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More information about CCBC Choices book recommendations
Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers' Rights
CCBC Review:
“When adults … refuse to acknowledge that adolescence isn’t a time of innocence and ease for everyone, when they try to take away books that reflect the wide range of experiences of young people, they are attempting to change the narrative of what it means to be a teen in the United States” (Isabel Quintero). Fourteen creators of books for youth whose works have been among those targeted by censors challenging materials in school and public libraries in recent years offer their perspectives on book bans and censorship in the United States. They do so in pieces sharing life experiences that inform their work; how the censorship landscape has impacted them; and, above all, their commitment to creating books that reflect the realities of life for children and teens today, as well as life in our country in the past. The offerings include essays, comics, short stories, and poems. Among them are powerful personal reflections. Occasional, excellent contextual information is provided throughout, such as the difference between a book challenge and a book ban, components of the challenge process, information on obscenity laws, examples of reasons books have been banned, and how to start a banned-book club. In addition, booklists follow most of the authors’ contributions, offering additional reading suggestions on related topics or themes. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Debbie Fong
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 13 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
Books and Reading
Education
Free Speech
Writers and Writing
Publisher:
Holiday House
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 294
ISBN: 9780823458301
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 025 Perez