Read Between the Lines
Photo provided by Mōhailani Peloso
Why the most challenged books are often the ones we should be reading.
In classrooms and libraries across the country, a growing debate is unfolding—a debate about which stories are allowed on our shelves, and who gets to decide. From Texas to Florida, and many states in between, books are being challenged or removed from schools at a surprising rate. The titles in question range widely, but many feature themes of gender identity, social change, and race. This is not just a matter of curriculum—it is a reflection of the values and experiences our education system chooses to prioritize.
According to PEN America, over 10,000 book bans were recorded in U.S. public schools during the 2023–2024 school year—a significant increase from the 3,362 bans tracked the previous year. Titles such as The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe, and All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson have been at the center of these conversations. While critics of these books often cite age appropriateness or explicit content, supporters argue that these narratives offer necessary perspectives that help students navigate the complexities of our world.
Discomfort, after all, can be a sign that a story is asking important questions. And schools should be one of the best places to explore those questions—guided by educators who can foster critical thinking and respectful dialogue. Books that deal with sensitive topics—whether race, gender identity, sexuality, mental health, or abuse—can be difficult to read. But for many students, they are also affirming. Stories like:The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas or The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison do not just entertain, they empower students to express and make sense of their own lived experiences. Ultimately, when students are exposed to many perspectives, they become better equipped to understand both themselves and others.
Still, it is worth acknowledging the concerns that lead to book challenges. Parents and teachers sometimes worry about content being age appropriate. Others may believe that certain topics should be introduced at home rather than in the classroom. These concerns are not necessarily rooted in intolerance—they can reflect a desire to protect. But it is also important to ask: are we protecting students from harm or from reality?
So what can we do?
We can support community-led initiatives that are emerging to counteract book bans. For instance, in Annapolis, Maryland, a grassroots effort called “Operation Caged Bird” was recently launched to redistribute books removed from the U.S. Naval Academy's library, ensuring continued access to diverse narratives. Organizations like Unite Against Book Bans also provide resources and support for those advocating for the freedom to read. To stay informed and engaged, readers can consult resources from the American Library Association, The Online Books Page, and PEN America, which offer comprehensive information on book bans and advocacy tools.
Additionally, we can approach challenged books with curiosity rather than fear. We can read them, discuss them, and ask why they were challenged in the first place. Whether we agree or not, exploring different perspectives is part of a strong, inclusive learning environment. However, every student deserves the chance to find stories that speak to them. So I will leave you with this…Read thoughtfully. Read widely. Read often.
Works Cited:
PEN America. “Book Bans.” PEN America, 9 Sept. 2024, pen.org/book-bans/.