“Take action” can sound really intimidating, but my ten-year-old and I beg to differ. In honor of Banned Books Week (October 4-10), she created the image above–all of her own accord–for me to share, AND wore her “Read Banned Books” t-shirt to soccer practice on Monday. It’s really that simple!
What is Banned Books Week and why should you care? From Bannedbooksweek.org: “Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools…By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.” Some books are banned for seemingly silly reasons (think I Need a New Butt and Itty Bitty Kittycorn), but many are driven by bigotry, fear, and a desire to suppress truth (think Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, or MAUS). Bannedbooksweek.org goes on: “The most common justifications for censorship provided by complainants were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and covering topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice.”
AND – it’s getting more and more prevalent. Check out these numbers from Authors Against Book Bans:
I believe in giving my kids (guided) access to knowledge, and I believe in our first amendment rights to freedom of speech and expression. In my home we believe in the power of knowledge and truth, and that books are an invaluable tool in attaining and sustaining these goods. We believe in the Freedom to Read and support this week’s efforts to LET BOOKS BE.
If you are looking for more ways to support the freedom to read and join the fight against book banning, here are a few excellent resources:
- Bannedbooksweek.org has a list of actions to take on Let Freedom Read Day (October 10), broken down by how much time they take, starting from just 5 minutes — one is to read a banned book!
- PEN America also has a handy list of actions on their Banned Books Week page.
- American Library Association’s Unite Against Book Bans free Action Toolkit
All of these organizations (and more) have email lists you can join for free to stay up to date on what’s going on in the world of censorship and book banning, and all could use your support to keep doing their work.
Let me know if you’re doing anything for Banned Book Week, or anytime, and share some banned books you love!
