Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week is an annual awareness campaign sponsored by the American Library Association to help educate and inspire readers to fight censorship.
The theme for Banned Books Week 2024, September 22nd - 28th, is "Freed Between the Lines." The theme comes from the sense that we can find freedom in the pages of a book — but book bans and censorship threaten that freedom, along with many other rights and institutions.
Read on to hear from our Children’s Bookseller, Kai, about some of their top picks to read this Banned Books Week - and all year!
You can also take action by joining United Against Book Bans, or check out our past Banned Books Week blog post for even more resources.
Book bans don’t just take away stories, they take away opportunities for kids to learn about themselves and the world.
When books that explore race, identity, or different family structures get pulled from schools and libraries, we’re limiting kids’ ability to understand people who aren’t like them. And we’re also taking away stories that can help kids see themselves. That’s why fighting book bans is so important because stories have the power to shape how we think, how we grow, and how we connect with others.
Kai, our Children’s Bookseller at the new Old Town Books Junior.
One of the most powerful books I’ve read is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. It tells the story of Starr, a Black teenager who witnesses her friend being killed by the police, and how she finds her voice in the aftermath. This book talks about racism, justice, and what it means to stand up for what’s right. Banning it stops kids from having conversations about these tough but necessary topics. For some kids, it could be their first introduction to the realities of racial injustice. And for others, it’s a chance to see their own experiences reflected back at them.
Another book that matters to me is All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson. It’s a memoir about growing up Black and queer, and it’s one of the few books where kids who share those identities can see themselves represented. Banning this book takes away that opportunity for those kids to feel seen and understood. It also stops other kids from learning about experiences they may not know much about. And that’s the whole point of reading, isn’t it? To learn and grow from stories that are different from our own.
“Banning this book takes away that opportunity for those kids to feel seen and understood.”
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey has also faced bans. While it’s a fun and silly story about a superhero in his underwear, it has something valuable to offer: It gets kids excited about reading. Not every book has to be serious to matter. Sometimes, the joy of reading itself is enough. Banning books like this takes away the fun and excitement that can get kids hooked on reading for life.
Book bans limit what kids can learn, explore, and experience. When we take away stories, we make kids’ worlds smaller. Instead of banning books, we should encourage kids to read widely and think critically. Stories are mirrors that help kids see themselves, and windows that let them see into the lives of others. We need both to help kids grow into empathetic, thoughtful adults.
“Instead of banning books, we should encourage kids to read widely and think critically.”
To fight against book bans, start by staying informed; track banned books and censorship issues through resources like the American Library Association and PEN America. Attend local school board or library meetings to voice your support for keeping diverse and important books available. You can also start petitions on platforms like Change.org to rally community support. Partnering with advocacy groups like the National Coalition Against Censorship helps provide guidance and resources to push back against censorship efforts. Ultimately, raising your voice and building community awareness are key in keeping stories accessible to all kids.