Concerns Raised Over Progressive Themes in Louisiana Teen Readers’ Choice Books

Debating Diversity: Are Louisiana Teen Readers’ Choice Books Too Progressive?

BATON ROUGE, LA – May 16, 2025 – The Louisiana Teen Readers’ Choice (LTRC) program, administered by the State Library of Louisiana, has sparked discussion among some parents and community members over the selection of books for the 2025-2026 school year. The program, which encourages high school students to read and vote on their favorite titles, includes a list of 10 books aimed at grades 9-12, but some question whether the choices reflect a lean toward progressive themes.

The LTRC, part of a 26-year initiative to foster a love of reading, features titles such as The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz, which highlights a queer romance, and Promise Boys by Nick Brooks, which explores racial injustice in schools. Other selections, like Rez Ball by Byron Graves, focus on Native American resilience, while Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino addresses disability representation. These themes have led some to argue that the list prioritizes diversity and social justice narratives over a broader range of perspectives.

The selection process involves a committee of Louisiana public librarians, school librarians, and teachers, who aim to curate a “well-balanced” collection of high-quality fiction and nonfiction. State Librarian Meg Placke has emphasized that the program’s goal is to enhance literacy and cultural awareness, noting that the 2025-2026 list includes 52 combined starred reviews and awards from groups like the Junior Library Guild. However, critics point out the absence of books with conservative viewpoints, such as those emphasizing traditional values or authority, raising questions about the committee’s criteria.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has praised the program as a tool to improve education, citing its role in academic success and confidence-building among teens. Yet, some parents, like those in local forums, express concern that the focus on progressive topics might not align with all family values in Louisiana, a state with diverse political leanings. The requirement for students to read at least two books to vote has also prompted calls for more transparency in how titles are chosen.

The State Library has not commented directly on the criticism but encourages community input and offers resources like study guides on its website. As voting opens for the 2025-2026 awards, the debate continues over whether the LTRC’s selections reflect educational goals or an unintended bias.

For more information, visit the Louisiana Readers’ Choice Awards Program webpage.