#book-bans

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#censorship

8 Literary Book Titles Likely to Rile Book Banners - Electric Literature

Book bans are on the rise in various states, targeting materials with LGBTQ+ themes, race, or sex depictions.
Some school districts are using AI to identify materials that depict sex in response to bans.

A secret shelf of banned books thrives in a Texas school, under the nose of censors

Students in Texas are hiding a secret bookshelf filled with challenged or banned books in their public school.
The Texas State Board of Education has passed a policy banning sexually explicit or educationally unsuitable books in public schools, resulting in teachers losing their jobs or facing pressure to resign.

It's Banned Books Week. LGBTQ+ content tops the most-challenged list.

Book censorship in the U.S. has surged in 2024, especially targeting LGBTQ+ themed literature.

John Green, Toni Morrison, Jodi Picoult, Colleen Hoover among most banned authors in Iowa

Iowa enacted a law banning books with sex acts and limiting LGBTQ+ content, leading to the removal of nearly 3,400 titles from schools.

Major publishers sue Florida over unconstitutional' school book ban

The major book publishers have sued Florida over HB 1069, which they argue promotes censorship and restricts students' access to diverse literature.

Jodi Picoult's 'Nineteen Minutes' tops PEN America of books banned in schools

Censorship in education has surged, with over 10,000 book bans reported in the 2023-2024 academic year, impacting critical literary themes.

8 Literary Book Titles Likely to Rile Book Banners - Electric Literature

Book bans are on the rise in various states, targeting materials with LGBTQ+ themes, race, or sex depictions.
Some school districts are using AI to identify materials that depict sex in response to bans.

A secret shelf of banned books thrives in a Texas school, under the nose of censors

Students in Texas are hiding a secret bookshelf filled with challenged or banned books in their public school.
The Texas State Board of Education has passed a policy banning sexually explicit or educationally unsuitable books in public schools, resulting in teachers losing their jobs or facing pressure to resign.

It's Banned Books Week. LGBTQ+ content tops the most-challenged list.

Book censorship in the U.S. has surged in 2024, especially targeting LGBTQ+ themed literature.

John Green, Toni Morrison, Jodi Picoult, Colleen Hoover among most banned authors in Iowa

Iowa enacted a law banning books with sex acts and limiting LGBTQ+ content, leading to the removal of nearly 3,400 titles from schools.

Major publishers sue Florida over unconstitutional' school book ban

The major book publishers have sued Florida over HB 1069, which they argue promotes censorship and restricts students' access to diverse literature.

Jodi Picoult's 'Nineteen Minutes' tops PEN America of books banned in schools

Censorship in education has surged, with over 10,000 book bans reported in the 2023-2024 academic year, impacting critical literary themes.
morecensorship
#pen-america

Books by Jodi Picoult, John Green and Stephen King Among the Most Banned in Schools

Nineteen Minutes was banned in 98 school districts, reflecting a troubling trend in book censorship in America.

Jennifer Finney Boylan, Transgender Author & Advocate, Elected President of PEN America

Jennifer Finney Boylan, author and queer rights activist, has been elected president of PEN America.
She has vowed to fight for freedom of speech and against book bans in schools and libraries across the country.

Books by Jodi Picoult, John Green and Stephen King Among the Most Banned in Schools

Nineteen Minutes was banned in 98 school districts, reflecting a troubling trend in book censorship in America.

Jennifer Finney Boylan, Transgender Author & Advocate, Elected President of PEN America

Jennifer Finney Boylan, author and queer rights activist, has been elected president of PEN America.
She has vowed to fight for freedom of speech and against book bans in schools and libraries across the country.
morepen-america

Why this children's book publisher isn't afraid of book bans

The debate over children's books about racism reflects a larger cultural conflict in the U.S.
#lgbtq-rights

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs and vetoes LGBTQ+ legislation

Governor Newsom's decisions on LGBTQ+ bills reflect a nuanced support for reproductive rights and freedom of expression, while leaving some key areas unaddressed.

Gay Rep. Robert Garcia reveals Kamala Harris' biggest LGBTQ+ goal for her presidency - LGBTQ Nation

LGBTQ equality is a top legislative priority for Kamala Harris as emphasized by Rep. Robert Garcia during the DNC.

Ron "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis' anti-woke agenda just got smacked with another scandal - Queerty

DeSantis's far-right educational reforms are facing backlash and leading to a cultural clash in Florida's academic landscape.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff to tackle Republican book bans at Manhattan roundtable discussion (exclusive)

Efforts to protect students' civil rights against school book bans are a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs and vetoes LGBTQ+ legislation

Governor Newsom's decisions on LGBTQ+ bills reflect a nuanced support for reproductive rights and freedom of expression, while leaving some key areas unaddressed.

