Why It Matters
The dispute over a single graphic novel in Harford County illustrates the growing tension between local school boards and state education authorities regarding library content. The case tests the limits of the Maryland Freedom to Read Act, which mandates specific review procedures for challenged materials.
What Happened
A Harford County parent requested the removal of “Flamer,” a semi-autobiographical graphic novel by Mike Curato, after watching a Fox News report. The parent did not read the book before filing the complaint. Under state law, a committee comprising parents, school personnel, and students reviewed the material. After reading the text, the committee voted to retain the book in high school libraries. The Harford County superintendent concurred with that decision.
The parent appealed directly to the local school board. Without public notice of the hearing, the board voted 5-3 to remove “Flamer” from all school libraries in the county. Board members characterized the book as “pervasively vulgar” but offered no detailed explanation for that conclusion. One member cited a “demeaning reflection on the Church,” while another stated she would revisit the review process because “parents do not want their kids exposed to these books.”
The Maryland State Board of Education reversed the local board’s decision, ruling it arbitrary and unreasonable. The state board found no evidence that local members had read the book or engaged with the committee’s reasoning. The Harford County school board has since challenged the state reversal in court. A judge will hear arguments later this month.
By the Numbers
Oct. 4-10 — Dates of Banned Books Week
5-3 — Vote count by Harford County school board to remove “Flamer”
2024 — Year of Maryland Freedom to Read Act
130% — Increase in book challenges in Maryland since 2019
2019 — Baseline year for challenge statistics
Zoom Out
The Harford County case occurs against a backdrop of rising library challenges across the state. The Maryland Library Association reported that book challenges in Maryland increased more than 130% between 2019 and 2024. “Flamer” follows Aiden, a Filipino American teenager at Boy Scout camp who struggles with his faith and attraction to boys. Critics have praised the work, with one Horn Book reviewer noting, “I wish I had had this book fifty years ago.” The narrative includes a letter from Aiden’s best friend stating, “There is nothing wrong with you.”
What’s Next
A Harford County court will hear arguments regarding the removal later this month. The judge must determine whether the local school board violated state procedural requirements by bypassing the mandated review committee and failing to provide public notice for its hearing.