“Books and ideas are the most effective weapons against intolerance and ignorance.” ― Lyndon B. Johnson
“When you tear out a man’s tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you’re only telling the world that you fear what he might say.” — George R.R. Martin
PEN America defines a school book ban as any action taken against a book based on its content and as a result of parent or community challenges, administrative decisions, or in response to direct or threatened action by lawmakers or other governmental officials that leads to a previously accessible book being either completely removed from availability to students, or where access to a book is restricted or diminished. Diminished access is a form of censorship with educational implications extending beyond a title’s removal.
In recent years, there has been an increased attempt to ban books in schools and libraries nationwide. To learn more about what is happening, visit Pen America.
National Book Banning Awareness Week occurs from October 1-7. We are extending our observance for the month of October. We call on you to do the following:
Consider a book that holds special meaning to you and that you never want to see banned.
Design a cover for your selected book. You can design your cover using any variety of artistic mediums: colored pencils, markers, paints, pastels, graphic design, photography, etc. Be sure to include the title and author in your cover design.
Share a sentence or two about why this book is special and should remain on library shelves.
Be sure to upload a photo of your visual art with this activity on InnerView and send your cover designs and written reflection sentences to the team at [email protected] If selected, your cover will be featured in an international student project online gallery.
