The Battle for Books: Understanding Censorship in Our Schools

Imagine walking into your school library, eager to explore new worlds and ideas, only to find the shelves bare. This isn’t a scene from a futuristic movie, but a growing reality in schools across the United States. In recent years, there’s been a troubling surge in book bans and censorship attempts, impacting what young people can read and learn.  

PEN America, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting free expression, has reported a record number of book bans in the 2023-2024 school year. What’s particularly concerning is that these bans disproportionately target books by authors of color, LGBTQ+ authors, and those that explore important topics like race, sexuality, and gender. It’s like someone is trying to close the door on stories that reflect the diverse world we live in.  

Why are these books being challenged?

Often, the reasons given for wanting a book removed from school shelves include concerns about sexual content, offensive language, lgbtq+ themes, and age inappropriateness, as some argue that certain books deal with mature themes that are not suitable for younger readers. While it’s understandable that parents want to make informed decisions about what their children read, book bans can limit access for all students, not just their own. It also raises questions about who gets to decide what stories and information are acceptable for young people.

Which books are being targeted?

Many well-regarded children’s and young adult books have faced bans or challenges recently. Here are a few examples from the 2023-2024 school year, as reported by PEN America:  

• And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson: This heartwarming true story about two male penguins raising a chick has been frequently banned for its LGBTQ+ content.
• The Family Book by Todd Parr: This colorful picture book celebrates the diversity of families, including those with two moms or two dads, and has been challenged for depicting same-sex parents.  
• Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love: This beautiful story about a boy who dreams of being a mermaid has faced bans for its themes of gender nonconformity.
• When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff: This book tells the story of a transgender child and has been targeted for its LGBTQ+ representation.  
• In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak: Even a classic like this has faced challenges, with some objecting to a brief depiction of a nude child, deeming it “harmful to minors.”  

These books are just a few examples, and the list of challenged books is long and varied. What many of these books have in common is that they offer different perspectives and experiences, helping young readers understand themselves and the world around them.

What’s the impact on students?

Banning books can have a significant negative impact on students. It can cause students to have limited perspectives. When diverse stories are removed, students miss out on learning about different cultures, identities, and ways of life. This can lead to a narrower understanding of the world and a lack of empathy for others. It further stifles critical thinking. Engaging with a variety of viewpoints, even those that might be challenging, helps students develop their ability to think critically and form their own opinions. Book bans can hinder this process. 

Moreover, for students from marginalized groups, seeing themselves reflected in books is incredibly important. When these stories are banned, it can make them feel invisible and that their experiences don’t matter. Additionally, when students don’t have access to books that interest them or reflect their lives, they may become less engaged in reading overall.

Who is fighting back?

Many organizations and individuals are working hard to oppose book bans and protect the freedom to read. Groups like the American Library Association (ALA), PEN America, and Unite Against Book Bans are advocating for the rights of students to access a wide range of books. They provide resources, track book bans, and encourage people to speak out against censorship in their communities.  

Authors, educators, librarians, and students themselves are also raising their voices, emphasizing the importance of diverse and inclusive libraries. They understand that books are powerful tools that can help young people learn, grow, and connect with the world. 

 

American Library Association