Four thousand, two hundred and forty. That is the number of books successfully targeted for censorship within the U.S. education system and public libraries throughout 2023. Critically acclaimed novels such as The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and Animal Farm by George Orwell are just a few of the works that have been put on the chopping block. While the contemporary book-banning debate started in the 1980s with rising concern over secular humanism, the idea of censoring literature in the United States can be traced back to 1637 when the Puritans of Quincy, Massachusetts banned the book, New English Canaan by Thomas Morton, that harshly criticized and offended the group (Altschuler). So, what exactly does book banning entail? It usually starts when a parent or community deems a piece of literature inappropriate for an age group or school mission, then, they scrutinize the material, and attempt to make the book unavailable from libraries or strike it from classroom curricula. Contemporary politics and policy have played key roles in creating the divisive atmosphere surrounding the banning of literature in the United States.
This political cartoon positions the Republican and Democratic parties on opposing sides of a book banning debate from a Democratic perspective, pointing out logical fallacies into which proponents of book bans may fall. Source: Dave Whamond, The Week, 2022.
A more formal definition of book banning can be found from sources like PEN America, a nonprofit organization whose mission focuses on the protection of free expression. PEN’s website states that book banning is: any action taken against a book based on its content and as a result of parent or community challenges, administrative decisions, or in response to direct or threatened action by lawmakers or other governmental officials that leads to a previously accessible book being either completely removed from availability to students or where access to a book is restricted or diminished. (“What Is a Book Ban?”)
As author and editor Amy Brady outlines in “The History (and Present) of Banning Books in America,” the first step of banning books is to make a motion to challenge a book, and almost all banned books are challenged first to a school board on the local level. A majority of these challenges in literature revolve around books in school or public libraries, including, but not limited to, content containing sexual material, LGBTQ+ characters, mentions of religion, the history of racism, or expletives. After the process is initiated, the concerned group must make its case to a board that will decide if a book should be available to everyone. The stated goal of banning books is to protect children (often teenagers) from any material the adult authorities deem unsuitable for them. While political conservatives have primarily been involved in recent book banning efforts, some progressives have also supported bans on classics such as Huckleberry Finn for its inclusion of racist language. In 2019, two New Jersey state assembly members, both Democrats, argued: “The novel’s use of a racial slur and its depictions of racist attitudes can cause students to feel upset, marginalized or humiliated and can create an uncomfortable atmosphere in the classroom.” (Friedman). It is important to note that although many of the bans are proposed by the political right, cases of censorship just like this one can also arise from the left. On the opposite end, those who criticize book bans try to promote the right of youth to read whatever material interests them without censorship. Both sides believe they have the best intentions for the youth, and this centuries-long debate seems to have no end in sight.
The most common stated argument for banning books is to shield children from what adult groups consider obscene or offensive content, and, as a result, a large portion of pro-censorship arguments originate from concerned parents wanting to limit what their children can read. A 2022 study by Deseret News states 32% of parents nationwide believe they should have the final say in what is taught in their child’s class (Bates). To shield adolescents, groups such as “Moms for Liberty” or the “Mama Bears” organize to defend their parental rights by challenging books in their local schools and libraries. In February of 2022, a cohort of “Mama Bears” members, a group that originated in Forsyth County, Georgia, attended a school board meeting to raise awareness about a sexually explicit scene in Johnathon Safran Foer’s 2005 novel, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. To highlight their concerns, these scenes were read aloud to the school board to inspire their cooperation in limiting the book’s availability. One mother stated: “I am here to confront evil,” (Carr) underscoring their mission to protect children (Carr). The more prominent of the two groups, “Moms for Liberty” is known on a national level for their organizing efforts with more than 130,000 members across 48 states, suggesting the demand for book censorship is widespread (Perry).
Map shows the uneven distribution of books banned across the United States. The partisan nature of the bans is expressed, as the areas with the most banned books have a staunch Republican base. Source: PEN America, “Banned,” 2022.
Despite their nationwide presence, motions for schoolbook bans are unevenly distributed within states. Texas, for instance, has seen the most bans by far compared to any other state. This pattern can be attributed to the fact that parents in Texas are allowed more control over material taught in schools in comparison to other states. For instance, in 2023, the Texas State Board of Education denied schools under its jurisdiction access to more than half of the science textbooks proposed to them because they included material on climate change (Douglas). Apart from Texas, states with large populations that lean politically conservative, like Florida or Pennsylvania, also engage in more book banning. Censorship still exists in more progressive-leaning states, but there are far fewer cases.
“When you remove those books from the shelf… what you’re saying to any young person who identified with that narrative is, ‘We don’t want your story here.’”
