Gender Queer
by maia kobabe
This autobiographical journey conveys the author's struggles growing up nonbinary in a world based on men and women. It won the ALA Alex award in 2020. This is the most banned book in the USA in recent years.
Why Book Banning Must Stop
The people banning books are clearing library shelves of anything they do not like. We are here to turn that around. Librarians, teachers and students need our help. We vigorously resist the suppressing of any person for their racial heritage, sexual identity or any other reason.
Good People
We are supporting and working with many wonderful people. Some are authors. Some are public figures. Some are activists just like you.
Banned Books
We give you a look inside many of the books that have been banned. See what each one is about, and whether you might want to read it yourself.
Organizations
We introduce you to library groups, teacher associations and public organizations active in opposing book banning. and with whom we stand in solidarity.
Many remarkable people oppose banning books
Amanda Gorman
At only 22 years of age this young poet was spellbinding at the 2021 presidential inauguration when she presented “The Hill We Climb.” That poem has since been banned.
Ray Bradbury
This famous writer’s landmark book “Fahrenheit 451” told of a repressive future society where all books were being burned. People had to band together to keep their books alive.
Jonathan Friedman
A devoted activist on behalf of books and reading, he is also director of free expression and education programs at PEN America. His comments on book banning are frequently posted on Twitter.
Take action to stop book banning
Keep your eyes open. If a book ban comes up at a school or library near you, be heard!
Post your support online for reversing book bans. Put books back on the shelves!
Read more of the banned books. See what they are really about!
Send an email or letter to public media in support of a banned book!
Tell us about any book bans in your state. People want to know!
Tell us how you feel about book bans, and what you think should be done!
The content of this website is drawn from the banned-books research of historian Sanford Holst
Readers’ Comments
Amanda Gorman and other fearless authors who stand up to wanna-be censors are heroes to me.
— Cynthia N, San Francisco . .
Kurt Vonnegut said, “I hate it that Americans are taught to fear some books and some ideas as if they were diseases.” Ditto.
— Mia C, Houston . .
A look inside banned books
So many books are being challenged or completely banned that it is hard to know what all of them are really about. We provide some looks inside the books so you can see which ones might pique your interest enough to open them up.
The Satanic Verses
by salman rushdie
This magical ralism novel weaves different narratives into the story of two Indian Muslims who come to England. It is banned in a number of countries and a fatwa was proclaimed calling for the author’s death.
The Bluest Eye
by toni morrison
This was the first novel by Nobel-Prize-winning Toni Morrison. It tells the tragic tale of a dark-skinned girl in Ohio who feels her abused life would be so much better if she just had the bluest eyes.
Community service groups
We support and are in solidarity with many community groups opposed to book banning, including:
American Library Association
This is the largest library association in the world, with librarians and library supporters working together to ensure enhanced access and learning for all.
PEN America
A strong advocate for free expression, protection of writers and artists at risk, and opposition to censorship in the USA and around the world.
Freedom to Read Foundation
Promotes and protects freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the public’s access to information and materials stored in libraries.