Actress Julianne Moore Reveals Her Children’s Book ‘Freckleface Strawberry’ Was ‘Banned’ in Some Schools
The actress from “Still Alice” is speaking out after her favorite children’s book was placed on a restricted list, something she never anticipated.
Academy Award-winning actress and author Julianne Moore has voiced her outrage after learning that her beloved children’s book, Freckleface Strawberry, has been banned in several U.S. Department of Defense-run schools.
On February 16, 2025, Julianne Moore took to Instagram to express her disappointment over the ban, attributing the decision to the Trump administration. In her post, Moore emphasized that Freckleface Strawberry is a semi-autobiographical and deeply personal story about a seven-year-old girl who initially loathes her freckles but eventually learns to embrace them with love and confidence.
Julianne Moore explained that Freckleface Strawberry is a heartfelt lesson in self-acceptance, meant to teach children that “we all struggle, but are united by our humanity and our community.” The 64-year-old actress, who proudly graduated from Frankfurt American High School—one of the former DoD schools in Germany—expressed particular frustration that children in similar situations wouldn’t have access to her book.
Drawing on her personal connection to the military, Moore also highlighted her father’s long career in the U.S. Army, including his service as a Vietnam War veteran, underscoring the emotional significance of her dissatisfaction with the ban.
“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,” Julianne Moore tweeted.
She went on to ask, “And I can’t help but wonder what is so controversial about this picture book that caused it to be banned by the US Government.”
Moore also expressed her sorrow over the ban, reaffirming her strong belief in the importance of freedom of speech and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution.
In closing, Julianne Moore thanked PEN America, a dedicated organization championing free speech, for bringing the issue to her attention.
Originally published in 2007, Freckleface Strawberry tells the story of a young girl who feels out of place because of her freckles and red hair but ultimately realizes that her uniqueness is what makes her special. The book encourages themes of confidence and self-acceptance, thoughtfully written to resonate with young readers and inspire them to embrace their individuality.
According to the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), which oversees schools for military families, the book’s restriction is part of an ongoing review of educational resources. DoDEA spokesperson Will Griffin stated that the agency is ensuring compliance with two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump.
These orders, in addition to limiting discussions on transgender issues, are focused on preventing what the administration labels as “radical indoctrination” in schools that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Griffin clarified in a statement that DoDEA is currently conducting a thorough evaluation of its instructional resources and library collections.
As part of this review, books classified under Trump’s directives as “gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology” are being temporarily relocated to a separate collection, accessible only to professional staff members during the evaluation process.
A recent memo from the Department of Defense revealed that only a “small number of items” are being impacted by these restrictions, which are part of the broader review underway.
One of the books currently under review is Freckleface Strawberry, a children’s novel aimed at readers aged four to eight, which tells the story of a young girl who learns to love her freckles.
Julianne Moore has previously shared how deeply personal the book is, drawing inspiration from her own childhood. In a 2013 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she compared the main character to herself at seven years old, describing herself as short, energetic, and struggling with self-consciousness about her freckles.
Moore emphasized that the protagonist of Freckleface Strawberry is a relatable, ordinary child facing everyday challenges—not a princess or some fantastical character. She explained that when writing her books, she always keeps in mind what truly matters to young children.
“I think children’s concerns are different than adult concerns, and they see the world differently,” Moore said. The former Hannibal star added that she aims to capture a child’s perspective, not an adult’s reflection of it.
The stories in the Freckleface Strawberry series are inspired by real-life moments from Moore’s own childhood. For example, one of the books is based on her memories of how much she disliked playing dodgeball as a kid.
Moore recalled how, to avoid being the last one standing in dodgeball, she would deliberately step forward and take a hit early, rather than running away from the game. “For me, dodgeball was torture,” she admitted, noting how this experience might resonate with kids who feel the same way about the game.
She’s often joked that her children’s books are essentially autobiographies. “I always make jokes, like when I talk about the books, I’m like, ‘They’re all autobiographies!’” Moore laughed. While the stories are fictional, they draw heavily on the experiences and moments that shaped her own childhood.
Since its debut in 2007, Freckleface Strawberry has become a beloved series that encourages children to embrace their uniqueness. The books are designed for young readers, featuring vibrant illustrations, simple text, and repetitive phrases to help early readers gain confidence. Part of the Step Into Reading program, they cater to children beginning to read independently, though some may still need a little guidance.
The recent ban of Freckleface Strawberry in certain U.S. Department of Defense-run schools has raised concerns, especially for Julianne Moore, who drew inspiration for the book from her own childhood experiences.
The controversy surrounding book bans and their impact on children’s literature continues to intensify, as the Department of Defense reviews its library holdings in accordance with new policy directives. This ongoing scrutiny has sparked debates about the role of literature in shaping young minds and the balance between policy and creative freedom.
