Did you know that the practice of banning books has been around since 387 B.C.? Today, in all 50 states, there are cases of books being censored – either being banned, challenged or altered in one way or another. We here at Epic Reads want to celebrate Banned Books Week (September 22-28th) and help raise awareness on this subject. Below you will find a slew of resources you are free to use, share, and discuss with your friends and fellow readers.
To learn more about how you can get involved and ways you can help promote the freedom to read in your communities, check out some resources and more books here.
BANNED VS. CHALLENGED
- Banned Books: If a group of people challenge a book and they win, then the book is banned and removed from public spaces like schools, libraries, etc.
- Challenged Books: Books that people are trying to remove or restrict from schools, libraries, ect.
WHY DOES A BOOK GET CHALLENGED?
The books that are challenged usually fall into three offending categories:
- The book is deemed unsuitable for the age of its intended audience
- The book’s content is considered to be too explicit or provocative
- The book features themes and and subjects that aren’t in line with particular values
WHY IS THIS BAD?
Ummm…..restricting what kids and teens can read? Yeah, we’d say that’s a problem.
When people challenge a book, they are attempting to impose on others their views and opinions about what is appropriate or fitting reading material. When a challenged book is banned, the complainants have usurped the rights of those who might choose to read the book. Thankfully, because of dedicated librarians and teachers, many challenges are unsuccessful, and most books are retained in the school curriculum or library collection.
WHAT BOOKS HAVE BEEN BANNED OR CHALLENGED?
The American Library Association has a comprehensive list of all books that have been banned or challenged and broken them down into sub categories, but right here is where you can find the list of frequently challenged young adult books!
WHAT IS BANNED BOOKS WEEK?
Since 1982, Banned Books Week has celebrated the right of Americans to express their opinions and to access the opinions of others. Banned Books Week draws attention to books that have been banned or challenged. Fortunately, most attempts to ban books fail, thanks to the ongoing vigilance of teachers and librarians who fight to keep challenged works in their schools and public libraries. During the last week of September every year, teachers, librarians, and booksellers work to raise awareness of First Amendment issues and the power of literature in a free society
WHAT IS THE FREEDOM TO READ?
In 1953, the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Book Publishers Council issued a joint statement on The Freedom to Read, which affirms the responsibilities of librarians and publishers to make the widest diversity of views and expressions available.
HOW CAN I HELP?
- Get educated on what book bans and challenges are. While we’re happy to be one of your first stops, you can learn even more from the ALA, the National Coalition Against Censorship, and more. Additionally, you’ll want to learn about what’s challenged and banned in your area and the policies around what gets challenged/banned.
- Speak up and out! Attend community and/or school board meetings, write letters or emails, start a campaign on social media, rally members of the community together to hold a protest—whatever feels most comfortable for you. However, make sure you know about your protest rights before engaging.
- Show support for challenged/banned books and their authors. The ALA’s “Dear Banned Author” letter-writing campaign is a great way to let people—including the authors whose books are being challenged or banned—know that these stories have value to you, and might be valuable to others as well.
- Donate to anti-censorship causes. Obviously, this is only suggested if you are in a position to give, but you can also host fundraising events as well.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
If you’re like us and proud to read banned books and think the whole business or censoring books is just flat out wrong, then show your support! Read a banned book this week and tell your friends to join the cause! Here are some of our recommendations:
- Banned Books That Will Always Have a Spot on Our Shelves
- Books to Read If Your School Won’t Teach Anti-Racism
We also have badges! Post these on your social profiles so you can show your support loud and proud!
MORE INFORMATION
- Watch this awesome video in support of Banned Books Week from Bookmans
- Download this challenged and Banned Books teaching guide
- Official Banned Books Week website
- The National Coalition Against Censorship has a great Book Challenge Toolkit with more information, as well as sample letters to send to decision makers in your area.
- Check out some more resources from HarperCollins Children’s Books
LET’S DISCUSS!
Are some of your favorite books on this list? Tell us about your banned book reading below! Have you ever been in a school where a book was banned? How do you support Banned Books Week and finally, what are some of your favorite banned or challenged books?