Banned in the USA

Happy Banned Books Week!

I’m reading that title and singing Springsteen’s Born in the USA. Denim and Jersey. Are you rocking out yet?

This week (Sept 22nd through 28th) is Banned Book Week so I will jump on the BANNED wagon (you are welcome) by sharing some infographics provided by the amazing American Library Association (ALA). All images are from ALA unless otherwise stated.

So far this year there have been 1,128 unique titles challenged

This number is down from last year, suggesting we may be slowing our roll, but it is still much higher than any year before 2021, when the average number of books called into question each year was in the mid-300’s.

So, who is crying for censorship? Mostly patrons and parents. There is this Washington Post article about a Virginian woman who challenges one book a week, and is also the source for the “11 people are responsible for filing 60 percent” metrics we see floating around the ether. According to this article Iowa and Florida are top banning contenders. But when I look at this map, I see Texas ain’t sitting too pretty either (not surprised, definitely disappointed).

If, like me, you are starting to feel a bit spicy and want to read a banned book to stand in solidarity with books, writers, and freedom everywhere, here is a list of the ten most challenged books of 2023. I have only read 3 out of 10 so I have lots of new TBR’s to add to my list!

Did you know that Everywhere Babies was challenged? If you have read it, you can pick your jaw up off the floor now because, I know, I was also shocked. Apparently, two men are shown hugging in the book and that was enough for some non-profit in Florida to list it. NO. HUGGING. Ok? Hugging is GROSS.

According to the ALA, books that are targeted often depict LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices and experiences, and according to PEN there is an uptick of books being challenged that are told by or are about women or girls or are stories that depict rape or sexual violence. I have such a heavy heart for the silenced, the erased.

If 11 people can cause such a calamity, then certainly the rest of us don’t have to stand idly by while books get pulled from the shelves.

What can I do?

1. Keep checking out, buying, reading, discussing, book clubbing, and writing about (banned) books. Lend those excellent books to your friends and invite them into the discussion.

2. Attend public library and school district meetings to learn about their challenged book process and speak out for the right to read. PEN has a script!

3. Report challenged and banned books. It is estimated that only 3-18% of book challenges are reported.

4. Vote. It matters.

Thanks for being here, for reading, for the support. Keep on reading, keep on learning, and keep on fighting for intellectual freedom!

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FROM THE STAX

These books aren’t banned (that I know of….yet) but considering the list of books that have been, you never know. It seems hardly any book is safe. Plus these include books with POC (gasp!) boys dancing (no!) kids peeing (for shame!) and women (ew!) doing science (terrible!) so, it wouldn’t be a stretch.

ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST by Andrea Beaty Illustrated by David Roberts

“Ada Marie! Ada Marie! Said not a word til the day she turned three…” Little Ada keeps her parents on her toes with her never-ending questions and messy experiments. Will Ada get in big trouble for being so curious?

These series of books are popular for a reason. The illustrations are fun to look at with little easter eggs hidden throughout which help capture the narrative in colorful and lively ways. My kids love the page when Ada’s science experiments thrill her classmates. I love the outfits the mom wears. Delivered in sing-song verse that has your toes tapping while delivering an encouraging message of exploration, questioning, and leaning in to discovery.

JOHN’S TURN by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Kate Berube

Every week one student gets to share a special skill in front of the school. Today is John’s turn.

You know when you think you know what an author is going to read like but then you read something new and it surprises you? Usually, I classify Barnett as quick-witted and silly stories, where the humor runs the show. This book is so earnest, so kind, with such a joyful message and no joke, and I was surprised and delighted. It is a peak into a special show and tell that captures passion on the page, showing kids that when they do something they love to do, even if they are a bit nervous about it, they will shine!

THE RUN by Barroux

There is some kind of race going on, everyone is running running running but we don’t know why!! Zoom out, and we discover that a child is reading a book (this book) while they use the restroom. Then they are interrupted by a knock on the bathroom door. Who could it be?

Delightful. Meta. My kids love anything to do with the potty, especially if it is funny, and this one is. Relatable for every kid (or parent) everywhere who has ever had to make a mad dash to the potty.

FEAST FOR 10 by Cathryn Falwell

Coming to you from the doctor's office because it turns out the kids have Strep! So while they were getting swabbed and poked and prodded, we read this book provided by the staff. We loved it. My daughter says she liked it best because she got to count. My son said the art reminded him of a Leo Lionni book, noticing that it was a paper collage. I liked that it was counting a trip to the grocery store where all five kids helped their mom to get all the ingredients for a big feast! Plus we got to count up to ten and back down.

ADA LOVELACE POET OF SCIENCE by Diane Stanley Illustrated by Jessie Hartland

Ada Lovelace, daughter of poet Lord Byron and mathematical mother Annabella, paves the way for computer programming one hundred years before computers were even a thing.

With engaging storytelling and delightful pictures we get to follow Ada from her early years writing fanciful letters, through her courtship days at fancy balls, to her work writing the Notes by the Translator introduction to an article written by Charles Babbage. Her notes were “almost three times as long as the original article —and far more important. Yet she wasn’t credited by name…” This book is informative, inspiring, and packed with information. I love reading biographies to my children to let them imagine what their curious minds are capable of.

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FUN fact: On one of the pages of Ada Twist, Scientist there is a book on the floor titled Ada Lovelace. Total accident that we checked out both books this month from the library. My kids had fun making the connection between the two stories of lady scientists!

Here is a funny letter to the 11 adults banning all the books. Still got it McSweeney.

Now go grab a banned book (or potentially offensive one) off your shelf and share it with a friend.

See you next week and happy (banned book) reading y’all!