Resources
To help you in your fight against censorship, we've compiled a list of the most effective tools and resources to equip you to speak up.
Red, Wine and Blue Book Banning Buster Packet
This packet is an actionable guide designed to empower individuals who want to take a stand against book censorship in their communities. With step-by-step instructions, templates for addressing school boards or public officials, and more, this is an essential resource for anyone ready to speak out.
Take Action
Book Resumes Project
The Book Resumes Project provides concise summaries for challenged books. These résumés outline each title’s significance and educational value, making them ideal for parents, librarians, or educators defending books in front of decision-making committees or government officials.
Explore the Resumes
Unite Against Book Bans
Organized by the American Library Association, this initiative offers tools, action plans, and guidance for attending library and school board meetings. Unite Against Book Bans empowers communities to rally against censorship and advocate for intellectual freedom.
Get Started
PEN America
PEN America has an extensive resource called Cover to Cover, analyzing the titles banned during the 2023–2024 school year. PEN also actively tracks censorship efforts and organizes campaigns to protect free expression.
Access the Analysis
National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC)
NCAC’s Free Expression Network is an alliance of organizations united to safeguard First Amendment rights.
Take Advantage of NCAC resources
NCAC’s Book Censorship Action Kit
Packed with practical advocacy steps for parents and students, this kit includes templates for letters, op-eds, and petitions. It also offers guidance for creating community awareness around censorship issues and tips for navigating legal challenges related to book banning.
Kids’ Right to Read Project
This initiative offers handbooks, legal guides, and other tools specifically crafted for parents and students who want to defend books targeted by censorship campaigns. From defending individual titles to creating a literacy-first initiative in your school district, this project is a champion for young readers.
Fight for Children’s Access
Banned Books Week and Let Freedom Read Day
Mark your calendars for October 5–11, when Banned Books Week will celebrate the freedom to read. On October 11, participate in Let Freedom Read Day, a national day of action where book lovers unite to resist censorship.
Celebrate Banned Books Week
MFFE Banned Books Handout
Written specifically for military families, this handout covers the history of book bans, their impact on military families, and calls to action for our community to fight back against this censorship.
Share the Handout
Understanding the Legal Standards
When fighting book bans, it’s important to understand the legal framework. The Miller Test, established by the Supreme Court, provides criteria for determining whether material is obscene and thus unprotected by the First Amendment. Advocates should familiarize themselves with these legal boundaries to counteract weak arguments for banning books.
For instance, many censorship attempts cite a single scene or isolated detail in a book, ignoring broader educational or artistic significance. And Tango Makes Three, a children’s book about two male penguins raising a chick, is one example of such selective scrutiny.
Trusted sources for book reviews include the following:
Having credible reviews and arguments on hand can bolster your case when challenging bans or presenting to policymakers.