Jacob's Missing Book

• The Children’s Book Council (CBC) - K-2nd grade LIBRARIAN favorite

A timely, kid-friendly picture book that tackles book banning and LGBTQ+ family representation through the eyes of the children who are most affected

When Noah asks Emily about her two dads, Jacob knows the perfect book to help explain. There's just one problem: the book isn't in the library anymore. Nobody seems to know exactly why it disappeared, and as word spreads, the whole class is buzzing about the mysterious missing book. Ms. Reeves does her best to explain what happened and why some people wanted the book to be removed. But Jacob isn't ready to give up. He hatches a plan to tell the story himself, because every family, including Emily's, deserves to be seen.

From the creator of one of the most banned books of the decade, Jacob's Missing Book brings two of today's most important conversations into one accessible story that kids can understand. It gives children with LGBTQ+ families a mirror that says, "your family belongs here," while helping all young readers grasp what it means when books are taken off shelves and why it matters. Whether read at home, shared in a classroom, or added to a library collection, this is a book about standing up for stories, standing up for families, and making sure every child feels represented.

Key features:

• explains book banning in kid-friendly language: helps children understand what censorship is, why books get removed, and why it matters to them
• celebrates LGBTQ+ families: gives children with two moms, two dads, or other LGBTQ+ family structures a story where they see themselves reflected and valued
• empowers kids to stand up for what's right: shows young readers that children have a voice and can act when something feels unfair
• sparks important classroom and family conversations: opens the door to age-appropriate discussions about censorship, representation, inclusion, and the freedom to read
• a sequel to a beloved banned book: continues the story of Jacob, the star of one of the most challenged books of the decade, in a new adventure that is just as timely and just as needed
• trusted publisher: from Magination Press®, the children’s imprint of APA, dedicated to emotional well-being and healthy development
  
  
  
  

Sarah and Ian Hoffman are children's book authors who have written three acclaimed books about Jacob, including Jacob's Room to Choose and Jacob’s School Play. They live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit them onlineopens in new window.

Chris Case is an author and illustrator living in Burlington, Vermont. Visit him onlineopens in new window.

Jacob—whom readers may remember from the oft-banned Jacob’s New Dress (2018)—discovers that a beloved book has been removed from the school library... It not only addresses naysayers who may be concerned about a child "turning gay" after reading LGBTQ+ books, but also winks and nods at those already in the know... useful as an entry point for more in-depth discussions.
—Kirkus Reviews

A timely story about censorship...There's a lot to like here: the child's-eye perspective on the impact of book bans; the gentle depiction of why representation is important; and the ending that doesn't offer a saccharine resolution, but leaves room for hope. It's a book that shouldn't be necessary—but given the current climate, it should be a helpful conversation starter for children experiencing book bans and the grown-ups seeking to explain them.
—Mombian

The Children’s Book Council (CBC) - K-2nd grade LIBRARIAN favorite

• Watch the authors read Jacob's Missing Book.opens in new window Interested in this book? Purchase a copy to continue (or start) the conversation with the children in your life.
• Sarah & Ian Hoffman discuss the impact of book bans with Golden State Readersopens in new window