Mainstream media comes to the defense of 'Gender Queer' author after parents claim it features 'child pornography'

A controversial book that caused firestorms of parental anger upon being found in the libraries of public schools from Virginia to Rhode Island, showing graphic sexual imagery about the sexual and gender identity awakening of teenagers, is being defended by the mainstream press and publishers.

The book, Gender Queer: A Memoir, a graphic novel by author Maia Kobabe, has become something of a symbol of what's at stake in the educational culture wars both in the Virginia gubernatorial election and beyond.

Published by Simon and Schuster, the book has won numerous awards. The book...