Cover of And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell

And Tango Makes Three

by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell

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Censorship Status

Banned in Previously banned in Florida; restored after lawsuit; challenged nationwide

Reason: Same-sex penguin parents, LGBTQ+ themes in children's literature

Published: 2005
Categories: children, picture-book, lgbtq, true-story

Based on a true story of two male penguins who hatched and raised a chick together at Central Park Zoo. This innocent children's book has been restored in Florida after a lawsuit but was previously removed under Governor DeSantis-era guidelines. The book's simple message about different types of families has made it a target for those opposing LGBTQ+ representation in schools.

Why And Tango Makes Three Was Banned

Censorship Concerns

Even children's literature isn't safe from censorship when it contains themes deemed inappropriate by authorities.

Specifically, And Tango Makes Three was targeted for: Same-sex penguin parents, LGBTQ+ themes in children's literature. The book's themes and content were deemed threatening to the social, political, or religious order in Previously banned in Florida; restored after lawsuit; challenged nationwide.

Why Read And Tango Makes Three Today?

  • βœ“ Historical Significance: Understand why this book was considered dangerous enough to ban.
  • βœ“ Intellectual Freedom: Support the right to read diverse perspectives and challenging ideas.
  • βœ“ Critical Thinking: Engage with ideas that authorities didn't want people to consider.
  • βœ“ Cultural Understanding: Gain insight into the fears and concerns of different societies and eras.

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Don't Let This Story Be Silenced

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