Research Guides: Children's Literature: Banned Books

Banned and Challenged Books

"A book worth banning is a book worth reading"

Everyday books are still being challenged and removed from shelves, libraries, classrooms and reading lists across the USA. Challenged and removed books mean that somewhere a child can no longer access that book. Challenged books nearly always include content about marginalized groups. Removal of these books remove a child's sense of inclusion and belonging.

This is a direct attack on our intellectual freedoms, and yes, kids have those rights too.

Organizations fighting book challenges

Current state of the USA (Learn more about Banned Books):

ALA Frequently Challenged Books "The ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) receives reports from libraries, schools, and the media on attempts to ban books in communities across the country. We compile lists of challenged books in order to inform the public about censorship efforts that affect libraries and schools."
PEN America Book Bans PEN America pushes back against the banning of books and the intolerance, exclusion, and censorship that undergird it.
Freedom to Read Foundation "The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) is a non-profit legal and educational organization affiliated with the American Library Association. FTRF protects and defends the First Amendment to the Constitution and supports the right of libraries to collect - and individuals to access - information."
Unite Against Book Bans This campaign is organized by the American Library Association, it is a national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship.
Little House, Big Problem: What To Do with “Classic” Books That Are Also Racist Figuring out to how to handle classics that critics say haven’t aged well can be tough for librarians ...today, some media specialists are questioning the proper place for these and other novels.

Ways to fight back

Facing Challenges (how can we respond?):

Book Résumés Book Résumés help defend books from censorship. They detail each title’s significance and educational value and are easy to share with administrators, book review committees, elected officials, and board members.
Challenge of Challenges: Challenge Emergency Kit Extinguish a book challenge by assembling the resources listed here.
How To Fight Book Bans and Challenges: An Anti-Censorship Tool Kit
Book Challenge Toolkit from CSLA Tools for addressing and fighting book challenges from the California School Library Association
Responding to Book Challenges for Educators The Free Expression Educators Handbook contains practical tools and advice for managing book challenges and censorship controversies in schools and school libraries. From the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC).
Fielding “Pornography” Charges; Why Is a Parent Against Library Checkout? | Scales on Censorship