Gay Rep. Robert Garcia reveals Kamala Harris' biggest LGBTQ+ goal for her presidency - LGBTQ Nation

LGBTQ equality is a top legislative priority for Kamala Harris as emphasized by Rep. Robert Garcia during the DNC.

Ron "Don't Say Gay" DeSantis' anti-woke agenda just got smacked with another scandal - Queerty

DeSantis's far-right educational reforms are facing backlash and leading to a cultural clash in Florida's academic landscape.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff to tackle Republican book bans at Manhattan roundtable discussion (exclusive)

Efforts to protect students' civil rights against school book bans are a top priority for the Biden-Harris administration.
morelgbtq-rights

PW Star Watch 2024 Finalist: Nicole Lintemuth

Nicole Lintemuth advocates against book banning while promoting diversity in literature through her bookstore and activism.
Her reading journal aims to empower others in fighting censorship.
#lgbtq

Over 30 celebrities join auction to put LGBTQ+ books in classrooms (exclusive)

Celebrities unite for #BannedTogether auction to fight book bans and support LGBTQ-inclusive education.

The American Library Association's lesbian president is on a mission to protect LGBTQ+ librarians - LGBTQ Nation

Emily Drabinski advocates for libraries amidst book bans and funding threats, particularly focusing on LGBTQ+ content.

Brazil's unparalleled spate of book bans is page out of US culture wars

Politically motivated book bans in Brazil target works focusing on race, gender, and LGBTQ+ issues, often supported by politicians aligned with former president Bolsonaro.

Scholastic releases Pride educator guide with resources for fighting anti-LGBTQ+ book bans - LGBTQ Nation

Scholastic publishes LGBTQ+ Pride guide for children's books, mental health support, and fighting book bans.

Ayanna Pressley introduces "Books Save Lives Act" to fight anti-LGBTQ+ book bans

Rep. Ayanna Pressley has introduced the "Books Save Lives Act" to combat book bans targeting books on racial and LGBTQ+ issues in public schools and libraries.
The bill would require federally funded libraries to maintain diverse book collections and classify discriminatory book bans as violations of federal civil rights laws.

Protestors interrupt a Moms for Liberty's "fascist" book banning meeting

Protestors interrupted a meeting held by Moms for Liberty (M4L) in Maryland, aiming to ban LGBTQ+-inclusive books from school libraries.
Protestors wore rainbow-colored garlands, flags, and signs with messages like 'Books not bigots,' 'Only fascists ban books' during the disruption.

Over 30 celebrities join auction to put LGBTQ+ books in classrooms (exclusive)

Celebrities unite for #BannedTogether auction to fight book bans and support LGBTQ-inclusive education.

The American Library Association's lesbian president is on a mission to protect LGBTQ+ librarians - LGBTQ Nation

Emily Drabinski advocates for libraries amidst book bans and funding threats, particularly focusing on LGBTQ+ content.

Brazil's unparalleled spate of book bans is page out of US culture wars

Politically motivated book bans in Brazil target works focusing on race, gender, and LGBTQ+ issues, often supported by politicians aligned with former president Bolsonaro.

Scholastic releases Pride educator guide with resources for fighting anti-LGBTQ+ book bans - LGBTQ Nation

Scholastic publishes LGBTQ+ Pride guide for children's books, mental health support, and fighting book bans.

Ayanna Pressley introduces "Books Save Lives Act" to fight anti-LGBTQ+ book bans

Rep. Ayanna Pressley has introduced the "Books Save Lives Act" to combat book bans targeting books on racial and LGBTQ+ issues in public schools and libraries.
The bill would require federally funded libraries to maintain diverse book collections and classify discriminatory book bans as violations of federal civil rights laws.

Protestors interrupt a Moms for Liberty's "fascist" book banning meeting

Protestors interrupted a meeting held by Moms for Liberty (M4L) in Maryland, aiming to ban LGBTQ+-inclusive books from school libraries.
Protestors wore rainbow-colored garlands, flags, and signs with messages like 'Books not bigots,' 'Only fascists ban books' during the disruption.
morelgbtq
#freedom-of-expression

These Independent Bookstore Owners Want You to Ask Why Books Get Banned

Local independent bookstores are combatting book bans by promoting curiosity and the exploration of diverse narratives.

Pink celebrates hometown as school board president swears in on banned books

Karen Smith, newly elected school board president in Pennsylvania, made a rebellious statement by being sworn in on a stack of frequently banned books.
Pink, who is from Pennsylvania, showed support for Smith and has been using her platform to criticize book bans.

