Freedom to Read Project

Tips for connecting with advocates online: 1. Follow and tag advocacy orgs. 2. Use movement hashtags. 3. Engage meaningfully. 4. Share your story.

Want to make a bigger impact for the #FreedomToRead movement? Start by connecting with other advocates online!

The movement is stronger when we’re connected. Start building your digital coalition today and turn online advocacy into real-world change.

#FreedomToRead #BookBans #AdvocacyInAction

What’s Really at Stake: The And Tango Makes Three Ruling and the Slippery Reasoning That Fails Us A Florida judge ruled authors and students lack First Amendment rights in libraries, granting political control over public access and professional curation of ideas.

This is more than a story about 1 banned book. In Escambia County, a court ruled that students & authors have no 1st Amendment rights in school libraries, opening the door to unchecked censorship.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/what_s_reall...

When we let one removal stand on principle, we all lose.

Photo of Sarah Jessica Parker and a quote from her that reads: "To censor a book is to limit imagination, curiosity, connection, empathy, and inspiration." PEN America logo appears at bottom.

Cover of concrete rose

CONCRETE ROSE by Angie Thomas is a powerful, heartfelt novel that deserves a place on every shelf.

Banning this book erases critical conversations about responsibility, masculinity, and identity that matter deeply to today’s youth.

Here’s What LGBTQ+ Teens and Young Adults Have to Say About Libraries and Book Bans How do LGBTQ+ young people feel about having their voices removed from library shelves?

It is crucial to view book bans from the perspective of those whose voices are being hushed by censorship.

Pie chart showing that 97% of book bans are not required by law

Banned Books Week Fact: 97% of book bans weren’t required by law. They happened because of fear.

Fear of losing funding. Fear of political backlash. Fear of standing up for students’ right to read.

This is what censorship looks like today: self-silencing, not statutes.

Cover of Turning the Page: An advocate’s guide to the freedom to read

✨ Happy Banned Books Week! ✨

This year, make your advocacy count with “Turning the Page: An Advocate’s Guide to the Freedom to Read.”

Download it free today and turn your support for banned books into real-world action.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/turning_the_...

What are the top 10 most banned books in the US? See PEN America's list. https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/books/2025/10/05/top-10-banned-books-week/86498998007/ #BannedBooksWeek

When Banning Leads to Bullying How do you show support for librarians during times of book bans and censorship?

With the hostility that has arisen from book banning efforts, we must learn how to recognize and help break the cycle of bullying librarians.

The Average Age of America's Most-Banned Books Is Older Than a High School Senior: Book Censorship News, October 3, 2025 The average age of the most banned books in America is higher than the young people those bans seek to "protect."

That report was useful in taking a moment to look at the average and median ages of the most commonly banned books in the US over the last year.

Average? 22 years old, between PEN and ALA's reports.

Median? 17.

These aren't new books.

bookriot.com/the-average-...

Another Judge Chips Away at Library Patron First Amendment Rights A District Court judge rules that neither library patrons nor authors have First Amendment rights when it comes to library collections.

This week, a judge ruled that library users nor authors have First Amendment Rights when it comes to public school libraries.

The judge said a 1st grader could "just buy the book" removed from their school library.

Your rights are being taken from you.

bookriot.com/parnell-vs-e...

Another Judge Chips Away at Library Patron First Amendment Rights A District Court judge rules that neither library patrons nor authors have First Amendment rights when it comes to library collections.

If you shouted about how unfair it was Jimmy Kimmel was taken off air, then you should sure as shit care that YOUR RIGHTS ARE BEING TAKEN FROM YOU.

bookriot.com/parnell-vs-e...

Image of a book on fire. There is white text on top of the image that reads "The average age of the most banned books in America? 22 years old."

What is the average age of the most banned books in America?

It's 22.

The most banned books in America are not new books.

Why are they suddenly a problem now? We know. We all know.

That, plus an *extensive* roundup of book censorship news this week.

bookriot.com/the-average-...

Speak Out Against Censorship and Speak Up for the Banned Authors that Inspire You During Banned Books Week Oct. 5-11 As book bans continue to spread at an unprecedented pace– according to PEN America’s latest report—the writers group is urging the public to speak out to defend the freedom to read at public events na...

"As book bans continue to spread at an unprecedented pace — according to PEN America’s latest report — the writers group is urging the public to speak out to defend the freedom to read at public events nationwide during #BannedBooksWeek and beyond..." pen.org/press-releas...

Cover of A Clockwork Orange

According to PEN America’s latest report, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE was the most banned book of 2024—and that should trouble us all.

Books that make us uncomfortable are often the ones that make us think the most. Banning them makes our shelves, and our society, poorer.

#FreedomToRead #BookBans

Everyday Bans, Everyday Resistance: What PEN America’s Latest Report Reveals About Book Censorship PEN America’s report shows that in 2024–2025, nearly 6,870 instances of book bans across 23 states and 87 districts targeted 3,752 titles, mostly driven by fear of backlash—not law—and heavily focused...

The latest PEN America report offers more than statistics—it uncovers a modern censorship crisis. Discover how bans affect thousands of books, why most removals are driven by fear, and how communities are pushing back.

www.freedomtoreadproject.org/everyday_ban...

Texas School Administrators Use A.I. To Ban Books Like TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Leander Independent School District's administrators tell educators to "pause" use of 40 books, including numerous classroom classics.

Leander Independent School District (TX) administrators told educators to pull 40 books from their shelves, including TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and LES MISERABLES. They got these titles from using AI.

bookriot.com/leander-sb-13/

Other ways to advocate: start a banned book club, host a book exchange, sponsor a little free library, vote and run for office, find or create a coalition

Here’s a look at one of the action-packed pages from “Turning the Page: An Advocate’s Guide to the Freedom to Read!”

