Freedom to Read Project

Freedom to Read Project

@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Parent-led nonprofit dedicated to protecting access to information in our schools and public libraries. www.freedomtoreadproject.org

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Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Book bans don't happen in isolation. What's happening in one district can quickly spread nationwide. Staying informed helps us spot censorship trends, challenge misinformation, and take action. Sign up for our twice-monthly newsletter to stay informed! #FreedomToRead #BookBans

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

James Madison warned that freedom is often lost through gradual, quiet encroachments. Today, soft censorship and anticipatory obedience allow books to disappear from shelves without formal bans or public debate. We must recognize censorship even when it happens quietly. #FreedomToRead

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

The freedom to read shouldn't end at prison walls. A new Book Riot report exposes how censorship restricts incarcerated people's access to books, education, and opportunity. The fight against censorship must include everyone. Read more: bookriot.com/prison-censo...

bookriot.comThe Landscape of Prison Censorship Since 2021During the last five years, school and public library book bans have been on the rise. But prison censorship continues to rise, too.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Palm Beach County used AI to flag school library books for review, adding 1,800+ entries to censorship tracking. Students can't access flagged books during review. When did treating books as suspicious become normal? Read more: freedomtoreadproject.substack.com/p/when-ai-de...

freedomtoreadproject.substack.comWhen AI Decides Which Books Deserve SuspicionImagine being a school librarian and receiving a list of books that must be reviewed for possible violations of state law.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Some kids follow the rules. Anastasia Krupnik questions them! In ANASTASIA AGAIN! by Lois Lowry, a funny, outspoken girl navigates growing up. The book has faced challenges over language and sexual references. Kids deserve imperfect characters too! #FreedomToRead #BannedBooks

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Your voice matters at school board meetings! School boards make decisions about students' access to books. Don't wait for a book challenge to speak up! Check public comment rules, sign up, and let your board know your community values the freedom to read. #FreedomToRead #BookBans

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Who are banned books actually written for? According to PEN America, 84% of banned titles are intended for teens (58%) or adults (26%). Families should decide what's appropriate for their own children, not everyone else's. The freedom to read matters at every age. #FreedomToRead #BookBans

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Who benefits when public schools and libraries move into private hands, and who gets left behind? Our latest article examines the organizations pushing privatization, the financial interests involved, and what it means for the freedom to read. freedomtoreadproject.substack.com/p/who-is-wor...

freedomtoreadproject.substack.comWho Is Working to Privatize Our Public Schools and Libraries?Understanding the organizations, financial interests, and political networks reshaping America's public institutions
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Why was Harriet the Spy challenged? Some adults thought Harriet was a poor role model because she spies, lies, and hurts others' feelings. But imperfect characters teach valuable lessons! BONUS: See an actual objector's notes and why one opinion shouldn't determine access for all.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Books can open the door to important conversations with our kids. Ask what they thought, how they felt, and why the author included a difficult topic. We can decide what’s right for our own families without removing books from everyone else. #FreedomToRead #RaisingReaders #BookBans

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

The numbers speak for themselves. PEN America documented 11,982 school book bans in 2025–26, the highest number it has recorded in a single school year. Behind every number is a book a student may no longer find on their school library shelf. #FreedomToRead #BookBans

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Today’s featured book is FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury, a dystopian novel about a society where books are outlawed and burned to prevent people from encountering challenging ideas. Ironically, the novel itself has faced challenges and censorship over the years.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

TODAY’S ACTION: Speak up publicly! The freedom to read needs people willing to defend it. Send an email to your school or library board, attend a meeting and make a public comment, write a letter to the editor, or simply share why access to books matters to you on social media.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Today’s book is ANNE FRANK’S DIARY: THE GRAPHIC ADAPTATION. The graphic adaptation brings Anne's experiences hiding from the Nazis during the Holocaust to a new generation of readers. The book has faced challenges over sexual content & its visual depictions of passages from Anne’s diary.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

TODAY’S ACTION: Support an organization defending the freedom to read! Organizations working against book bans rely on donations to provide resources, support local advocates, track censorship, and defend access to books. Find an org working in your state and make a donation today.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

What can Frederick Douglass, 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and The Handmaid’s Tale teach us about censorship? Our latest article explores how writers have long warned us about efforts to control information, restrict ideas, and silence voices. freedomtoreadproject.substack.com/p/they-told-...

freedomtoreadproject.substack.comThey Told Us What Censorship Looks Like. We Should Listen.There is a reason dystopian novels so often begin with control over information.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Perfect for banned books week!

Freedom to Read Project@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Want to fight book bans but aren’t sure where to start? “Turning the Page: An Advocate’s Guide to the Freedom to Read” gives you the information and tools you need to move from concern to action. Download your FREE copy today: www.freedomtoreadproject.org/turning_the_...

