A strong theme I've noticed in the banning of queer-related books for young people is the critics of the book seem unable or unwilling to acknowledge the importance of calling out sexual abuse.

Critics often leap to accusations of obscenity when when authors frankly discuss abuse in authentic, genuine language young people themselves use.

Lawn Boy, another book at the top of the ban lists this year, has been denounced in conservative circles as being about "pedophilia" because the adult protagonist grapples (with very little detail) with sexual abuse he experienced as a boy.

I'm pretty sure most critics haven't actually read the book, but for those who have, their criticism feels like a negative reaction to warning kids not to be abused.

That's what happens when hysteria peaks – you get bizarre, counterproductive, counterintuitive reactions.