Why are children’s books banned?

Banned books are a big problem.

Banned books have recently become a trending topic, but this issue has been around for centuries. Books that challenge family values, religious views, and worldviews often get banned, which presents a significant problem. Let's explore this controversial issue further.

How long have books been banned?

Throughout history, banned books have existed for centuries. In the Early Colonial Era, religious leaders spurred book bans due to the controversy surrounding books that challenged the established religion. During the times of slavery and the Civil War, books related to abolition and slavery were often challenged. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a siege against immorality, with novels containing explicit content or unconventional themes at the forefront of this war. In the mid-20th century, there were growing efforts to ban books in schools and public libraries. "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Catcher in the Rye" faced the challenges of being banned during this time. 

The Supreme Court affirmed students' right to access diverse viewpoints in 1982, and the First Amendment protects the freedom to read and access information. However, recent controversies around LGBTQ+ themes, race, and political views have sparked debates about book bans. Librarians nationwide are working to protect readers' rights and promote intellectual freedom, but the battle continues.

Children’s books now feature characters from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities, including LGBTQ+ characters, differently abled characters, and non-traditional families.

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Why are children’s books banned?

1. Not aligning with certain family values or beliefs

2. Conflicting with religious teachings

3. Discussing controversial political issues

4. Advocating for minority rights

What do banned books do?

The impact of banning children's books and censoring children's literature is quite significant. When books are banned, it can limit young people's perspectives and lead us to only see one side of the real world. This can result in children growing up to fear new ideas that conflict with their family values, religious teachings, political beliefs, and the experiences of underrepresented groups. Overall, the effects are not positive.

We have the right to express ourselves freely in America, and students have the right to access diverse viewpoints. It's terrible that this is happening in the so-called land of freedom, as intellectual freedom is an integral part of it.

What children’s books are banned?

"New Kid" by Jerry Craft is a book that delves into the experiences of a Black boy attending a predominantly white private school. The book was banned due to its exploration of racial themes and discussions of microaggressions.

However, it's important to note that these issues are very real and happen in schools across America. For instance, in a BuzzFeed interview, Noahchak, who attended a mainly white private school, shared about experiencing a microaggression similar to in the book. People assumed he was there on a scholarship solely because of his skin color. This serves as evidence that instances like these are not just fictional but occur in real life.

Children must be educated about these experiences, as sadly, there are numerous documented cases of such incidents occurring throughout the country.