This article exposes the alarming rise of book bans in the US, particularly in Texas, driven by 'pressure groups' challenging content related to sexuality, race, and LGBTQ+ issues. It also offers a defiant 'banned books gift guide' to encourage reading these challenged titles.
The article highlights that Texas is a major epicenter for book bans, with the American Library Association (ALA) reporting 821 attempts to ban library materials in the US in 2024. Most challenges come from 'pressure groups' objecting to sexual content, themes of race/racism, LGBTQ+ issues, and other social justice topics. While reported challenges slightly decreased between 2023-2024, many instances of pre-censorship or restricted access go unrecorded. Despite this, there's a hopeful response, with groups like the Texas Freedom to Read Project and librarians collaborating with civil rights organizations. The piece encourages gifting banned books and provides a 'banned books gift guide' featuring titles such as 'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende, 'Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret' by Judy Blume, 'Nickel and Dimed' by Barbara Ehrenreich, works by Toni Morrison ('The Bluest Eye,' 'Song of Solomon,' 'Beloved'), 'Persepolis' by Marjane Satrapi, 'It’s a Book' by Lane Smith, the 'Goosebumps' series by RL Stine, 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker, and 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' by Maya Angelou, all of which have faced bans since 2000.