These Independent Bookstore Owners Want You to Ask Why Books Get Banned

Local independent bookstores are combatting book bans by promoting curiosity and the exploration of diverse narratives.

Pink celebrates hometown as school board president swears in on banned books

Karen Smith, newly elected school board president in Pennsylvania, made a rebellious statement by being sworn in on a stack of frequently banned books.
Pink, who is from Pennsylvania, showed support for Smith and has been using her platform to criticize book bans.
morefreedom-of-expression
#libraries

Lawmakers weigh standard to guard access to library books

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are proposing a bill to protect books from being removed from public spaces based on personal or political views.
Book bans have been increasing in the country, with Massachusetts ranking fourth in attempts to remove books from shelves in 2022.

You're Wrong About These Common Myths About Book Ban: Book Censorship News, March 22, 2024

Misconceptions about book bans stem from a lack of information, not intentional misinformation.
Book bans can drive students away from libraries and limit their access to reading materials.

Ayanna Pressley Introduces Bill to Counter Book Bans Nationwide

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley introduces the Books Save Lives Act to combat book bans in schools and libraries.
The bill aims to ensure diverse book collections, enforce civil rights, and study the impact of book bans on underrepresented communities.

People Are Sharing Jobs That SEEM Cool From The Outside, But Are Actually A Huge Disappointment

Libraries function more as community centers providing essential services rather than just quiet spaces for reading or research.

Lawmakers weigh standard to guard access to library books

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are proposing a bill to protect books from being removed from public spaces based on personal or political views.
Book bans have been increasing in the country, with Massachusetts ranking fourth in attempts to remove books from shelves in 2022.

You're Wrong About These Common Myths About Book Ban: Book Censorship News, March 22, 2024

Misconceptions about book bans stem from a lack of information, not intentional misinformation.
Book bans can drive students away from libraries and limit their access to reading materials.

Ayanna Pressley Introduces Bill to Counter Book Bans Nationwide

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley introduces the Books Save Lives Act to combat book bans in schools and libraries.
The bill aims to ensure diverse book collections, enforce civil rights, and study the impact of book bans on underrepresented communities.

People Are Sharing Jobs That SEEM Cool From The Outside, But Are Actually A Huge Disappointment

Libraries function more as community centers providing essential services rather than just quiet spaces for reading or research.
morelibraries

Oprah takes aim at book bans and JD Vance's 'cat lady' jibe in DNC speech

Oprah Winfrey urges against book bans and emphasizes the need for character and decency in leadership.
#publishing-industry

Rainbow Book Fair draws full house at LGBT Center

The Rainbow Book Fair in New York City is the largest LGBTQ book event globally.

31 Books We Can't Wait to Read in 2023

Focusing on the excitement and anticipation of new books in 2023 amidst the challenges faced in the publishing world during 2022.

Rainbow Book Fair draws full house at LGBT Center

The Rainbow Book Fair in New York City is the largest LGBTQ book event globally.

31 Books We Can't Wait to Read in 2023

Focusing on the excitement and anticipation of new books in 2023 amidst the challenges faced in the publishing world during 2022.
morepublishing-industry
#library-challenges

E-Books Can Subvert Book Bans, But Corporate Profit-Seeking Stands in the Way

Record e-book lending for libraries has led to profits for OverDrive. Book bans and removals from libraries are on the rise with 158 bills introduced in 2023.

Violent, aggressive, and personal attacks - language used to challenge books has changed dramatically, research presented at Oregon Library Association conference shows

The language used in attempts to ban library books is increasingly violent, targeting LGBTQ, racial, and political themes, leading to dehumanization.

E-Books Can Subvert Book Bans, But Corporate Profit-Seeking Stands in the Way

Record e-book lending for libraries has led to profits for OverDrive. Book bans and removals from libraries are on the rise with 158 bills introduced in 2023.

Violent, aggressive, and personal attacks - language used to challenge books has changed dramatically, research presented at Oregon Library Association conference shows

The language used in attempts to ban library books is increasingly violent, targeting LGBTQ, racial, and political themes, leading to dehumanization.
morelibrary-challenges
#literature-advocacy

National Black Arts Festival Hosts 'Blacklisted' Banned Book Fair In Atlanta

The National Black Arts Festival is hosting a Blacklisted! Banned Book Fair and Conference in Atlanta during Black History Month.
The event will feature discussions on rising book bans, panels with prominent authors, and activities for families and youth.

A San Francisco store is shipping LGBTQ+ books to places where they are banned

Becka Robbins sends banned books to LGBTQ+ centers in conservative states to counter book bans.