Another major influence on the book banning movement is an interactive website called “BookLooks.” The website states a clear mission, saying it does not advocate actual bans on books, but instead promotes reviews of literature with “objectionable content” so parents can make informed decisions about the books in their local and school libraries. Although this website isn’t specifically challenging the books, its form of spreading information is commonly used to inspire parents to challenge literature as they see fit.
As previously mentioned, there are many reasons why books are challenged across the nation. Statistics reveal that many of the most frequently banned books feature protagonists of color or queer-identifying characters. The most banned book in the U.S. in 2021 was Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, a graphic novel describing Kobabe’s childhood experiences and exploration with sexuality and gender identity. A chairman for “Moms for Liberty” who got this book banned in her children’s school libraries said that her only concern with the book was its sexually explicit content. When interviewed for National Public Radio about the criticism the book faces, the author talked about not wanting to shy away from any component of their story to truly express themselves (Martin). In a 2022 New York Times interview, Kobabe stated their opinion on book bans directly: “When you remove those books from the shelf or you challenge them publicly in a community, what you’re saying to any young person who identified with that narrative is, ‘We don’t want your story here.’” (Alter).
The most commonly banned tropes within books. These patterns can be used to understand certain biases people have when banning books. Racism, sexism, and homophobia unfortunately seem to play a major role in book bans.
Source: PEN America, “Banned,” 2022.
Another commonly banned book is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. This award-winning young adult novel quickly gained traction after its publication and was even adapted into a movie in 2018. However, not long after its release, the book ranked high on the list of most banned books. The narrative tells the story of an African American sixteen-year-old girl who witnesses a police officer murder her childhood friend. Challenges have been made based on profanity, anti-police bias, or depictions of racism throughout the book. Although these topics and stories can be sensitive to talk about, those who oppose the bans state that the only way to provoke change and educate others is to push readers out of their comfort zones.
Public opinion poll showing the general thoughts of members of all parties when questioned about book banning. Source: American Library Association, “Voters,” 2022.
A central defense for the right of youth to read freely resides in the United States Constitution’s First Amendment. Censorship of media would seem to contradict the freedom of speech and press that authors should have when publishing their work. Book censorship also affects readers, as it rips away a teenager’s choice, and does not support their freedom to read what speaks to them. Twelve-year-old Rory Edwards was at a Washington Post writing camp when he said, “I don’t want to be shut out from the truth. If they ban books, they might as well lock us away from the world” (“Intellectual Freedom”). Of the books being challenged, most depict underrepresented communities, and many fear that bans prevent students from seeing more characters like themselves and feeling a sense of belonging through literature. Those against book banning strongly believe that youth have the right to an uncensored selection of literature and have even taken their ideas to the Supreme Court. For instance, the 1982 case Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 vs. Pico by Pico questioned if the school board’s practice of banning books violated the First Amendment. In the end, in a 5-to-4 decision, the court decided that the committee cannot restrict access to a book because concerns were raised based on its content (Brennan).
Library or bookstore showcase of books that have been banned across the nation. Some of the most important, yet most often banned authors include George Orwell, Toni Morrison, and Angie Thomas. Source: Center for Public Integrity, 2021.
Even after examining both sides, at least one question remains: What are the effects of approved book bans in the United States? To protest book bans, many bookstores and libraries celebrate “Banned Books Week” during the first week of October, with the goal to “draw national attention to the harms of censorship” (Banned). For example, bookstores will put out displays specifically to promote books that have been censored. As for the teenage students often targeted by bans, many choose to rebel and read the books they are told not to. Places like the New York Public Library are offering digital library cards for students, giving them unlimited access to books that may be banned in their school districts (Córdova). Providing access to books that have been banned across the nation seems to be the primary goal of those against book bans. When interviewing teenagers on their opinions of censorship, The New York Times reported a student saying, “I feel as if these important pages of knowledge are getting ripped out of our minds. This can be scary because, without knowledge, we are destined to be blind” (Guide). Overall, anti-censorship advocates have been determined in their efforts to promote the reading of banned books outside of school settings.
Total number of books that have been through the banning process (whether successful or unsuccessful) across the United States. Source: American Library Association, “ALA Reports,” 2022.
Given these points, it is essential to bring awareness to the long-lasting debate over the fairness of book bans in the United States. Concerned parents are trying to protect their children from content they perceive to be unsuitable within books available in their local schools and libraries. In their view, parental rights, and their children’s right to read are synonymous, and putting their child’s safety first is their main priority. Book ban campaigns may also be a form of “everyday activism” and an entry point to participation in conservative politics. On the other side of the debate, those who oppose book-banning believe that censorship violates the first amendment, that youth have the right to choose what they read, and they try to promote books that have been banned in order to educate others. Why do we continue to see an escalation in this heated debate? Is it because more potentially harmful books are being published? Because groups like “Moms for Liberty” are extending their reach and improving their tactics? Can we blame the rise in bans on local laws and lawmakers? A lack of action on the national level? As more and more books continue to be challenged every day, what feels clear is that both sides continue to grow more polarized in an atmosphere of escalating culture war with no clear solution in sight.
