Breaking down the historic rise of book bans

Today, I find myself reflecting on Jodi Picoult’s bestselling novel Nineteen Minutes, a harrowing account of the moments leading up to a school shooting. It was among the top books banned during the U.S. 2023–2024 school year according to PEN America, and it contains a quote that I find very poignant: “If we don’t change the direction we are headed, we will end up where we are going.”

Book bans have already risen to unprecedented levels in recent years. Since 2021, PEN America has reported nearly 16,000 book bans in U.S. public schools nationwide—a number not seen since the Red Scare McCarthy era of the 1950s. By banning books, we are limiting access to stories that reflect a wide range of experiences and put young readers at a severe disadvantage. As a society, we all suffer under censorship.

Preserving the freedom to read

Right to Read Day marks a national effort led by Unite Against Book Bans to encourage readers, educators, and advocates to preserve access to literature for all. By mobilizing our communities, raising awareness, and providing advocacy tools, we can challenge restrictions on books in schools and libraries right now.

Here are four organizations that can help support your involvement:

1. 1.	Office for Intellectual Freedom: Part of the American Library Association, you can receive free consulting services, training materials, and even grants to bolster efforts combating book bans.
   2.	Unite Against Book Bans: Our partners at Unite Against Book Bans offer actionable advocacy ideas to implement in your local community today, such as ways to support your local library, how to report a book ban, and ways to evaluate government candidates.
   3.	PEN America: Providing research reports that clearly outline the dramatic rise in censorship, PEN America also offers guides on how to contact your state elected officials and what to say at public meetings.
   4.	International Literacy Association (ILA): Here at ILA, we provide a Children’s Rights to Read toolkit specifically designed for teacher colleagues, librarians, families, and policymakers.

Literacy is a fundamental human right, and access to books is essential for fostering lifelong learning, critical thinking, and empathy. By defending the right to read, we uphold global literacy efforts that empower individuals and communities. Whether you write to a legislator, attend an event, or share resources, every action contributes to a future where books remain accessible to all.

Jillian Gorry is the managing editor for the International Literacy Association.