As I write this blog, it is Banned Books week (October 5-11, 2025). This topic is now relevant as ever, particularly for those of us working in education. A recent report from PEN America found that there have been 22,810 instances of books banned in US public schools between 2021-2025!
In Unconditional Education, one of our main goals is to help the students and families we partner with feel seen, heard, and valued in their schools. Book bans serve the opposite purpose by denying students opportunities to see their identities, histories, and experiences reflected in the books they read. As one of our families’ favorite authors, Grace Lin shares, “Books are like mirrors: They can show readers parts of themselves. That’s where the self-worth comes from - because when you see yourself, you have a sense of your own value, even a sense that you can be a hero, too.” Books serve as windows as well, helping students to learn about diverse perspectives and realities, outside of their own.
A large proportion of targeted books (47%) represent the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals, making it harder for folx who hold those identities to see themselves reflected in the books available in the library, and making it harder for folx who do not hold those identities to learn about the diverse perspectives and realities of those that do.
While the push for banning books comes from a tiny number of citizens, it is also true that only 1 in 4 people are aware of book ban and restriction efforts. So what can we do other than spread the word?
To end on an uplifting literary development. In case you haven’t heard … Reading Rainbow is BACK! Librarian Mychal Threets hosts the new series launched on October 4th on KidZuko YouTube. Check out the first episode here and share with a young one in your life!
In Unconditional Education, one of our main goals is to help the students and families we partner with feel seen, heard, and valued in their schools. Book bans serve the opposite purpose by denying students opportunities to see their identities, histories, and experiences reflected in the books they read. As one of our families’ favorite authors, Grace Lin shares, “Books are like mirrors: They can show readers parts of themselves. That’s where the self-worth comes from - because when you see yourself, you have a sense of your own value, even a sense that you can be a hero, too.” Books serve as windows as well, helping students to learn about diverse perspectives and realities, outside of their own.
A large proportion of targeted books (47%) represent the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals, making it harder for folx who hold those identities to see themselves reflected in the books available in the library, and making it harder for folx who do not hold those identities to learn about the diverse perspectives and realities of those that do.
While the push for banning books comes from a tiny number of citizens, it is also true that only 1 in 4 people are aware of book ban and restriction efforts. So what can we do other than spread the word?
- Follow book reviewers with diverse identities and perspectives for books recommendations at all developmental stages. Here are two of my favorite “bookstagrammers” that I follow on Instagram for this purpose: Maya Lê (@maistorybook) for picture books and Claire Linney (@claire_linney) for middle grade and young adult books.
- Buy banned books from you local neighborhood bookstore or check them out from the library! If your library does not carry a book you are looking for, send in a request or suggestion for them to add it to their collection!
- Join your local library school board meetings prepared to speak up on this issue
- Follow the American Library Association and support them in fighting censorship efforts at uniteagainstbookbans.org
- Check out the picture book, “Book Comes Home: A Banned Book’s Journey,” from your local library to share a critique of book banning from the books perspective with a young one in your life. Use the book to open dialogue about the importance of inclusion, diverse perspectives, and freedom of speech.
- Share in the comments below some of your favorite banned books!
To end on an uplifting literary development. In case you haven’t heard … Reading Rainbow is BACK! Librarian Mychal Threets hosts the new series launched on October 4th on KidZuko YouTube. Check out the first episode here and share with a young one in your life!
Blog by: Jenny Ventura, Senior Director of Education Innovation
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