'Ludicrous': John Green's 'Fault in Our Stars' pulled from young adult shelf in HamCo

Rachel Fradette, Indianapolis Star
Updated ·2 min read
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Author John Green's "The Fault in Our Stars" has joined hundreds of books that are no longer on Hamilton East Public Library's teen shelves thanks to a new policy that targets books deemed not "age appropriate."

Green, who lives nearby in Indianapolis, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to respond to HEPL's policy and decision, saying moving the book is an embarrassment for the city of Fishers.

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"This is ludicrous," Green tweeted Wednesday. "It is about teenagers and I wrote it for teenagers. Teenagers are not harmed by reading TFIOS."

The best-selling fictional young adult book "The Fault in Our Stars" is one of the most-referenced Indiana-based novels. Green also wrote "Looking For Alaska" and "Paper Towns." All three were adapted for the screen.

HEPL: Here's what John Green wrote to the board about moving teen books

"I only have a small voice in these decisions, of course, but you won't catch me alive or dead in Fishers, Indiana until these ridiculous policies are revoked," Green added. "Which I guess means no Top Golf or IKEA for a while."

Under the public library board's policy, the book will no longer be allowed in teen sections in the Noblesville and Fishers library branches but instead will be moved to the general collection.

A John Green poster hangs in the teen section of the Hamilton East Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. But the library has moved copies of one of his most prominent YA novels, "The Fault in Our Stars," to the general collection.
A John Green poster hangs in the teen section of the Hamilton East Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. But the library has moved copies of one of his most prominent YA novels, "The Fault in Our Stars," to the general collection.

Why was 'The Fault in Our Stars' moved to the adult collection?

At the direction of the library board, staff members have been going through all books in the teen section for the past several months and moving those that run afoul of board policy. The policy targets language about sexuality and reproduction, profanity and criminal acts.

Hundreds of staff hours have been dedicated to the review, which is expected to take until next year. The cost remains uncertain with estimates as high as $300,000, although board members disagree.

Hamilton East library news: Board member targeted for removal

Rachel Fradette is a suburban education reporter at IndyStar. Contact her at rfradette@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter at @Rachel_Fradette.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: John Green book pulled from young adult shelf at Hamilton East library