Red: A Crayon's Story. This case is a clear example of soft censorship: the book was not necessarily banned everywhere in the district, but it was removed from instruction because adults objected to its message about gender expression.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | LGBTQ+Moral |
