Each year, people try to keep certain books out of schools and libraries. They feel that students should not have access to literature about subjects they consider inappropriate for young readers. Many popular books have been challenged or banned in recent years, including The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Giver by Lois Lowry, and Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. Captain Underpants by Dave Pilkey is even on the list.

Some people think that youth should be protected from difficult issues, such as racism and violence. They also think that books can give kids bad ideas. Other people suggest that youth are facing tough issues in their lives already. If those issues are integrated into meaningful stories, young people might find books helpful for understanding their own lives. For example, when a novel incorporates a problem such as racism, it can help kids dealing with prejudice feel less alone. It might also help kids see how their actions can affect other people.

Librarians and teachers try to promote positive attitudes toward reading. They like to see students fully engaged with relevant literature. Some librarians and teachers want censored books to be accessible to students because these books are often interesting to read. Many American citizens argue that book banning and other types of censorship violate their civil rights.

Should students have the freedom to read anything they choose despite the possible negative effects?