Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore is devastated after Donald Trump banned her book about a young girl who learns to love her freckles. The President had added Freckleface Strawberry to a list of books which must be removed from schools within the Department of Defense Education Activity. The move comes after Trump vowed to prevent diversity, equity and inclusion practices being taught in schools.
The upset 64-year-old star described the popular 2007 story as a “semi-autobiographical story about a seven-year-old girl who dislikes her freckles but eventually learns to live with them when she realises that she is different ‘just like everybody else.‘”. Trump signed an order recognising two sexes only - male and female – and declaring that they cannot be changed. Books which were deemed to be in violation, including surrounding transgender people or 'radical indoctrination', were to be taken off the shelves.
In a lengthy Instagram statement, the Hunger Games star wrote: "It is a great shock for me to learn that my first book, Freckleface Strawberry, has been banned by the Trump Administration from schools run by the Department of Defense. "Freckleface Strawberry is a semi-autobiographical story about a seven year old girl who dislikes her freckles but eventually learns to live with them when she realizes that she is different “just like everybody else.”.
"It is a book I wrote for my children and for other kids to remind them that we all struggle, but are united by our humanity and our community. I am particularly stunned because I am a proud graduate of Frankfurt American High School a #DOD school that once operated in Frankfurt, Germany. I grew up with a father who is a Vietnam veteran and spent his career in the #USArmy. "I could not be prouder of him and his service to our country. It is galling for me to realize that kids like me, growing up with a parent in the service and attending a @dodea_edu school will not have access to a book written by someone whose life experience is so similar to their own.
"I can’t help but wonder what is so controversial about this picture book that cause it to be banned by the US Government. I am truly saddened and never thought I would see this in a country where freedom of speech and expression is a constitutional right.". Her fellow acrtress Halle Berry responded in shock, saying: "Oh my friend this is frightening! I’m so sorry this is happening." Model Michelle Pfeiffer waded in and asked: "Are you joking? How can we get this book?" Fans also stated their annoyance and one told her: "This is heartbreaking.".
