The Summer of Owen Todd
Tony Abbott
About this book
Owen and his best friend, Sean, are both eleven years old. They've lived on Cape Cod all their lives, and now that they're a little older, they'll finally be free to spend some time on their own. But Sean's mother has a different idea—she hires a babysitter to look after Sean. Paul is in his twenties, and a well-liked guy from church. Paul starts doing things that just feel wrong. Because they've always been as close as brothers, Sean tells Owen, and no one else. What's not certain to Owen is what he should do. Sean warns him not to tell anyone what is happening. But if Owen doesn't tell, could something even worse happen to Sean? This harrowing and sensitively told tale of child abuse is a must-read for anyone who might ever be called upon to help a friend in need. This title has Common Core connections.
Why it was banned
Listed by PEN America as banned pending investigation in Escambia County Public Schools, Florida, in August 2023.
Censorship history
United States school ban context: PEN America lists The Summer of Owen Todd among the books banned pending investigation in Escambia County Public Schools, Florida, during the district's August 2023 removals. The case is concrete because the district and status are named: Escambia County, banned pending investigation, administrative action. The book's subject—child sexual abuse and disclosure—also shows the anti-censorship problem clearly: books that help young readers recognize harm may be removed precisely because the subject matter is uncomfortable.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | SexualMoral |
