“Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.” This quote from noted author and columnist for the Chicago Tribune, Mary Schmich, reflects the power of books to inspire, motivate and educate us. Far more than words on a page, books are the medium to learn about history, science, philosophy, and countless other subjects, explore new ideas, and gain better understanding of the world around us.
Access to books is especially important for children, most of whom start to read around 6 or 7 years old, although some start as early as age 4 years. Not only are books the gateway to learning in school and beyond, but reading exposes children to words and phrases they may not use in everyday conversation, thus expanding their vocabulary. Similarly, reading improves children’s language skills; improves their memory, concentration and critical thinking skills; and helps them develop empathy. As children read books about people whose lives are different than their own, they gain an appreciation for other people’s feelings, as well as other cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, thus helping them to become better citizens of the world.
Yet, despite the importance of books to children’s learning and development, the sad truth is that books are being banned from public schools and school districts across the country. While book banning and curriculum gag orders in the U.S. are not new – historians date censorship to colonial times – the extent of these restrictions in schools are unparalleled:
- As of the fall of 2022, 25 states had passed 64 laws limiting what students can learn in public schools.
- In 2023, the American Library Association (ALA) reported efforts to censor 4,240 book titles in schools and school libraries. This represents a 65 percent surge in book titles targeted for censorship, the highest level ever documented by the ALA.
- Between January and June 2022, the organization PEN America found “30% of the unique titles banned are books about race, racism or feature characters of color. Meanwhile, 26% of unique titles banned have LGBTQ characters or themes.”
- Beyond schools, ALA reported a 92 percent increase in efforts to remove books from public libraries. These efforts are driven by local pressure groups and individuals who often demand the removal of dozens or hundreds of books at one time. In a number of cases, these activists have not read the books or don’t have children in the school system.
- Local censorship efforts also include an alarming number of threats directed at libraries and library workers. According to the ALA, these threats include calls to close or defund local libraries, attempts to criminally prosecute libraries and teachers for providing books and library resources to minors, and even bomb threats that closed down a number of libraries and schools.
It is hard to imagine teachers and librarians as criminals because they are attempting to help children read. Yet, two states – Arkansas and North Dakota – have passed legislation that allows for the criminal prosecution of librarians and educators. Moreover, eight states have passed gag order laws to restrict how teachers can discuss American history and current events in public schools: Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas.
What is behind these efforts is even more disturbing than the statistics. We are witnessing a coordinated effort to restrict what children learn, especially about American history, civics, and so-called “divisive concepts,” which basically means issues about race and identity. The goal is not to prepare American children to be productive members of society and the workforce. Rather, the intent is to limit what is taught in classrooms and to keep children from reading books that address themes like slavery, racism and civil rights in America; the struggles of people to be free around the world; or to learn about how different people live.
What types of books are being banned? Believe it or not, the list includes literary classics like “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “Of Mice and Men,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and “The Color Purple. Then there are beloved children’s books, including Charlotte’s Web,” criticized because the main characters are talking animals, and amazingly, the Harry Potter books, now the most challenged books of the entire 21st century because they feature witches and are considered pagan, Satanic, anti-religious and dangerous (really!). Combine these favorites with literally hundreds of fiction and non-fiction books by or about people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Jewish and Muslim characters and you will understand the nature and extent of book banning today in communities around the country.
So why is all this happening now? Because, as American publisher and author William Feather once said, “Books open your mind, broaden your mind, and strengthen you as nothing else can.” Simply put, book bans are meant to stop children from reading about topics some adults find uncomfortable and to whitewash American history on slavery and discrimination.
History has shown that banning books is harmful to children as future citizens and productive members of society. And polling finds that large majorities of voters (71 percent) oppose efforts to ban books in schools and libraries.
America’s youth must be afforded the opportunity to learn full and complete U.S. history so they can actively participate in our system of government when they turn 18 years old. And they need the knowledge from a wide range of books to think critically, understand societal issues and different perspectives, make informed decisions, and to see better versions of themselves, which develops empathy and tolerance.
Book banning and curriculum restrictions are a form of child abuse that should be rejected. Of all people, those with a real Christian faith that know that book banning is as counterproductive as are boycotts that only inspire a backlash. Wisdom is understanding that God is never threatened by knowledge or science, or counter viewpoints. Mankind’s search for meaning or values is a sign of strength not weakness. “Fear not, and do what is right,” is the sound advice found in the Scriptures.