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 Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson, and Captain Underpants by Dave Pilkey. 

Some adults think that youth should be protected from difficult or divisive issues, such as racism, violence, cursing, sex, and gender identity. They promote the right of parents to shape the values and beliefs of their children. They think that books that expose students to ideas that some parents disagree with should not be accessible to children. Some also worry that certain books may be upsetting to their children. 

Other adults 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 and the lives of others. Furthermore, banning books denies access to all students, including the children of parents who believe it is helpful for students to learn about controversial issues. They may want their children to have access to the books they find important. 

Despite the possibility that a student might find a book upsetting, some children believe that they should be allowed to decide for themselves what to read. And some believe it violates the civil rights of students to ban books.  

Many librarians and teachers try to promote positive attitudes toward reading. They like to see students fully engaged with literature. Some librarians and teachers want censored books to be accessible to students because these books may interest students in reading. Librarians may also feel that the public should trust them to know what books are appropriate for a school library. But other teachers and librarians think that parents should have a say in what books their children have access to.

Should students have the freedom to read anything they choose? Or should books be banned if they expose students to ideas that some parents disagree with?