Where the Lockwood Grows
Olivia A. Cole
About this book
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2023! “A mystery...brimming with heart.” —Kwame Mbalia, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the TRISTAN STRONG series A lyrical and environmentally-focused story about sisterhood, adventure, and activism—perfect for fans of The Last Cuentista and The City of Ember. Twelve-year-old Erie has never lived life fully in the sunlight. After destructive wildfires wreaked havoc on the world around her, the government came up with a plan—engineer a plant that cannot burn. Thus, the fire-resistant lockwood was born. The lockwood protects Erie and her hometown of Prine, but it grows incredibly fast and must be cut back every morning. Only the town’s youngest and smallest citizens can fit between the branches and tame the plant. Citizens just like Erie. But one evening, Erie uncovers a shocking secret that leads her to question the rules of Prine. Alongside her older sister, Hurona, she’ll journey from the only home she’s known and realize that the world is much more complicated than she'd ever imagined. Packed with surprising twists and a cast of courageous characters, this gripping novel encourages readers to stand up for justice and challenge the status quo.
Censorship history
In 2024, "Where the Lockwood Grows" by Olivia A. Cole was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States due to its LGBTQ+ and political content. Notably, the book faced challenges during school board meetings in states like Texas and Florida, where parents and advocacy groups raised formal complaints about its themes. As a result, some school districts upheld the ban, while others are still contesting its removal from library shelves.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | LGBTQ+Political |