What YOU Can Do To Help Fight Books Bans
By Siena McCleery
Following the decision of several states and schools to implement book bans, the rise in censorship and attacks on access to diverse pieces of literature has sparked conversations across the country. As an individual, this looming issue can feel overwhelming at times. The political climate seen in America today is polarizing and places immense stress on students in particular. With the many issues present in society coupled with this rise in unfounded attacks on literature covering incredibly important topics, students can feel unsure about how they can approach the problem of book bans. However, it is important to remember that one can find their voice and access resources in order to equip them with the tools necessary to play a role in the fight against book bans. This article seeks to provide individuals with tangible ways they can start examining the role books play in their lives and how, on a realistic and achievable scale, they too can join in on this fight to promote access to literature for all.
Students gathered outside the Educational Service Center for the Central York School District to protest the district's banned resources list. Credit...Dan Rainville/ York Daily Record, via USA Today Network
First, it is essential to gain a general understanding of what has been going on in the literary landscape of America recently. To understand the topic one can turn to a specific instance in a school in Florida. Amanda C. Gorman, a remarkable literary talent, notably recited the Inaugural Poem in 2021, the youngest person to do so. This impactful poem, titled The Hill We Climb, was then published as a book and made accessible in libraries across America. Then, one parent submitted a complaint to their child’s school board arguing on the basis of the poem was “not educational” and was “[had] indirect hate messages and [was] indoctrinat[ing] students” (Breen). Though this complaint could not be further from the truth and was only brought up by a single parent, it resulted in the removal of the book from the elementary school where it was then limited to just middle school students. This relocation of the book due to one parent’s complaint is just one example of how students are facing speed bumps in their journey to access a wide variety of books. Gorman, in an interview with CNN spoke to how “If a child now needs to jump over hurdles [in order to read a book] of going to a different location, speaking to media specialists, proving themselves worthy and ready of reading the book, those types of hurdles are really going to impede students from having a free ranging welcoming experience of being able to pull a book from a book shelf and experience it” (CNN).
It is important to acknowledge that a common theme that ties many of these recently banned and challenged books together is those that are written by author’s of diverse backgrounds or books that explore themes such as race and gender. These critical pieces of literature have been whisked off shelves because certain individuals believe that the important themes they tackle pose harm to students when in actuality, the novels can be instrumental in a child seeing themselves represented in modern media. In fact, a program director of PEN America, Kasey Meehan, said in an interview with the Inside Edition that “thirty some percent of those [banned] books include LGBTQ+ characters and another thirty some percent include characters of colour [that] talk about race and racism”. This is exactly why it is so incredibly important for every individual to play a role in this fight and a great way to start is exploring some of the small steps below.
First, follow you can being by following the READ acronym that looks at a framework for helping individuals understand the issue:
Reflect:
Reflect on how books bans have directly or indirectly impacted you and those around you to better understand the issue.
Reflect on how a rise in books bans has made you feel and impacted your freedom to read what YOU want.
Examine:
Look at your bookshelf and examine the books that you typically read. Do you notice themes in terms of what kinds of books you tend to read? If so, are you currently being intentional about seeking out books that showcase diverse perspectives and unique stories?
Ask:
Ask and question those in positions of power about the topic. Education is the greatest tool so ask as many questions as possible to become further educated on the topic. Talk to librarians and school officials to widen your scope of understandings on the topic and perhaps identify parts of the environment that you interact with or individuals who may be playing a role in the problem.
Do:
Do read banned books! Take action to read books from many different authors that cover important social and historical issues. The more you read, the more you know about the world and can expand your worldview. In addition, think of creative ways you can foster community and uplift other young readers. Talking about the issue with friends, family, and community members and utilizing your unique networks is an important part of accomplishing change. For example, consider starting a book club or reading buddy program in your local community where you focus on reading banned or challenged materials. A great resource to help with this is the American Library Associations comprehensive list of 100 banned books.
Moving forward, consider using the READ framework as a launchpad into playing a meaningful role in this fight. Remember that this framework is the first step in a series of important actions you can take to dismantle harmful perceptions of the role that books play in society. In addition, below are some helpful resources from both PEN America and the American Library Association that you are encouraged to engage with as they provide additional ways to fight these bans.
Sources:
American Library Association. “Get Involved | Advocacy, Legislation & Issues.” American Library Association, https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/bannedbooksweek/ideasandresources/activity. Accessed 17 November 2023.American Library Association. “Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books: 2010-2019 | Advocacy, Legislation & Issues.” American Library Association, 9 September 2020, https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/decade2019. Accessed 17 November 2023.Blair, Elizabeth. “Banned Books Week Celebrates Texts That Some Want To Censor.” NPR, 30 September 2021, https://www.npr.org/2021/09/30/1041610286/during-banned-books-week-readers-explore-what-it-means-to-challenge-texts. Accessed 17 November 2023.Breen, Kerry. “Amanda Gorman addresses book bans in 1st interview since poem was restricted in a Florida school.” CBS News, 7 June 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amanda-gorman-book-bans-poem-the-hill-we-climb-restricted-florida-school/. Accessed 17 November 2023.CNN. “Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman felt 'shock and grief' after Florida school restricted her book.” YouTube, 8 June 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2o6T_hTNozs. Accessed 17 November 2023.Gorman, Amanda. “The Hill We Climb - Women's Prize for Fiction.” Women's Prize for Fiction, https://womensprizeforfiction.co.uk/features/book/the-hill-we-climb. Accessed 17 November 2023.Inside Edition. “Happy Banned Books Week!” YouTube, 4 October 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpJtRkOtwEA. Accessed 17 November 2023.Liu, Jennifer. “Amanda Gorman's inaugural poem 'The Hill We Climb' full text.” CNBC, 20 January 2021, https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/20/amanda-gormans-inaugural-poem-the-hill-we-climb-full-text.html. Accessed 17 November 2023.PEN America. “About Us - What Is PEN America.” PEN America, 2023, https://pen.org/about-us/. Accessed 17 November 2023.PEN America. “How to Fight Book Bans: A Tip Sheet for Students.” PEN America, 14 December 2021, https://pen.org/how-to-fight-book-bans-a-tip-sheet-for-students/. Accessed 17 November 2023.PEN America. “How to Stop Book Bans.” PEN America, 2023, https://pen.org/issue/free-the-books/. Accessed 17 November 2023.PEN America. “2023 Banned Books Update: Banned in the USA.” PEN America, 20 April 2023, https://pen.org/report/banned-in-the-usa-state-laws-supercharge-book-suppression-in-schools/. Accessed 17 November 2023.Rosenberg, Alyssa. “Opinion | How to fight book bans — and win.” Washington Post, 5 April 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/04/05/book-bans-how-to-fight/. Accessed 17 November 2023.Washington Post. “Book bans in America are rising. Here's a look at what's lost.” YouTube, 7 September 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_lUswcHCnI. Accessed 17 November 2023.