BAN THIS!

Young people and teachers issue a powerful clapback to book bans in this inspiring guide.

In 2020, amid a national racial reckoning, Pennsylvania’s Central York School District board voted to ban over 300 resources about diversity and multiculturalism. In response, members of the student group the Panther Anti-Racist Union mobilized to challenge the bans—and won. Established by two veteran educators, PARU created a “safe and courageous space” for students to engage in conversations about race. As pro-banning rhetoric escalated in the community, PARU blossomed. Supported by adult allies, students pushed back with compelling personal stories and thoughtful counterpoints that helped sway the tide. Each chapter of this book (all written by former students and teachers who were active in PARU’s efforts) focuses on one of these points. The authors’ personal connections to the topics—including “Will Diverse Books Encourage Racism?” and “Is It Wrong To Show Nontraditional Families and Lifestyles?”—give the writing a sense of depth and urgency. Eye-catching colors, fonts, and photos break up the text and provide visual engagement. Text boxes offer helpful definitions of terms like microaggressions and dog whistle. Each chapter ends with a section labeled “What To Say,” which includes brief suggested responses to common objections to inclusivity. This critically timely and engaging work effectively demonstrates the toll of book bans on communities.

A compelling take on tackling censorship that elevates the authentic voices of youths and their allies.