Freckleface Strawberry Banned from Department of Defense Schools
Julianne Moore recently shared on Instagram the surprising ban of her 2007 children's book, "Freckleface Strawberry," from schools operated by the Department of Defense (DoD).
Moore expressed shock and disappointment, stating that "Freckleface Strawberry" is a semi-autobiographical story about a young girl struggling with self-acceptance due to her freckles. The book's message of embracing differences was meant to remind children that they are not alone in their struggles.
The official synopsis highlights the book's gentle approach: "The things that make you different also make you, YOU."
Moore, a graduate of DoD-run Frankfurt American High School, finds the ban particularly disheartening as it denies children with similar life experiences access to her story.
Pen America, a literary activist organization, brought the ban to Moore's attention, noting that two other picture books were also embargoed: Kathleen Krull's "No Truth Without Ruth" and Ellis Nutt's "Becoming Nicole."
The ban has sparked questions about the reasons behind its implementation and concerns about freedom of speech and expression in a country that traditionally values these principles.