From Huck Finn to Drag Queens, children’s literature has always been a deeply divisive subject.

But is this driven by parental overprotectiveness, or political bias?

In this episode, to celebrate Banned Books Week 2023, we look at the books and the people who have made headlines for all the wrong reasons, as we ask… why is children’s literature so political?

Our guests this week:

• Professor Thomas Ruys Smith, Professor of American Literature and Culture and Deputy Director of Area Studies at the University of East Anglia.
• Jonathan Hamilt, Executive Director of Drag Story Hour.

Hamilt is the first Executive Director of Drag Story Hour, taking it from a loose string of a few state’s events to a national 501 c 3 with an international chapter network. He has connected the chapter’s organizers and storytellers with each other on a global scale. Since being named Executive Director, Drag Story Hour has presented at Harvard, Yale, SXSW EDU, ABA, and the Medical Library Association.

Additional Resources:

WEBSITE: Drag Story Hour

WEBSITE: Banned Books Week

If you enjoy this episode, you might also like:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support

University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships

Brand Sponsors: liam@mercurypodcasts.com

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2

Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

Mentioned in this episode:

NeoTaste

Be on the Show!

What would you put in a US time capsule? We're creating a virtual one on the podcast very soon, and we want to hear from you. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory right now to record your contribution... and you might just make it on the show.