It’s officially Banned Book Week in the United States. A week dedicated to raising awareness and spreading knowledge about books that have been challenged/banned/restricted in schools/libraries nationwide. The week is dedicated to celebrating the freedom to read for all citizens across the United States.
Attempts around the country to censor certain books have exploded. To start the week on Monday, September 24, PEN America and other similar organizations released the data that they have collected so far in 2024. Some data included the American Library Association’s findings that 414 books were challenged between January and August of this year. Although this is 281 less than in 2023, the number is still significant.
Banned Book Week has been recognized and celebrated since 1982 in the United States, however, it has become more mainstream in recent years, especially with the rise of book bans and challenges in public schools nationwide.
Multiple organizations sponsor the week and spread awareness about it. Some of these organizations include the American Library Association, Children’s Book Council, and PEN America. All groups advocate for citizens’ freedom to read and the inclusivity of all different representations in novels.
This year, the honorary chair position is held by filmmaker Ava DuVernay. This year’s theme is “Freed Between The Lines.” She has spoken about the importance of Banned Book Week and said that Banned Book Week is a “celebration of our right to access varied voices and to engage with ideas that challenge and champion us.”
Recently, the United States has had an explosion of challenges and book bans taking place. In the 2023-2024 school year over 10,000 books were removed from public school libraries (even just temporarily) according to PEN America. Compared to last year’s numbers, it is roughly three times higher.
According to the Washington Post, they looked into around 900 books that were being challenged across the country and found that titles that include LGBTQ+ characters, themes, and stories are the most likely to be targeted.
The most targeted book of 2023 was “Gender Queer: A Memoir” written by Maia Kobabe. Followed by George M. Johnson’s novel “All Boys Aren’t Blue” and “This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson. All books were claimed to include sexually explicit content.
Although the book bans look like they won’t be slowing down anytime soon, the week will continue to be recognized. To celebrate Banned Book Week nonprofit organizations and libraries encourage citizens to read a banned book or spread awareness about the issue. Organizations encourage people of all ages to share a photo online or recommend a banned book to others to spread awareness.