Works Cited
“About.” Banned Books Week, <https://bannedbooksweek.org/about/>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
Alter, Alexandra. “How a Debut Graphic Memoir Became the Most Banned Book in the Country (Published 2022).” The New York Times, 22 June 2023, <https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/01/books/maia-kobabe-gender-queer-book-ban.html>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
“‘All the Shelves Would be Bare.’” The Center for Public Integrity, 2021, <https://publicintegrity.org/inside-publici/newsletters/watchdog-newsletter/banned-books-all-shelves-bare/>. Accessed 25 July 2024.
Altschuler, Glenn C., and David Wippman. “The Instructive History of Book Bans.” The Hill, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2024, <thehill.com/opinion/education/4419652-the-instructive-history-of-book-bans/>. Accessed 27 July 2024.
“American Library Association reports record number of demands to censor library books and materials in 2022.” American Library Association, 2022, <https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2023/03/record-book-bans-2022>. Accessed 25 July 2024.
“Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Censor Books in Schools.” PEN America, 2022, <https://pen.org/report/banned-usa-growing-movement-to-censor-books-in-schools/>. Accessed 25 July 2024.
Bates, Suzanne. “Banned books: Is nothing off limits in schools? | Opinion.” Deseret News, 4 October 2022, <https://www.deseret.com/2022/10/4/23384488/book-bans-american-family-survey-gender-identity-free-speech>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
Blakemore, E. (2023, April 24). The history of book bans-and their changing targets-in the U.S. Culture. <https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/history-of-book-bans-in-the-united-states?loggedin=true&rnd=1700422665310>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
Brady, Amy. “The History (and Present) of Banning Books in America.” Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2021, <https://www.lithub.com/the-history-and-present-of-banning-books-in-america/>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
Brennan, William J. “Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico by Pico.” Oyez, 2 March 1982, <https://www.oyez.org/cases/1981/80-2043>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
Carr, Nicole. “Georgia Moms Behind Book-Banning Push Say They’re Being Censored.” ProPublica, 12 August 2022, <https://www.propublica.org/article/georgia-book-banning-mama-bears-lawsuit>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
Córdova, Zoraida, et al. “Books for All: Protect the Freedom to Read.” The New York Public Library, <https://www.nypl.org/spotlight/books-for-all>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
Douglas, Erin, and Kevin Vu. “Texas Board Rejects Many Science Textbooks over Climate Change Messaging.” The Texas Tribune, The Texas Tribune, 17 Nov. 2023, <https://www.texastribune.org/2023/11/17/texas-climate-textbooks-education-SBOE/>. Accessed 16 July 2024.
Friedman, Matt. “New Jersey Lawmakers Want Schools to Stop Teaching ‘Huckleberry Finn.’” Politico, 21 Mar. 2021, <www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2019/03/21/new-jersey-lawmakers-want-schools-to-stop-teaching-huckleberry-finn-924748>. Accessed 27 July 2024
Guide, Step. “What Students Are Saying About the Growing Fight Over What Young People Can Read.” The New York Times, 17 October 2022, <https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/22/learning/what-students-are-saying-about-the-growing-fight-over-what-young-people-can-read.html>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
“Intellectual Freedom Quotes.” American Library Association, <www.ala.org/aboutala/intellectual-freedom-quotes>. Accessed 29 July 2024.
Martin, Rachel, and Reena Advani. “Banned books: Maia Kobabe on ‘Gender Queer;” NPR, 4 January 2023, <https://www.npr.org/2023/01/04/1146866267/banned-books-maia-kobabe-explores-gender-identity-in-gender-queer>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
Perry, Mitch. “Moms for Liberty now has 310 chapters in 48 states; what will they do know?” Florida Phoenix, 2 February 2024, <https://floridaphoenix.com/2024/02/02/moms-for-liberty-now-has-310-chapters-in-48-states-what-will-they-do-now/>. Accessed 31 July 2024.
“Voters Oppose Book Bans in Libraries.” American Library Association, 2022, <https://www.ala.org/advocacy/voters-oppose-book-bans-libraries>. Accessed 25 July 2024.
Whamond, Dave. “Five Scathing Cartoons about Republican Book Banning.” The Week, 2022, <https://theweek.com/political-satire/1009668/5-scathing-cartoons-about-republican-book-banning>. Accessed 25 July 2024.
“What Is a Book Ban? And More Frequently Asked Questions.” PEN America, <https://pen.org/book-bans-frequently-asked-questions/>. Accessed 13 July 2024.
