The number of attempted restrictions to books made available in school libraries, classrooms, school curricula, and public libraries has skyrocketed since The American Library Association (ALA) began tracking them more than 20 years ago. During 2022, 2,571 book titles were challenged! Now more than ever, it\u2019s essential to talk to kids about the right to read \u2014 and let them read banned books<\/a>!<\/p>\n These ideas are perfect for celebrating the ALA\u2019s annual Banned Books Week<\/a>, coming up September 22-28, 2024, at school or at home. Or, tuck these away for any time you want to get kids excited about the freedom to read.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to learn what Penguin Random House is doing \u2013 and what you can do \u2013 to protect the freedom to read.<\/p>\n Educate kids about what it means to ban or challenge a book.<\/strong><\/p>\n Depending on kids\u2019 experiences, they may have no idea what book banning even means. A memorable exercise, in which you suddenly tell kids some of their favorite books aren\u2019t allowed, is an attention-grabbing way to start a discussion! Follow up with an age-appropriate introduction to the First Amendment, examples of censorship, and examples of reasons why books have been challenged. In particular, the ALA reports that books by and about BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals are much more likely to be challenged<\/a>. This is certainly a key talking point with kids of all ages; what does it mean for representation of their experiences\u2014or those of their family members, friends, classmates, or fellow community members’ experiences\u2014to be limited? Check out the \u201cKids\u2019 Right to Read Action Kit\u201d<\/a> from the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) for helpful background.<\/p>\n In a school setting, it\u2019s also helpful to be able to talk to kids about your district\u2019s book selection guidelines. Who are the \u201chelpers\u201d who make sure great books can make their way into classrooms? Who are the individuals that consider book challenges? (If you don\u2019t have district guidelines, or need more support, check out the NCAC\u2019s Responding to Book Challenges: A Handbook for Educators<\/a>.)<\/p>\n Read and discuss banned picture books.<\/strong><\/p>\n Picture books are short enough to be read in a class period, can be appreciated on different levels, and are engaging for kids, making them valuable discussion starters for any age. The Washington Post<\/em> investigated the growing trend of challenges to picture books<\/a>. They identified some top complaints of book opponents, including \u201cLGBTQ characters and storylines,\u201d or \u201cinappropriate\u201d or \u201canti-police\u201d content. Choose a selection of challenged books suitable for your students\u2019 ages. Read aloud (or have small groups read) the books together. Talk about questions such as:<\/p>\n Check out some of our favorite banned picture books at the end of this post!<\/p>\n Form banned book clubs.<\/strong><\/p>\n Banned book clubs are a great way to introduce a wider variety of challenged books to a classroom, since groups can share their experiences and reflections with each other. Have small groups take on banned or challenged picture books, graphic novels, or novels. Have them report out or create a display about the same reflection questions above. Families can also do a banned book group read together\u2014it\u2019ll make for great dinner-table conversation!<\/p>\n Share books about banned books.<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the fortunate by-products of the attention book banning has received in recent years is an uptick in children\u2019s books being published about the topic. Read aloud or have kids read stories that center on book banning, censorship, or the freedom to read. For middle grade readers, check out Property of the Rebel Librarian<\/a><\/em> by Allison Varnes. This is the story of middle schooler June Harper, whose parents incite drama in town after they catch her reading what they think is an \u201cinappropriate\u201d book. June\u2019s response? She starts a banned books library in an empty locker at school.<\/p>\n Engage in some \u201cfreedom to read\u201d activism. <\/strong><\/p>\n Once students have learned about the implications of censorship and book banning, work together to make plans for some related activism that fits their maturity level and interests. Do students think there should be better representation of certain books, themes, or people in your school library or curriculum? Write a letter or petition together to your school board or administrators. Do students think more people should be aware of book challenges, or read and enjoy certain banned books? Make posters, a mock news broadcast, or video book reviews advertising kids\u2019 favorite titles.<\/p>\n Have some banned book fun!<\/strong><\/p>\n Censorship is a serious issue, but that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t have some fun while raising awareness about it. Once kids have some background knowledge about banned books, consider these entertaining ways to celebrate them.<\/p>\n\n