As summer wraps up and students return to school, a notable shift in extracurricular activities is emerging. Many students are now engaging in social justice causes, driven by the increasing prevalence of book censorship. This shift is part of a broader cultural battle over access to diverse content. As book bans escalate, particularly targeting books on race, gender, and … [Read more...] about Political Climate in High Schools: Responding to Book Bans
book banning
Boston Public Library expands access to digital collection amidst rising calls for book bans
As libraries nationwide grapple with increasing pressures to remove certain books from their shelves, the Boston Public Library (BPL) is taking a bold stand by extending its digital collection to teenagers and young adults across the United States. As BostonGlobe reported, the library recently announced its participation in the “Books Unbanned” initiative, initiated in 2022 by … [Read more...] about Boston Public Library expands access to digital collection amidst rising calls for book bans
Are Book Bans the Reason Behind Some Book’s Popularity?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is considered the most challenged and banned classic book, as per the American Library Association. The book has been consistently discouraged by schools for its racial and sexually charged themes. Authorities have also called it unethical for young minds. Despite the backlash, To Kill a Mockingbird is included in the list of most-assigned … [Read more...] about Are Book Bans the Reason Behind Some Book’s Popularity?
Controversial Mississippi legislation denies minors’ access to public library e-books and audiobooks statewide
In a move that has sparked concerns about censorship and access to information, a recently enacted Mississippi law threatens to deny minors access to e-books and audiobooks offered by public libraries. Known as Senate Bill 2346 or Mississippi Code § 39-3-25, this legislation came into effect on July 1, 2023, prompting libraries to navigate new policies to comply with the law's … [Read more...] about Controversial Mississippi legislation denies minors’ access to public library e-books and audiobooks statewide
Book Banning Increases Curiosity Among Readers Resulting in High Sales
Despite the rising trend of book banning in the USA, it seems like readers can't get enough of these controversial books. This year in March, ALA released data that indicated how book challenges nearly doubled in 2022 from 2021. About 2,571 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2022 from 1858 back in 2021 (resulting in a 38% increase). In this list, a large number of … [Read more...] about Book Banning Increases Curiosity Among Readers Resulting in High Sales
The Rising Trend of Book Banning in the USA
Books are our best companions. Not only does it help to boost knowledge and sculpt dispositions, but it also encourages us to escape reality and dive into a new world. However, there has been a rising trend in school book bans lately, especially in the USA. As per a report by PEN America, there were 2,532 instances of individual book bans from July 2021 to June 2022. Out of … [Read more...] about The Rising Trend of Book Banning in the USA
Florida Principal Pulls the Plug on Doctorow
It's either yet another example of stupidity in public school administrations, or it's the most brilliantly subversive plot on the part of an adult in a long time. At Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida, an English teacher and the school librarian collaborated on a fun summer reading event. In addition to the typical summer reading lists high schoolers … [Read more...] about Florida Principal Pulls the Plug on Doctorow
The Impact of eBooks on the Fight Against Censorship
Following yet another living, breathing attempt at book banning--this time in Boise, Idaho, where school board members voted to remove Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian--a student-led petition resulted in a major donation from the book's publisher. Seventeen-year-old Brady Kissel presented a petition with over three hundred signatures to the … [Read more...] about The Impact of eBooks on the Fight Against Censorship