Banned Books 2024

Take the Quiz

How Many Have you Read?

QUOTE

"Censorship reflects a society's lack of confidence in itself".

Judy Blume

BACKGROUND

Each year ALA compiles statistics on book challenges at school and public libraries.

Ten Most Challenged 2023

These titles were the ones most frequently challenged in libraries across the country

Should authorsbe protected under the First Amendment?

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

MAP2014

Attempts to restrict access to books 0 Titles challenged in those attempts 0

MAP2023

Massachusetts Attempts to restrict access to books 37 Titles challenged in those attempts 63

Are Celebrities Different?

“I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights,... any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation ... is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent,”

I can't pretend to be someone who makes $25,000 a year."

Racism is a dated concept. ... It's stupid.

“If you do not believe in climate change you do not believe in facts or in science or empirical truths, and ..., should not be allowed to hold public office.”

2000

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2015

2020

Listen to her word choice

VERSUS

A Conservative

PEN Authors

Why are children exposed to this kind of content? Parents are absolutely entitled to be outraged because their children are exposed to books and ideas like these. There is no reason for young kids to be exposed to this type of content in schools. Zero. That is the job of the parent. Ite. Soture in schools.

WE'RE SUINGPEN America, Penguin Random House, and a diverse group of authors have joined with parents and students from Escambia County, Florida, to file a federal lawsuit challenging removals and restrictions of books from school libraries that violate their rights to free speech and equal protection under the law.

As you read the article, decide if you agree with the decision to ban or censor

Let's Discuss