Hi Reader,

Banned Books Week starts on October 5th and sadly it is more relevant than ever. The huge spike in book challenges and bans that started in 2021 has only continued to rise, with the federal government now joining in this censorship on a massive scale.

But that does not mean we are helpless! Even in my conservative home state of Tennessee, the Rutherford County Library Board unanimously voted to put previously banned books back on the shelves in June after public and legal pressure.

Here are four ideas for supporting Banned Books Week in your home, school, library, congregation, or community group during October 5 - 11th:

Purchase a frequently challenged or banned children's book or check it out from your library.

Both purchases and library checkouts prove to book publishers and library leadership that people want to read these books. Your purchase or book checkout sends a message that they shouldn't avoid books with LGBTQ characters or books that discuss racism.

Since authors of color and Queer authors are disproportionately targeted by book challenges, you're also supporting them and their valuable work in the process.

I've put together a list of frequently challenged and banned children's books on Bookshop.org, with books for ages 3 to 17. (please note the list includes affiliate links which support my business and independent bookstores).

Talk about book banning with the children you cherish.

If you're not sure where to start, talk about how important it is for every kid to be able to see characters who are like them in the books they read. You can share that books that are about LGBTQ characters or that talk about racism are often targeted for banning.

You can find more in-depth information in this Kids' Right to Read toolkit. (While it's geared towards parents who want to take action, it's also got easy-to-understand info for tweens and above.)

And if you're reading a book that has been banned with your child, I love this discussion question from Lindsay Barrrett:

Participate in Let Freedom Read Day of Action on Saturday October 11

​Unite Against Book Bans has so many ideas and resources for you, including actions you can take in just 5 to 15 minutes!​

At the link above, you'll find

• action ideas
• social media graphics you can share
• coloring pages (last year we mailed completed ones to our children's librarians)
• bookmarks
• a banned books trivia night kit (how fun would this be!)

Create a banned books display in your library or classroom

Kids and teens will be surprised to learn that some of their favorite books are being pulled from the shelves in other places.

The American Library Association has a wonderful gallery of creative display ideas. ​

Happy reading (and happy speaking up!),

Rebekah

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Rebekah Gienapp (she/her/hers) | rebekahgienapp.com | Connect on Instagram | Coffees for Gaza |

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