'Authors Against Book Bans' Mobilizes

Authors Against Book Bans aims to fight against the erasure of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices through a coalition of prominent authors.
The group was formed organically out of shared frustration and concern among authors over the increasing number of book bans nationwide.

National Black Arts Festival Hosts 'Blacklisted' Banned Book Fair In Atlanta

The National Black Arts Festival is hosting a Blacklisted! Banned Book Fair and Conference in Atlanta during Black History Month.
The event will feature discussions on rising book bans, panels with prominent authors, and activities for families and youth.

A San Francisco store is shipping LGBTQ+ books to places where they are banned

Becka Robbins sends banned books to LGBTQ+ centers in conservative states to counter book bans.

'Authors Against Book Bans' Mobilizes

Authors Against Book Bans aims to fight against the erasure of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices through a coalition of prominent authors.
The group was formed organically out of shared frustration and concern among authors over the increasing number of book bans nationwide.
moreliterature-advocacy
#allstora

RuPaul runs rings around LGBTQ+ book bans with a giant rainbow bus

RuPaul Charles launched Allstora, an online book marketplace supporting LGBTQ+ authors and diverse voices.
He co-founded the Rainbow Book Bus, aiming to distribute LGBTQ+ titles to marginalized communities facing book bans and limited access.

RuPaul is sending a rainbow bus to give away books targeted by bans

RuPaul co-founded Allstora, an online bookstore promoting underrepresented authors.
Allstora aims to distribute books targeted by bans and give authors a greater share of profits.

RuPaul runs rings around LGBTQ+ book bans with a giant rainbow bus

RuPaul Charles launched Allstora, an online book marketplace supporting LGBTQ+ authors and diverse voices.
He co-founded the Rainbow Book Bus, aiming to distribute LGBTQ+ titles to marginalized communities facing book bans and limited access.

RuPaul is sending a rainbow bus to give away books targeted by bans

RuPaul co-founded Allstora, an online bookstore promoting underrepresented authors.
Allstora aims to distribute books targeted by bans and give authors a greater share of profits.
moreallstora

Watch Moms for Liberty's co-founders look like fools trying to explain their failed book ban movement

Conservative movement targets LGBTQ+ issues in education
Moms for Liberty faces backlash in school board elections
#education

Bookstore coming to North Jacksonville will house banned books and focus on Black history

State Representative Angie Nixon is opening 'The Cafe Resistance Bookstore' in response to low literacy rates and state laws on books in classrooms.
The bookstore will primarily feature books about Black history and by Black authors to combat book bans and challenges in the state.

Ron DeSantis Finally Admits War on Books Has Been a Total Disaster

Governor Ron DeSantis supports limiting book bans in schools
DeSantis blames activists on both the left and right for hijacking the banning process

9 Overlooked Moments in LGBTQ+ History

Pride Month commemorates Stonewall, but there are significant LGBTQ+ resistance moments beyond it

The Black-History Books Teachers Hope Won't Be Banned

Black History Month serves as an essential opportunity for educators to introduce diverse perspectives to students.
Conservative lawmakers are leading efforts to restrict discussions and books pointing to racism in America.

Beaufort, South Carolina, schools return most books to shelves after attempt to ban 97

Campaign to ban books in schools on the rise, with 3,000 bans last year
Beaufort County, SC faces battle over book bans and the true meaning of liberty

Black History Month in the Age of Book Bans

Black History Month serves as a vital occasion for educators to introduce diverse stories and interpretations.
Conservative lawmakers and activists are increasingly restricting books that address racism in America.

Bookstore coming to North Jacksonville will house banned books and focus on Black history

State Representative Angie Nixon is opening 'The Cafe Resistance Bookstore' in response to low literacy rates and state laws on books in classrooms.
The bookstore will primarily feature books about Black history and by Black authors to combat book bans and challenges in the state.

Ron DeSantis Finally Admits War on Books Has Been a Total Disaster

Governor Ron DeSantis supports limiting book bans in schools
DeSantis blames activists on both the left and right for hijacking the banning process

9 Overlooked Moments in LGBTQ+ History

Pride Month commemorates Stonewall, but there are significant LGBTQ+ resistance moments beyond it

The Black-History Books Teachers Hope Won't Be Banned

Black History Month serves as an essential opportunity for educators to introduce diverse perspectives to students.
Conservative lawmakers are leading efforts to restrict discussions and books pointing to racism in America.

