Evans Library’s Favorite Banned Books: Heather Has Two Mommies

by Ashley Campbell, E-Resources Cataloger & Government Research Librarian

Heather Has Two Mommies, by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Diana Souza

Heather Has Two Mommies is a children’s book about a little girl named Heather who, as the title suggests, has two mommies.  It was originally published in 1989, and was listed as #11 on ALA’s list of The 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000.  I first read this book many years ago, before I ever dreamed of having children of my own, and I later had the pleasure of hearing the author, Lesléa Newman, speak about her experiences with writing the book and the backlash that ensued.  After her talk, I purchased a copy of the book, and she signed it for me.

That book now sits on a bookshelf in the playroom at my house.  I have been blessed with two beautiful young daughters who, like Heather, have two mommies.  Fortunately, there are now a good deal of books written for children of LGBT parents.  I feel that reading these books to my children helps them understand that there are other kids with family dynamics similar to theirs, but more importantly, that all families are special and unique.

I am thankful to Lesléa Newman for paving the way for future authors and for helping to give my children a sense of belonging.