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Today’s featured book is THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas, which follows 16-year-old Starr Carter after she witnesses a police officer fatally shoot her childhood friend. The book has been challenged for profanity, violence, drug references, and its discussions of racism and policing.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

TODAY’S ACTION: Learn your district’s book challenge policy! Take a few minutes today to find your district’s policy. Learn who can file an objection, who reviews challenged books, whether parents participate in the process, and what happens to a book while it’s under review.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Banned Books Week continues! Today’s featured book is ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE by George M. Johnson, a memoir about growing up Black and queer and finding your identity. The book has been frequently challenged for its discussions of sexuality, sexual experiences, and LGBTQ+ identity.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

TODAY’S ACTION: Thank a librarian! Librarians do so much more than put books on shelves. Take a few minutes today to email, message, or stop by and thank a school or public librarian for the work they do. A little support can go a long way.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

TODAY’S ACTION: Read a banned book! Check one out from your library or purchase a copy, then leave a positive review when you’re finished. Supporting challenged books also means supporting the authors who wrote them. #BannedBooksWeek #FreedomToRead #BannedBooks #TheBluestEye #ReadBannedBooks

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

At a time when access to information is increasingly under threat, independent journalists are doing essential work investigating censorship, tracking book bans, and telling stories that might otherwise go uncovered. How and why to support: bookriot.com/how-and-why-...

bookriot.comHow and Why to Support Independent Media: Book Censorship News, October 2, 2026Maintaining a robust media landscape requires understanding how and why to support independent media.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Who pays the price when the state takes book decisions away from local communities? Florida’s public-school students and families. Our latest article looks at whose voices are being elevated, what parents actually choose & why local control matters. freedomtoreadproject.substack.com/p/who-pays-t...

freedomtoreadproject.substack.comWho Pays the Price When the State Takes Book Decisions Away from Local Communities?Last week, Florida Commissioner of Education Henry Mack sent a seven-page memorandum to every school district superintendent and charter school leader in the state.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY has been introducing young readers to the Logan family & the realities of racism in 1930s Mississippi for nearly 50 years. Through Cassie’s eyes, readers encounter injustice, courage, family, dignity, and the determination to stand up for yourself & the people you love.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Objections have focused on its racial slurs, racist language, depictions of racial violence, and concerns about how that content affects students. In 2002, it was among the American Library Association’s ten most challenged books, and it has been removed from required reading in some schools.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Those difficult elements are part of a story confronting the brutal realities of segregation & racism, not celebrating them. ROLL OF THUNDER gives young readers an opportunity to encounter that history through the experiences of a Black family fighting to maintain its land, dignity & independence.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Banned Books Week is coming! Oct. 4–10, we’re celebrating the freedom to read and shining a light on censorship in schools and libraries. Follow along for challenged books, resources, and ways to turn awareness into action. #BannedBooksWeek #FreedomToRead #ReadFreely

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Reading for pleasure benefits brain health, cognition, and well-being. Yet book restrictions and funding challenges continue limiting access. If we want lifelong readers, we need to protect their freedom to read. freedomtoreadproject.substack.com/p/reading-is...

freedomtoreadproject.substack.comReading Is Good for Our Brains. So Why Are We Making Books Harder to Access?For years, those who defend the freedom to read have argued that access to books matters.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Join advocates from across the country TODAY to connect, take action, and make your voice heard. Protecting our schools and libraries takes all of us, and every call, message, conversation, and vote can help build a stronger movement. TODAY | 2–4 p.m. ET Virtual and FREE nobookbans.org

nobookbans.orgJoin a star-studded lineup of authors and influencers to champion the freedom to read. Sign up now!Join a virtual variety show featuring a star-studded lineup of freedom to read champions celebrating books, authors, and readers. We’ll SHOW UP by making a plan to vote, then SPEAK UP by calling our representatives and sharing our commitment to the Freedom to Read.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

The freedom to read movement is stronger when we work together, and advocacy can be fun too! “Show Up, Speak Up: Vote for the Freedom to Read” is a chance to connect with fellow book lovers and advocates from across the country, celebrate the freedom to read, and turn that energy into action.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Come meet people who care about the same things you do, enjoy a fun virtual event, and leave feeling more connected to a nationwide community working to protect access to books and information. Bring a friend and join us! September 24 | 2–4 p.m. ET Virtual and FREE nobookbans.org