Beaufort, South Carolina, schools return most books to shelves after attempt to ban 97

Campaign to ban books in schools on the rise, with 3,000 bans last year
Beaufort County, SC faces battle over book bans and the true meaning of liberty

Black History Month in the Age of Book Bans

Black History Month serves as a vital occasion for educators to introduce diverse stories and interpretations.
Conservative lawmakers and activists are increasingly restricting books that address racism in America.
moreeducation

What's Ahead for Kids' Books in 2024?

Publishers and editors are still optimistic about the children's publishing industry despite challenges like book bans and declining reading rates.
There is a continued influx of talent and creative ambition in children's book submissions, which is encouraging for the industry.

A Bill in Virginia Would Ban Book Bans by School Boards

Virginia has introduced a bill to limit book bans and curriculum restrictions in schools, following the lead of other states.
The bill is a response to a previous bill signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin that allows parents to opt their students out of lessons using 'sexually explicit' materials.

Educators, students get creative in evading book bans

Educators and students are finding creative ways to access books that have been banned in states and schools.
Banned book clubs and community events are being organized to provide access to challenging materials.

American Intolerance and Book Bans: Book Censorship News, February 2, 2024

The Read Harder Challenge is celebrating its tenth year in 2024 and offers 24 tasks to diversify readers' TBRs
Data from surveys conducted by Book Riot and the EveryLibrary Institute highlight the importance of libraries and library workers

Book 'ban' reversed in North Attleborough after community reacts

The book 'Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice' covers topics such as social justice activism, discrimination, empathy, and joy.
The North Attleborough elementary school library will return the book to the shelves after facing community backlash.

Texas Library Censorship Attempt Struck Down By 5th Circuit

Texas legislation aimed at restricting or banning 'sexually explicit' books in public school libraries likely violates the Constitution, according to the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
The court's decision is seen as a victory for free expression and allowing parents to make decisions for their own children without government interference.

From Iowa to Florida, national lawsuits against local book bans begin to gain traction

Lawsuits challenging book bans in Florida and Iowa are playing a key role in the fight for student's access to literature.
A U.S. District Judge ruled that a federal lawsuit against the Escambia County School Board for censoring library shelves can move forward.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley Wants To Take Down Book Bans With New Bill

Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley introduced the Books Save Lives Act to combat conservative book bans on topics of race, gender, and sexuality.
The bill aims to classify these bans as federal civil rights violations and require schools and libraries to include books from diverse authors and topics.

Congressman debuts bill to cover school costs of defending books with LGBTQ+ content

Rep. Maxwell Frost is introducing the Fight Book Bans Act to help cover the costs of defending challenged books in Florida.
The bill has received endorsements from LGBTQ+ groups, civil rights organizations, and free speech groups.
#book bans

Pink to Hand Out Thousands of Banned Books at Florida Concerts in Partnership with PEN America

Pink will distribute banned books at her Florida concerts to take a stand against book bans.
Florida has banned the most books in public school classrooms and libraries compared to other states.
PEN America has sued the Escambia County School District in Florida over book bans.

Book banners came for this Colorado town. They didn't anticipate resistance.

Residents in Douglas County are fighting against book bans at the county library.
Conservative activists targeted books such as 'All Boys Aren't Blue' and 'The ABC's of Gender Identity' for promoting 'demonic narrative' and 'physically impossible' relationships.

When Your Own Book Gets Caught Up in the Censorship Wars

Tennessee's CRT/Age Appropriate Materials Law banned a book about George Floyd from being read or distributed at a high school.
The law in Tennessee prohibits teaching concepts that imply an individual is inherently privileged, racist, sexist, or oppressive, and that the state or the US is fundamentally or irredeemably racist or sexist.

Pink to Hand Out Thousands of Banned Books at Florida Concerts in Partnership with PEN America

Pink will distribute banned books at her Florida concerts to take a stand against book bans.
Florida has banned the most books in public school classrooms and libraries compared to other states.
PEN America has sued the Escambia County School District in Florida over book bans.

Book banners came for this Colorado town. They didn't anticipate resistance.

Residents in Douglas County are fighting against book bans at the county library.
Conservative activists targeted books such as 'All Boys Aren't Blue' and 'The ABC's of Gender Identity' for promoting 'demonic narrative' and 'physically impossible' relationships.

When Your Own Book Gets Caught Up in the Censorship Wars

Tennessee's CRT/Age Appropriate Materials Law banned a book about George Floyd from being read or distributed at a high school.
The law in Tennessee prohibits teaching concepts that imply an individual is inherently privileged, racist, sexist, or oppressive, and that the state or the US is fundamentally or irredeemably racist or sexist.
morebook bans

Why This Florida Mom Sued the Board of Education Over Book Bans

Florida parents sue Board of Education over lack of book removal objection process.
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