Banned Books in America: Helping Students Understand

So what’s the deal?

In honor of Banned Books Week, this special edition of “Today’s News, Tomorrow’s Lesson,” students can explore topics and activities that will help them understand:

• Why books are being banned; 
• The history of book banning in America;
• How the increase in banning books affects teachers and librarians;
• The impact of banning books on marginalized communities;
• How local activism can influence national politics; and
• The similarities and differences in advocacy versus lobbying.

These activities in this banned books lesson aim to encourage students to think critically about book banning and to foster a deeper understanding of the broader implications of banning books and the role of libraries in society. Choose one or all activities to get your classroom talking about one of the most controversial issues affecting our schools today.

Book Bans in America

Discussion Questions

• Historical Context: How has the focus of book-banning efforts shifted over the decades, especially when considering depictions of slavery, segregation and racism?
• Modern Challenges: Why do you think there was such a significant increase in book challenges from 2020 to 2021?
• Representation: Why might it be important for students to read books that feature characters who look like them or come from similar backgrounds?
• Empathy and Understanding: How can reading books about people from diverse backgrounds help foster empathy and understanding among students?
• Literary Merit vs. Controversy: To Kill a Mockingbird is considered one of the most important novels of its generation, yet it was also one of the most challenged. How can a book be both celebrated and controversial at the same time?
• Role of Educators: How do public school teachers and librarians find themselves at the forefront of the battle over banned books? What challenges might they face?
• Timeless Themes: The video mentions that certain themes—like love, friendship and betrayal—are timeless. How might these themes be presented differently in contemporary books compared with classics?

Librarians vs. Activists

Discussion Questions

• Central Issue: Why has the scrutiny of libraries, books, teaching materials and curriculum become a central issue for conservative politicians?
• Censorship vs. Protection: Some argue that removing certain books is a form of censorship, while others believe it's a way to protect children. Discuss the fine line between censorship and protection. When does one become the other?
• Impact on Marginalized Communities: How might the removal or restriction of books dealing with LGBTQIA+ topics or diverse perspectives on race, gender and sexuality impact marginalized communities?
• Role of Libraries: One woman described libraries as "sanctuaries of knowledge." What role do libraries play in a community? How might that role be compromised if certain books are removed or restricted?
• Public Participation: The attorney general set up a tip line for the public to report librarians. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of involving the public in this manner?
• Future Implications: If the trend of challenging and banning books continues, what might be the long-term implications for students, educators and society as a whole?

Short on Instruction Time? Use This Podcast

Discussion Questions

1. Patterns in Challenges: Many of the books on the ALA's most challenged list for 2022 have been flagged for LGBTQIA+ content or claims of being sexually explicit. Why do you think these particular themes or topics are frequently targeted for challenges or bans? How does this reflect societal values or concerns?
2. Organized Efforts: Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada mentions that there are now “organized attempts by groups to censor multiple titles throughout the country without actually having read many of these books”" Why might groups challenge books without reading them? How does this change the nature of book challenges compared with individual concerns?
3. Recurring Titles: Eight of the titles on the 2022 list have remained there for multiple years. What might be the reasons some books continue to face challenges over time? How do these recurring challenges impact the perception and accessibility of these books in libraries and schools?

Understanding Lobbying and Advocacy

Are lobbying and advocacy the same? Check out the video below and explore the American Library Association and PEN America websites to learn more about how their missions overlap and differ.