Banned Books Week launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. By focusing on the efforts to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.

In recent years, the literary landscape has grown tumultuous, with thousands of books, particularly in the realms of children's and young adult literature, facing bans across the United States. This has left many authors feeling vulnerable, particularly those creating works intended for young audiences. As a friend of several kidlit authors, I understand the rising concerns among my peers regarding the potential challenges their works may face in this charged environment. It is essential for authors not only to protect their own creations but also to band together in support of one another in the face of censorship.

The State of Banned Books Today

The trend of book banning has reached alarming levels, with organizations like PEN America documenting nearly 23,000 book bans in public schools nationwide since 2021. This unprecedented figure signifies a growing wave of censorship that threatens the variety and richness of literature available to readers. Not only does this trend stifle creativity and self-expression, but it also hinders the vital development of young minds who benefit from diverse perspectives and stories that reflect the complexity of the human experience.

Prominent titles, such as And Tango Makes Three and Julián is a Mermaid, have found themselves in the crosshairs of these bans, signaling a broader cultural struggle over which voices are deemed acceptable. As a writer, witnessing the creative landscape become narrower due to external pressures can be discouraging. However, there are steps authors can take to protect themselves and their fellow creators.

Protecting Your Work

1. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the legal protections available to authors and the institutions that support freedom of expression. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Coalition Against Censorship provide resources that can empower you to understand your rights as a writer and the implications of book banning.
2. Engage with the ALA: The American Library Association (ALA) offers a wealth of resources, including lists of frequently challenged books on its Banned Books website. By keeping abreast of these lists, you can remain aware of the cultural tensions surrounding various works, including your own. Participating in ALA's initiatives—such as Banned Books Week—can amplify your voice and advocate for literary freedom.

Support Fellow Authors

In addition to safeguarding your own creations, standing in solidarity with other authors is crucial during these challenging times. Here are some ways you can extend your support:

1. Foster Collaboration: Collaborate with fellow authors to raise awareness about banned books. Organizing readings and discussions can create a platform for sharing diverse narratives. By coming together for joint events, you can amplify each other's voices and encourage broader community support.
2. Use Social Media: Leverage social media platforms to discuss the importance of literary diversity and the implications of censorship. Share posts highlighting banned books, engage in discussions about the impact of censorship on young readers, and offer your platform to promote the work of others affected by bans.
3. Advocate for Change: Be proactive in advocating for anti-censorship initiatives. Join forces with organizations like PEN America or the ALA to participate in campaigns that challenge book bans. Consider contacting your local representatives to express concern about censorship practices within educational institutions.
4. Establish Safe Spaces: Create or become part of writing groups or collectives that focus on fostering an inclusive atmosphere for authors whose works face censorship. These spaces can provide emotional support, resources, and opportunities to share strategies for navigating the literary landscape.

The current wave of book bans underscores the critical need for writers—and the literary community as a whole—to remain vigilant and proactive in defending the freedom to express ideas through literature. While the challenges ahead may seem daunting, embracing collective efforts to protect your work and stand in solidarity with other authors can lead to a stronger, more resilient literary community. By mobilizing our voices, leveraging available resources, and supporting one another, we can ensure that the stories that matter continue to be told and heard, enriching the lives of readers everywhere. In the fight for literary freedom, every action counts, and together we can make a profound impact.

Here's where to get more info on banned books:

The American Library Association (ALA) provides resources and lists of frequently challenged books through its Banned Books website.

Common Sense Media offers information on frequently challenged and banned books for kids and teens.

PEN America publishes lists of banned picture books, such as their 2023-2024 list highlighting books like And Tango Makes Three and Julián is a Mermaid. PEN America has documented nearly 23,000 book bans in public schools nationwide since 2021, a number never before seen in the life of any living American.

Consider joining Authors Against Book Bans: https://www.authorsagainstbookbans.com/