Jacob's Missing Book

by Sarah Hoffman, Ian Hoffman, Chris Case (Illustrator)

Overview

Jacob—the star of one of the most banned books of the decade—is back in Jacob's Missing Book, a kid-friendly story about book banning, censorship, and LGBTQ+ rights.

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

Noah is confused about Emily's family, so he asks her―who’s Pop and who’s Dad? Jacob knows just how to explain, but how can he? The penguin book isn't in the library anymore! As the day goes on, everyone is still talking about the mysterious missing book. Ms. Reeves tries to explain why the book is no longer in the library and what all the fuss is about. In the meantime, Jacob hatches a plan to tell the story about Emily's family.

This book cleverly weaves two critical societal issues into one story ― book banning in schools and LGBTQ+ rights. And, who is caught in the middle of all this? Kids who are eager to see themselves and their families in books, feel safe with their experiences, and understand that they are loved and supported.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433846298
Publisher:	Magination Press, American Psychological Association
Publication date:	08/01/2025
Series:	Jacob Stories
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
Age Range:	5 - 9 Years

About the Author

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 online.
Chris Case is an author and illustrator living in Burlington, Vermont. Visit him online at chriscasedraws.com.

Editorial Reviews

"[A]n entry point for more in-depth discussions."—Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

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

2024-06-15
Jacob—whom readers may remember from the oft-bannedJacob’s New Dress (2018)—discovers that a beloved book has been removed from the school library.

Jacob adores “the penguin book”—clearlyAnd Tango Makes Three (2005), though never referred to by name—but it’s missing! Later, his classmate Emily, who has two dads, wants to show the book to Noah, but their teacher explains that “some people are unhappy with the books we have in our library.” Jacob knows it’s because the penguins are both dads. Since Noah still doesn’t know what the book is about, the kids decide to play penguins at recess, gathering rocks and pretending to hatch eggs. The story ends with Jacob’s mother reading the book to him at bedtime and the two deciding to try to get the book reinstated in the library. The narrative seems to have been designed with adults in mind. 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. Though it may help validate kids’ feelings around book banning, it doesn’t address their questions or concerns: The adult characters are frustratingly cagey about why books are challenged, nor do they offer concrete guidance about responding to censorship. Still, the book could be useful as an entry point for more in-depth discussions. Jacob presents white; his community is racially diverse.

An anodyne lecture that feels targeted toward the grown-ups in the room.(Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews