Take a photo of a barcode or cover
01 Jan 2025—31 Dec 2025
Overview
- Promote access to censored literature, foster critical discussions on censorship, and amplify marginalized voices (LGBTQ+, people of color) impacted by book bans.
Goals:
- Read 1-2 banned books monthly, prioritizing LGBTQ+/POC narratives.
- Host on-line forums discussions/conversations on censorship’s societal impact, using data (e.g., 41% of bans target LGBTQ+ content).
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Stretch Goal: Partner with local libraries/ACLU to identify and promote banned books.
Overview of Book Banning in the U.S.
Over 10,000 book bans occurred in 2024, disproportionately targeting LGBTQ+ (25%) and Black narratives (26%). Critics argue bans erase marginalized histories and worsen mental health crises among queer youth (45% considered suicide). Conservative groups like Moms for Liberty often label LGBTQ+ content as “inappropriate,” despite minimal representation in literature (only 3.1% of YA books feature LGBTQ+ leads).
Why It’s a Problem:
Over 10,000 book bans occurred in 2024, disproportionately targeting LGBTQ+ (25%) and Black narratives (26%). Critics argue bans erase marginalized histories and worsen mental health crises among queer youth (45% considered suicide). Conservative groups like Moms for Liberty often label LGBTQ+ content as “inappropriate,” despite minimal representation in literature (only 3.1% of YA books feature LGBTQ+ leads).
Why It’s a Problem:
- Educational Harm: Bans limit exposure to diverse perspectives, violating students’ right to learn.
- Mental Health: LGBTQ+ youth in unsupportive environments face higher suicide risks.
- Censorship Cycle: Bans normalize silencing minority voices, undermining free expression.
Nexts Steps:
- Use resources like The Palace Project’s Banned Book Club app, Libby, Hoopla, etc. to access titles.
- For book selections, refer to PEN America’s banned titles list.
2025 Banned Book Club (LGBTQ+ / POC)
6 participants (12 books)
STARTS: 01 Jan 2025ENDS: 31 Dec 2025
Overview
- Promote access to censored literature, foster critical discussions on censorship, and amplify marginalized voices (LGBTQ+, people of color) impacted by book bans.
Goals:
- Read 1-2 banned books monthly, prioritizing LGBTQ+/POC narratives.
- Host on-line forums discussions/conversations on censorship’s societal impact, using data (e.g., 41% of bans target LGBTQ+ content).
-
Stretch Goal: Partner with local libraries/ACLU to identify and promote banned books.
Overview of Book Banning in the U.S.
Over 10,000 book bans occurred in 2024, disproportionately targeting LGBTQ+ (25%) and Black narratives (26%). Critics argue bans erase marginalized histories and worsen mental health crises among queer youth (45% considered suicide). Conservative groups like Moms for Liberty often label LGBTQ+ content as “inappropriate,” despite minimal representation in literature (only 3.1% of YA books feature LGBTQ+ leads).
Why It’s a Problem:
Over 10,000 book bans occurred in 2024, disproportionately targeting LGBTQ+ (25%) and Black narratives (26%). Critics argue bans erase marginalized histories and worsen mental health crises among queer youth (45% considered suicide). Conservative groups like Moms for Liberty often label LGBTQ+ content as “inappropriate,” despite minimal representation in literature (only 3.1% of YA books feature LGBTQ+ leads).
Why It’s a Problem:
- Educational Harm: Bans limit exposure to diverse perspectives, violating students’ right to learn.
- Mental Health: LGBTQ+ youth in unsupportive environments face higher suicide risks.
- Censorship Cycle: Bans normalize silencing minority voices, undermining free expression.
Nexts Steps:
- Use resources like The Palace Project’s Banned Book Club app, Libby, Hoopla, etc. to access titles.
- For book selections, refer to PEN America’s banned titles list.
Challenge Books
2
All Boys Aren't Blue
George M. Johnson
Top 10 Most Banned LGBTQ+ Books (2023-2024)
4
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky
Top 10 Most Banned LGBTQ+ Books (2023-2024)
6
Let's Talk about It: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human
Erika Moen, Matthew Nolan
Top 10 Most Banned LGBTQ+ Books (2023-2024)
8
And Tango Makes Three
Peter Parnell, Justin Richardson
Top 10 Most Banned LGBTQ+ Books (2023-2024)
