Molly's Tuxedo and Soft Censorship

An Interview with author Vicki Johnson

Over the last few months, we’ve covered various forms of direct censorship. From outright bans, to books being placed in restricted sections, to lawsuits about parental notifications and opt out policies. But censorship isn’t always so blatant and often happens in more subtle ways.

Soft censorship, as defined by PEN America, is “when fears of real censorship may cause educators and librarians, school administrators, and school boards to self-censor or suppress speech well beyond what may have been banned or prohibited.” It can take many forms including library closures, removing or “weeding” books from circulation, not purchasing books on particular topics, and even cancelling author visits as was the case for this month’s featured book.

Our featured book for June is Molly’s Tuxedo written by Vicki Johnson, illustrated by Gillian Read, and published by Little Bee Books in partnership with GLAAD. It’s picture day at school and Molly couldn’t be more excited to have a new portrait for the family photo wall. There’s just one problem, Molly’s mom insists she wears a dress when Molly wants to wear her brother’s old tuxedo instead. Mom eventually let’s Molly make the choice, and she decides to wear the outfit that makes her look and feel her best. It’s a heartfelt story about the pressures a gender non-conforming child can face and the support of family and friends.

After Molly’s Tuxedo was released, Johnson was scheduled to read her new book at an elementary school on National School Picture Day when the event was suddenly cancelled by an administrator. The school declined Johnson’s offer to reschedule and asked her to come pick up the 240 donated copies of her book instead.

We had the opportunity to connect with Johnson about her experience with soft censorship, the impact reading had on her as child, and her motivation to keep writing.

An Interview with Author Vicki Johnson

Your background is seriously impressive! You’re a former White House staffer, nonprofit director, and a lawyer. What led you to writing children’s books?

Thank you and I’m happy to be here in conversation with you. I’ve tried to stay curious throughout my life and that resulted in a varied career for sure. I began writing after I became a parent. Reading to my daughter every day reconnected me to stories I loved as a child. I was a voracious reader growing up and books were everything to me. They took me traveling to new worlds and gave me room to feel all my feelings in a safe place. I learned about the world and understood myself better because of books. That is so powerful. Something just clicked and I decided I wanted to give it a try.

Why was Molly’s Tuxedo the first story you wanted to tell?

I had been working on a middle grade novel for a while, but my 2020 new year’s resolution was to try writing picture books. Molly’s Tuxedo was the first picture book I wrote. I was inspired to write this story because I had recently read articles online about girls of various ages who had been bullied by peers or adults because they wanted to wear a suit instead of a dress to an event. That struck a nerve with me because I had dealt with this myself for decades, so I sat down with my feelings and wrote Molly.

You’ve shared that you’ve faced soft censorship and had a school visit canceled. Can you tell us more about that experience and how it impacted you?

It was a shocking decision by an administrator which happened to occur on my very first school visit. It’s always sad when kids are prevented from receiving a free book for their home library. I processed it in an Op Ed for the Chicago Tribune and have tried since then to move on and continue to do events, but it definitely had a major impact on me as a debut author trying to make my way.

Have there been other attempts to censor Molly’s Tuxedo that you’re aware of?

I’ve heard from a few parents directly that in their schools there were unsolicited and unpopular decisions made by administrators to engage in an opt out policy around my book. I get the occasional Google alert to an article but I try to stay focused on my writing as much as possible.

What has been the response from the public since sharing your experience with soft censorship?

The feedback I get from families and teachers and librarians and booksellers is overwhelmingly positive and supportive. Hearing from readers is the best medicine.

What advice do you have for current or future authors who have a story to share but are maybe nervous to put themselves out there in the current climate.

Everyone’s experience is different and valid. All stories are important. Try to not censor yourself in advance. And create a writing community!

Summer is around the corner which means it’s time for summer reading! We recently launched our own summer reading challenge. Did you enjoy summer reading programs as a kid and if so, what impact did they have on you?

I loved summer reading programs at our local library when I was growing up. I spent many, many hours in the hot Georgia summers, reading in front of a fan, trying to stay cool. Summer reading kept me locked in to learning and provided endless journeys into new worlds and experiences which was so important to a kid like I was, whose family never really ventured very far from home. One of my most proud author moments was when the ALA/ALSC (American Library Association/Association for Library Service to Children) named Molly’s Tuxedo to its 2024 Summer Reading List.

We saw that your next book, Mac Wears a Hat, is coming in 2026. We can’t wait to read it! What can you share about it with us?

Mac loves to wear hats. She has a hat for any and all occasions. As an only child, she can feel a bit lonely at times, but wearing her hats always cheers her up and helps her express herself, and her enthusiasm is infectious in creating community. It’s an inclusive book that celebrates kindness and positivity, and that what makes you different, makes you special.

I’m also excited to say that as of June 1^st MAC WEARS A HAT has a cover! It was revealed in School Library Journal. This is my second collaboration with illustrator Gillian Reid, and I love how she has depicted Mac and all her shenanigans. MAC WEARS A HAT will be on shelves in April 2026 but it is now available for preorder everywhere books are sold, and for authors pre-orders are a huge game changer.

Read Along With Us

Molly’s Tuxedo has been a favorite in our house for quite some time. Pick up a copy at your local bookstore or library to read along with us in June and pre-order your copy of Mac Wears a Hat.

You can purchase online through our affiliate Bookshop.org store. Once Upon a Ban earns a commission from sales through Bookshop.org.