Book banning, which has risen sharply in recent years, continues to affect kids’ access to books in schools and libraries in various districts all around the country. Over the course of just two and half academic years, the freedom-of-expression organization PEN America has reported book-banning activity in 42 states.
“In the rush to label everything as obscene, works like Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give, Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and even Merriam-Webster’s Elementary Dictionary have been banned, despite their obvious literary value,” says PEN America’s report.
Many students, parents, authors, educators, and community leaders are pushing back against censorship efforts and fighting for the freedom to read. One student in Miami, Florida, summed up the sentiment well: “Trying to hide the kind of unpleasant truth from us, that doesn’t do any good. In fact, that’s harmful.”
Banned Books Week, recognized from September 22 to 28 this year, brings together everyone who loves books to support the freedom to read. You can commemorate the event by taking the quiz below, reading together, requesting diverse books from your library, or finding out how to get involved in your local school board.
Banned Books Week trivia quiz for families
Book banning is a trend that affects kids and families almost everywhere. To learn more about book banning and censorship with your family, take this trivia quiz. It’s sure to start some great conversations about reading, learning, and freedom.
