More than 1,500 authors, illustrators, audiobook narrators, and translators have banded together to combat the wave of draconian book bans sweeping the country, according to a news release.
The organization, called Authors Against Book Bans, has enrolled celebrated authors including Elizabeth Acevedo, Judy Blume, Alexander Chee, Dhonielle Clayton, Lev Grossman, Daniel Handler, Maia Kobabe, Sarah MacLean, Emily St. John Mandel, Julia Quinn, Emma Straub, Raina Telgemeier, and more.
Well-known writers are just one element of the organization's strategy, according to AABB founding member Alan Gratz, author of Ban This Book, a middle-grade book which was recently banned in a Florida school district. “We are reaching out to indie authors, self-published authors, really anyone who has their name on a book.”
“Because these bans happen so quickly and locally, it's like Whack-A-Mole trying to keep up with them,” Gratz told Kirkus. “We need authors at all levels from all around the country to help monitor the situation, to speak at school board meetings and libraries, to write letters to legislators, and to rally local support.”
“We know that book bans are rising exponentially across the country. From Idaho and Utah to California and New York City, challenges are specifically targeting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors,” said Maggie Tokuda-Hall, author of The Siren, The Song, and The Spy and many other children's books, in the AABB news release.
“The censorship of these books sends a devastating and unacceptable message to members of these communities,” Tokuda-Hall says. “Every reader deserves to see themselves and their families in the books in schools and libraries. The people working to keep these books on shelves around the country are incredibly brave, and Authors Against Book Bans is a growing army ready to support them in their fight.”
Launched in spring 2024, Authors Against Book Bans works through regional and local chapters to support the availability of diverse voices on library shelves and in schools. The organization has formed partnerships with organizations including We Need Diverse Books, PEN America, and The Authors Guild.
Marion Winik hosts NPR’s The Weekly Reader podcast.
