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Fact check: Graphic adaptation of Anne Frank's diary returned to school library shelves after review

BrieAnna J. Frank, USA TODAY
·3 min read

The claim: A Texas school district banned Anne Frank's diary

Anne Frank’s diary detailing her experiences as a young Jewish girl while hiding from the Nazis is among the world's most widely-read books. Some social media users are claiming students in Texas won’t have access to her famous writings after it was banned by a school district.

“That book is a book of warnings. Why wouldn’t they want you to be warned of the dangers of fascism? Oh right. That’s the plan,” read an Aug. 17 Facebook post that was shared nearly 100 times in eight days.

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While a graphic adaptation of the diary was briefly removed pending a review in light of a parental challenge, it was not banned. District officials said the book has since been returned to library shelves.

USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the claim for comment.

'Many editions' of Frank's diary remained on shelves during review

A copy of the graphic novel version of Anne Frank’s "Diary of a Young Girl."
A copy of the graphic novel version of Anne Frank’s "Diary of a Young Girl."

Keller Independent School District spokesperson Nicole McCollum told USA TODAY the claim was “incorrect."

McCollum said the district's administration asked campus staff and librarians to review books that were challenged last year to determine if they meet the requirements of new policies established by the board of trustees at its Aug. 8 meeting.

Several dozen titles were subsequently removed from shelves pending the review, according to The Texas Tribune.

A document from the board of trustees meeting outlines the process for challenging books and states that library materials reaching a "harmful material standard" would not be "used, distributed or made available to students."

The three-pronged standard for harm is material with a dominant theme that:

  1. "Appeals to the prurient interest of a minor, in sex, nudity or excretion."

  2. Is "patently offensive" to adult standards of what content is suitable for children.

  3. Is "utterly without redeeming social value for minors."

According to the district’s website, a parent challenged Anne Frank’s Diary (The Graphic Adaptation) by Ari Folman and David Polonsky on Feb. 2. As of Aug. 19, the book was back on shelves.

McCollum said only the graphic novelization of Frank's diary was challenged, and "many editions" remained on library shelves during its review.

Other books that were challenged and later returned to circulation include The Bible and “I am Jazz” by Jazz Jennings, a story based on Jennings’ experiences as a transgender child.

More: 'The perfect target'? Movement to ban books from schools brings vitriol toward librarians

Books no longer in district circulation include “Panic” by Sharon Draper, a novel about a teenager who is kidnapped and tortured, and “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe, a memoir focusing on the author’s exploration of gender identity and sexuality.

District Superintendent Rick Westfall issued a statement clarifying “miscommunication” about the new policies and stating books that pass the new standards will be "promptly" returned to library shelves.

“It is important to be clear about this point – regardless of headlines or social media stories, none of the books under re-evaluation were banned,” the statement said.

Our rating: False

Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that a Texas school district banned Anne Frank's diary. A graphic adaptation of the book was temporarily removed for review but was subsequently returned to shelves, according to district officials. Other versions of the diary remained on shelves, and no version was ever banned.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: Anne Frank's diary available to Texas students