The National Education Association (NEA), the largest professional organization for educators in the United States, has publicly supported broad access to books through its “Freedom to Read” campaign. As part of that campaign, the organization circulated graphics encouraging educators and the public to pledge support for free and open access to books.

One widely shared campaign graphic prominently displays several specific titles. Some of the books pictured contain graphic sexual passages. While the NEA’s campaign message centers on intellectual freedom and access to literature, the inclusion of particular titles has drawn attention from parents who question what kinds of material are being elevated in national education messaging.

The NEA’s 2022–2023 Resolution B-55 affirms the organization’s support for comprehensive sex education and states that knowledge about sexuality is a fundamental right. The resolution emphasizes that instruction should be age-appropriate and acknowledges the role of parents and guardians. At the same time, it expresses support for broad access to literature and information addressing sexuality.

For families following ongoing discussions about school library content, these positions are not abstract. When national advocacy materials highlight specific books, community members understandably examine what those books contain.

Several of the books highlighted in the NEA’s “Freedom to Read” materials contain graphic sexual passages. The following excerpts are provided so readers can review the language themselves and determine whether featuring these titles aligns with their understanding of age-appropriate literature in school environments.

A Closer Look at the Books in the Graphic

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson is a memoir that explores the author's experiences growing up as a queer Black person in America. The book is a collection of essays and personal stories that touch on themes of identity, sexuality, family, and community. It includes frank discussions of sex and drug use.

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe is a graphic memoir that explores the author's journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with their gender identity. The book is a combination of personal anecdotes, illustrations, and informational sections that provide insights into the experience of being gender nonconforming. It includes frank discussions of gender identity, sex, and relationships. The book also includes content warnings for discussions of sexual assault.

Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison is a coming-of-age novel about a young man named Mike Muñoz who is struggling to find his place in the world. Mike works as a landscaper, or "lawn boy," for wealthy clients in a wealthy neighborhood, but he dreams of a better life for himself and his family. The novel explores themes of class, race, and the American Dream, as Mike navigates the challenges of living in a society that values wealth and status above all else. It includes explicit language, drug use, and sexual content.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a novel that explores the destructive effects of societal beauty standards on young black girls in the 1940s. The story follows the life of Pecola Breedlove, a young African American girl who believes that having blue eyes would make her beautiful and accepted by society. It includes explicit and disturbing content, including scenes of rape, incest, and child molestation.