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Increase in Book Bans Raises Concerns Among Authors and Educators
NEW YORK — Renowned author Jodi Picoult recalls the time when her novel “Nineteen Minutes,” which explores the complex issues surrounding a school shooting, received widespread acclaim. However, it has now found itself at the center of a national debate as it tops a recent list by PEN America that details the most frequently banned books in schools.
“Not too long ago, it was both recommended and part of the curriculum in numerous schools—where it is now being banned,” Picoult shared in a recent phone interview.
On Friday, PEN America published a report that expands earlier statistics released during Banned Books Week. This event brought attention to works that have faced censorship across the nation. The report details over 10,000 instances of books being challenged or removed during the 2023-2024 academic year, marking a dramatic increase compared to the approximately 2,500 challenges noted in 2021-2022. The report identifies around 4,200 unique titles that faced bans, a considerable rise from the 1,600 titles in previous years.
The data reveals that over 80% of the recorded bans originated from Iowa and Florida, states known for enacting laws aimed at restricting the availability of certain books in schools. Florida accounted for nearly 4,500 book removals, while Iowa saw more than 3,600.
Kasey Meehan, director of PEN’s Freedom to Read program, emphasized the importance of accessible literature in schools, stating, “The ability for students to engage with diverse materials is integral to their development—fostering critical thinking, empathy, and their overall well-being. Upholding the principles of public education alongside the freedom to read and think is more crucial now than ever.”
In addition to “Nineteen Minutes,” frequently challenged titles include John Green’s “Looking for Alaska,” Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple,” Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye,” among others. Many of these works delve into themes of sexuality, race, and gender identity, prompting local debates on their appropriateness for students.
Picoult identified a specific point of contention regarding her book, noting that a single reference to date rape has drawn significant ire from critics.
“The content isn’t gratuitous or intended to shock; it isn’t pornography,” Picoult explained. “The discomfort stems from the fact that it challenges readers to confront unsettling realities. A lot of these bans, I believe, originate from a fear of different perspectives.”
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This article has been corrected to reflect the accurate title of Picoult’s work, “Nineteen Minutes,” rather than “Nineteen Seconds.”
Source
abcnews.go.com