This is only one of over 100 pages of guidance, info, and activities to jumpstart your advocacy journey.

www.freedomtoreadproject.org/turning_the_...

What Teen Novels Are Capable of These books can help young people come to terms with the thoughts that feel too scary to say out loud.

For young readers, books such as Judy Blume’s “Forever” are a chance to see their own desires and anxieties reflected back at them. In the Wonder Reader, @isabelfattal.bsky.social explores the singular power of the art we discover as teens:

Graphic showing where boom challenges take place: 55% public libraries, 38% school libraries, 5% schools, 2% higher ed/other

Ever wonder where book challenges are taking place?

This means the places meant to provide free, open access to stories, information, & ideas are being targeted the most. When public and school libraries lose books, entire communities lose opportunities for discovery, connection, & representation.

A Free Printable Bookmark About Book Censorship Print these free bookmarks to help engage your friends, family, and community in the fight against book bans.

I made a free printable bookmark you can use for any banned books week (or before or after!) displays, books, etc., that gives people *action items* for defending the right to read.

buttondown.com/wellsourced/...

The state has dropped its 24/25 removal report.

Please note: It’s an undercount since they only report removals after formal objections.

Clay continues to lead the state in the number of reported removals at the direction of one person.

www.fldoe.org/file/5574/24...

Opinion: Banning books undercuts learning and democracy. It remains a threat everywhere, including here in Alaska. Banned Books Week highlights how challenges undermine libraries, learning and free choice.

Our Alaska chapter wrote an opinion piece ahead of Banned Books Week. www.adn.com/opinions/202...

Consumer Activism vs. Structural Policy: Why Boycotts Alone Won’t Save the Freedom to Read Consumer activism pressured Disney/ABC, conservatives decried censorship, and moderates exposed hypocrisy, checking FCC intimidation. But in schools, boycotts weaken public education; civic engagement...

Wondering why canceling subscriptions isn’t enough to save public schools?

Our new article dives into how sweeping censorship laws are engineered to push families out of public schoolsand how true resistance means showing up, not checking out.

www.freedomtoreadproject.org/consumer_act...

Email to 6th-grade teachers in Leander ISD that reads: Dear 6th Grade ELA Team, I want to share an Important update regarding some of the texts in our book club and whole-class reading collections. In response to new legislation outlined in Senate Bill 12 (89th Legislature), we have conducted a review of titles currently used in secondary ELA instruction. Because SB 12 prohibits specific types of content, several of our resources now require additional review. Effective immediately, please pause the use of the identified texts (linked below) in instruction and assignments until further notice. This step is necessary to ensure our curriculum remains in full compliance with the law. I want to emphasize that these books are not being permanently removed. They are simply on hold while we seek additional guidance from TASB and TEA regarding the implications of SB 12 for instructional resources. Once we receive that guidance, we will provide clear updates about next steps. Additionally, if these books are included in your own personal classroom library, we request that you remove them since personal classroom libraries are considered instructional resources. I know this timing is far from ideal and may present challenges, especially given the thoughtful preparation you have invested in building engaging reading experiences for students. Please know that our commitment to offering students a wide range of meaningful opportunities for choice reading and discussion remains unchanged. Thank you for your flexibility, professionalism, and continued dedication to our students as we navigate this process together. 6th grade ELAR Resources With appreciation,

List of 40 books removed from classes. Includes To Kill a Mockingbird, The House on Mango Street, The Fire Next Time, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and, weirdly, Les Miserables.

I need help getting this CRAZY censorship story out!

Last week, admins in Leander ISD emailed teachers telling them to “pause” use of 40 books relating to “DEI” that had previously been curriculum or choice reading activities.

Included on the list? To Kill a Mockingbird. #bookbans #booksky

Cover of Friday I’m in love

FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE follows Mahalia Harris, a Black queer teen, as she plans the Sweet Sixteen of her dreams, a coming-out party full of glitter, music, and community. It’s not just about romance; it’s about friendship, family, resilience & carving out joy in a world that too often tries to dim it.

Cover of turning the page: an advocate’s guide to the freedom to read

Have you downloaded our free resource yet?

“Turning the Page: An Advocate’s Guide to the Freedom to Read” is here to help parents, educators, students, and community members stand strong against censorship.

www.freedomtoreadproject.org/turning_the_...

#FreedomToRead

Quote from Daniel handler that says all books are problematic. Every single piece of writing is upsetting to someone. We cannot spend our time removing books which offend us personally, or all the shelves in the world will be bare, and then the entire world will be very upset, indeed.

Book bans don’t “protect” kids; they erase perspectives, silence voices, and narrow our shared imagination. A free society thrives on stories that challenge, unsettle, and expand our thinking.

Let’s keep our shelves full, not empty.

#FreedomToRead #StopBookBans #IntellectualFreedom #LetKidsRead

The Vital Role of Classroom Libraries and What Happens When Broad Laws Pack Them Up Classroom libraries nurture curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking, but vague censorship laws in Florida and Texas silence teachers, restrict access, and harm students.

Classroom libraries matter more than ever.

Our new article exposes how sweeping, vague laws in Florida and Texas are forcing reading material off shelves, stifling student voices, and stripping public schools of inclusive stories.

www.freedomtoreadproject.org/the_vital_ro...

Get the Guide: Turning the Page Turning the Page: an Advocate's Guide to the Freedom to Read was made by public school parents who found themselves in the middle of an organized plan to undermine public education. This guide puts cr...

The @freedomreadproject.bsky.social has created a free guide to advocacy drawn from the experience of parents who had to fend off a coordinated attack on the right to read. Download it here: Turning the Page - Freedom to Read Project