Banned Books Week Highlights Surge in School Book Bans

Florida and Iowa lead the nation in book bans as publishers and authors fight back against censorship.

Banned Books Week, running from September 23 to 28, emphasizes the importance of free access to information amid rising censorship.
PEN America reports over 10,000 book bans in public schools during the 2023-24 school year, with Florida and Iowa responsible for the majority.
Books targeted often feature LGBTQ+ themes, racial issues, or content related to sexual experiences and abuse.
Major publishers and authors have filed lawsuits against state laws they argue facilitate censorship, including Florida's HB 1069.
The American Library Association and other organizations continue to advocate for the freedom to read, encouraging communities to resist book bans.