challenged books

"Upon learning that the books with kids who look like her have been banned by her school district, Kanzi descends into fear and helplessness. But her classmates support her, and together--with their teacher's help--they hatch a plan to hold a bake sale and use the proceeds to buy diverse books to donate to libraries. The event is a big success; the entire school participates, and the local TV station covers it in the evening news. Prodded by her classmates to read the poem she has written, Kanzi starts softly but finds her voice"--Provided by publisher.

"Learning about a wide range of information and perspectives through access to books is generally considered an inherent characteristic of the educational system. However, debates around banning books suggest that there are potential downsides to giving young people access to certain literature, particularly books with violent or sexual content. This volume considers both sides of the debate, with arguments supporting students' right to access literature free from censorship and other viewpoints supporting the right of parents and teachers to choose which books should play a role in students' education. This title also looks at the historical, legal, and cultural contexts for this timely debate."--Publisher description.

"One of the things small town librarian Amanda Jones values most about books is how they can affirm a young person's sense of self. So in 2022, when she caught wind of a local public hearing that would discuss "book content," she knew what was at stake. Schools and libraries nationwide have been bombarded by demands for books with LGTBQ+ references, discussions of racism, and more to be purged from the shelves. Amanda would be damned if her community were to ban stories representing minority groups. She spoke out that night at the meeting. Days later, she woke up to a nightmare that is still ongoing. Amanda Jones has been called a groomer, a pedo, and a porn-pusher; she has faced death threats and attacks from strangers and friends alike. Her decision to support a collection of books with diverse perspectives made her a target for extremists using book banning campaigns--funded by dark money organizations and advanced by hard right politicians--in a crusade to make America more white, straight, and "Christian." But Amanda Jones wouldn't give up without a fight: she sued her harassers for defamation and urged others to join her in the resistance. Mapping the book banning crisis occurring all across the nation, That Librarian draws the battle lines in the war against equity and inclusion, calling book lovers everywhere to rise in defense of our readers"--.

Thirteen leading authors of books for young people speak out about the experience of having their work challenged or banned in the United States today. In interviews, they reflect on the nature of freedom of expression, the impact of censorship, and the support network that has grown up to defend against attempts to limit those rights. Readers will grasp more fully what is at stake when freedom of expression comes under threat, and of the history that lies behind contemporary First Amendment challenges.

"This is a book about dinosaurs. No it's not. Dinosaurs are not allowed. Oh. This is now a book about avocados! Sorry. We deleted those too. FINE. This book is about--nope! Forbidden! Maybe you shouldn't even try reading this book…But what could possibly be inside?"--Back cover.

"The book expands [on the first edition] . . . to include more titles and more genres (such as graphic novels and nonfiction)"--Provided by publisher.

A handbook for defending challenged young adult books that features profiles with plot summaries, published reviews, information on awards and prizes, and more.

Presents a critical analysis of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, discussing why many people would like to see them banned from schools and libraries.

A fourth grader fights back when From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is challenged by a well-meaning parent and taken off the shelves of her school library. Amy Anne is shy and soft-spoken, but don't mess with her when it comes to her favorite book in the whole world. Amy Anne and her lieutenants wage a battle for the books as they start a secret banned books locker library, make up ridiculous reasons to ban every single book in the library to make a point, and take a stand against censorship.

Provides a framework for understanding censorship and the protections guaranteed to us through the first amendment. Interpretations of the uniquely American notion of freedom of expression -- and our freedom to read what we choose -- are supplemented by straightforward, easily accessible information that will inspire further exploration.