Support and Read Banned and Challenged Books: Free Resources for Fighting Book Bans

Book Résumés 

Bookmark this page to access hundreds of book résumés (and growing!) that help teachers, librarians, parents and community members keep books on shelves. Book résumés detail each title’s significance and value and are easy to share with administrators, book review committees, elected officials and board members. Discover more. 

Rally for the Right to Read 

Looking for more resources to help your community organize around banned books? Visit our Rally for the Right to Read site for more downloadable resources, access to our justification database, and to request a kit aimed at spotlighting and fighting censorship in your communities all year long. Learn more. 

Dealing with Book Challenges 

Most school districts have policies that address controversial materials in the library and classroom, including a process for a citizen to file a formal challenge. Here are ways that school personnel might deal with challenges: 

• Know your school district’s policy and discuss it with your administrator.
• Meet with concerned parents and let them know why the book was selected, the themes to be discussed with students, and writing assignments.
• Offer an alternative title that addresses the same themes explored in the challenged material. Assure parents that their students may leave the classroom and complete another assignment when the class is engaged in discussion of the challenged novel.
• If the issue is unresolved in the meeting, give the complainants a copy of the school board policy and instructions for filing a formal request for reconsideration. This should include:
• A statement declaring that they have read the entire book;
• Reasons for the challenge (language, sex, violence, religious viewpoint, etc.);
• A statement regarding literary merits of the book; and
• Suggestions of other titles that deal with the same themes, which they deem more appropriate for their child.
• Assure parents that the school and school district’s materials review committee will read the novel and address the complaint. The committee will then make a recommendation to the school board.
• Spread the word to colleagues and friends that a book challenge is in progress. They may engage in recruiting others to speak up for the book in their neighborhoods, local media and social media.
• Don’t hesitate to contact the American Library’s Association Office for Intellectual Freedom and the National Coalition Against Censorship for help. They will respect your anonymity if you request it.
• Be honest with students should they ask about a book challenge in progress. Word spreads and they are likely to know about it. Do not reveal which parents have complained. Never make a student feel guilty for the action of their parents. 

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School Strategies 

Know the Full Substance 

You may want to be ready to discuss controversial subjects and be prepared to address parents’ concerns. You can develop a written rationale to articulate the reasons for using a particular literary work in the classroom. According to the National Council of Teachers of English: “Rationale development should be a part of thoughtful planning for classroom instruction. If we have not reflected on the whys of what we teach, we will be unprepared to meet the needs and challenges of our students and to respond to potential complaints, either from parents or from others in the community who seek to influence the curriculum. (Source: www.ncte.org) 

Open Communication 

You can provide parents with a copy of the written rationale, as context of how the title in question fits into the curriculum. If a parent raises a challenge, you can advise them to read the entire book, and mention the danger of interpreting language or actions outside the context of the story. 

Discuss the Situation 

Talk to other teachers, librarians, guidance counselors, principals and the board of education to explain the situation. Getting their support will make a big difference—multiple voices are louder than one. 

Learn the Details 

Be familiar with your material selection policy, including local criteria, the methods for choosing materials and who selects materials. Know your school’s method for dealing with complaints. Make sure the entire school staff is aware of the policy for handling challenges and will adhere to these policies. 

General Strategies 

Contact National Organizations That Can Help 

Numerous national organizations provide information, tools and support, including Unite Against Book Bans, the American Library Association, the National Coalition Against Censorship and the American Booksellers Foundation for Freedom of Expression. 

Know the First Amendment  

Freedom of speech is a powerful tool supported by law that protects your rights and the rights of your readers. Click here to download a printable copy of our guide to understanding the First Amendment. 

Be Familiar with the Definition of ‘Intellectual Freedom’  

Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. For a fuller analysis and defense of this right, read the Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q & A here. 

Research Past Cases 

Over the years, many books have been challenged. Responses to these challenges are archived on several websites, including www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill. You can use these past examples to support your defense of a book. 

For a sample letter to the editor, organizations that can help and more downloadable resources, or to access the full version of this blog, visit https://rhcbteacherslibrarians.com/latest-buzz/support-read-banned-books/. This abridged blog is posted with permission from Random House Children’s Books Teachers & Librarians.