Julianne Moore has been left in ‘great shock’ after learning that a recent policy enacted by the Trump administration may ban one of her children’s books.
The book, ‘Freckleface Strawberry,’ is currently undergoing a ‘compliance review’ as part of a broader examination of library materials available to children of U.S. military personnel and civilian defense employees.
The Boogie Nights and Mary & George actress took to Instagram on Sunday, stating that she was ‘truly saddened’ by the development.
Last Monday, the Department of Defense issued a memo suspending access to library books in schools serving military families while a review was conducted, The Guardian reported.
The review aimed to identify books containing content related to “gender ideology” or “discriminatory equity ideology topics,” according to the department.
Following the suspension, certain books were flagged for further scrutiny, though it remains unclear whether Freckleface Strawberry is among those formally considered for removal.
Moore, who wrote the book to promote self-acceptance in children, reflected on its message:
“I wrote this book for my children and for other kids, to remind them that we all struggle, but we are united by our humanity and our community.”
The Department of Defense stated that the review is part of a broader effort to ensure instructional materials comply with Trump’s executive orders, including Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling and Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism.
These policies have been framed as measures to regulate educational content in government-affiliated institutions.
For Moore, who attended the now-closed Frankfurt American High School—once operated by the Defense Department—the idea that her book might be inaccessible to children from military families is especially upsetting.
She also reflected on her father’s service in the U.S. Army, saying:
“I could not be prouder of him and his service to our country.
“It is galling to think that kids like me—growing up with a parent in the military and attending a [Defense Department] school—will be denied access to a book written by someone with a life experience so similar to their own.
“And I can’t help but wonder: What is so controversial about this picture book that it has led to a U.S. government ban?”
Expressing her disappointment, she added:
“I am truly saddened and never thought I would see this happen in a country where freedom of speech and expression is a constitutional right.”
Other titles in the compliance review include ‘No Truth Without Ruth’ by Kathleen Krull, and a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
The removed books are being held in ‘the professional collection for evaluation with access limited to professional staff.’
The review has sparked debates over the boundaries of censorship and educational freedom, particularly within institutions serving military families.
Many are now questioning the criteria used to evaluate these materials and whether this review aligns with the principles of free expression.
As discussions continue, the fate of ‘Freckleface Strawberry’ and other reviewed books remains uncertain.