nobookbans.orgJoin a star-studded lineup of authors and influencers to champion the freedom to read. Sign up now!Join a virtual variety show featuring a star-studded lineup of freedom to read champions celebrating books, authors, and readers. We’ll SHOW UP by making a plan to vote, then SPEAK UP by calling our representatives and sharing our commitment to the Freedom to Read.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Haven’t had time to take action for the freedom to read? This is your chance. We know life is busy. Maybe you’ve been following the headlines, worrying about book bans, and meaning to contact your representatives or get more involved, but you just haven’t gotten around to it.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Join advocates from across the country for a FREE virtual event where we’ll come together, make a plan to vote, contact our representatives, and take meaningful action to support the freedom to read. September 24 | 2–4 p.m. ET Virtual and FREE nobookbans.org

nobookbans.orgJoin a star-studded lineup of authors and influencers to champion the freedom to read. Sign up now!Join a virtual variety show featuring a star-studded lineup of freedom to read champions celebrating books, authors, and readers. We’ll SHOW UP by making a plan to vote, then SPEAK UP by calling our representatives and sharing our commitment to the Freedom to Read.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Show up. Speak up. Stand up for the freedom to read. Join freedom to read advocates from across the country on Thursday, September 24 at 2 p.m. ET for “Show Up, Speak Up: Vote for the Freedom to Read,” a FREE virtual event celebrating books, authors, readers, and the power of civic engagement.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

This virtual variety show will feature a lineup of freedom to read champions. Together, participants will make a plan to vote, contact their representatives, and speak up in support of the freedom to read. September 24 | 2–4 p.m. ET Virtual and FREE nobookbans.org

nobookbans.orgJoin a star-studded lineup of authors and influencers to champion the freedom to read. Sign up now!Join a virtual variety show featuring a star-studded lineup of freedom to read champions celebrating books, authors, and readers. We’ll SHOW UP by making a plan to vote, then SPEAK UP by calling our representatives and sharing our commitment to the Freedom to Read.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

This new report from Book Riot takes a look at the past five years of censorship and the ongoing fight for the freedom to read. We’re proud that two members of the Freedom to Read Project team contributed to the report, sharing insight from our work on the ground. bookriot.com/book-censors...

bookriot.com“We Need To Tell The Story”: Literary Advocates Nationwide Reflect On Five Years of Relentless Attacks on the Freedom to ReadAdvocates for the freedom to read across the country share their wins, challenges, and opportunities as the work enters year six.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Feeling overwhelmed by threats to the freedom to read? There are things you can do right now. Show up. Organize. Demand good policies. Support librarians. Follow the legal battles. You don’t have to do everything. Pick your piece and start there. freedomtoreadproject.substack.com/p/what-can-i...

freedomtoreadproject.substack.comWhat Can I Do Now to Protect Our Schools and Libraries From Threats to the Freedom to Read?For the past five years, we have watched threats to the freedom to read evolve.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD is a beautiful picture book about imagination, empathy, and the assumptions we make about other people. Challenges have cited its depiction of an incarcerated parent and an illustration in which Milo imagines two women getting married.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Children with incarcerated parents deserve to see their families represented in books. Children with LGBTQ+ families deserve that too. And all children benefit from stories that encourage them to look beyond appearances and approach other people with curiosity and compassion.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Book banning can be confusing, especially when terms like “challenge,” “removal,” “parental rights,” and “First Amendment” get thrown into the same conversation. So we’re answering five of the most common questions about book bans. Knowledge is one of our best tools against censorship.

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

Register now to be a part of this fun event! You don’t have to plan to stay for the full two hours. We’ll have a special community call-to-action every thirty minutes during the event!

Florida Freedom to Read Project@flfreedomread.bsky.social

Join us 9/24 for Show Up, Speak Up: Vote for the Freedom to Read - a virtual variety show featuring a star-studded lineup of freedom to read champions celebrating books, authors, and readers. Let’s make our voices heard, all at once in this collective call to action. tinyurl.com/ShowUpSpeakUp

Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

When librarians are fired for defending books and the freedom to read, they’re fighting back in court and winning. These cases show why standing up for intellectual freedom matters. bookriot.com/librarians-s...

bookriot.comLibrarians Suing Over Wrongful Termination for Defending Books Are Winning: Book Censorship News, September 11, 2026Librarians who've been fired for not banning books and sued are winning settlements in their cases.
Freedom to Read Project
@freedomreadproject.bsky.social

The Librarians won an Emmy. But the fight it documents is far from over. Book bans, censorship & attacks on librarians continue across the country. Our latest article looks at why this moment deserves celebration & why we can’t stop paying attention. freedomtoreadproject.substack.com/p/the-librar...

freedomtoreadproject.substack.comThe Librarians Won an Emmy. The Fight It Documents Is Far From Over.This weekend, The Librarians won the Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking, a well-deserved recognition for a film that has helped bring the reality of modern book censorship to audienc...