What happens when freedom of expression comes under threat? In frank and wide-ranging interviews, historian and critic Leonard S. Marcus probes the experience of thirteen leading authors of books for young people.

A powerful photo essay on transgender teens is called anti-religious and anti-family. A meticulously researched primer on sex education stirs up accusations of pornography and child abuse. Picture books about two mommies set off a hue and cry. Two hugely popular children's series run afoul of would-be censors, one for its scatological humor, the other because it's deemed too scary. Kids' books that touch on race, sex, LGBTQ matters, the occult, "coarse language," and more have found themselves under the scrutiny of those who challenge First Amendment rights.
Tune in as thirteen top children's and young adult authors speak out about what it's like to have your work banned or challenged in America today. Prompted by Leonard S. Marcus's insightful questions, they discuss why their books have faced censorship—both blatant and "soft"—how the challenges have or haven't affected their writing, and why some people feel they have the right to deny access to books. In addition, Leonard S. Marcus puts First Amendment challenges in a historical context and takes a promising look at the vibrant support network that has risen up to protect and defend young people's rights.

Reader Reviews

Lynn

(5/5)

Jan 31, 2022

Excellent Interviews with Authors of Banned YA BooksThe interviews are outstanding. Marcus interviews Katherine Patterson, R. L. Stein, etc. about their writing lives and seeing their books banned. The author of Heather Has Two Mommies has really interesting things to say.

Michelle Glatt

(4/5)

Nov 30, 2020

Reviewing for School Library Media Connection

Ami Schroder

Oct 13, 2021

A must read for school librarians! Don't miss the Dav Pilkey and R.L. Stine's interviews. But then really, don't miss any of them. Each of the 13 authors has something to share about their books, their writing and censorship.

JG (Introverted Reader)

Nov 10, 2021

Joanna

Aug 11, 2021

Mary

Nov 28, 2021

Jane

Sep 10, 2021

Jed Sorokin-Altmann

Jul 30, 2021

Aug 22, 2021

Xiaole

(3/5)

Jan 26, 2022

Courtney Melchor

Jan 05, 2022

Leslie Sterian

Jan 21, 2022

Kate

Nov 26, 2021

Nancy

Apr 10, 2022

Catherine

Oct 01, 2021

Brilliance Publishing

(0/5)

Jul 01, 2021

Sabra Gerber

Nov 22, 2020

Alexis

Alisha White

Dec 01, 2020

Jaynie

Mar 02, 2021

Dawn

Mar 08, 2021

Brogums ❤ actthegiddygoat.com

Mar 20, 2021

Carole

Jul 15, 2021

Anna France

Jul 17, 2021

morrisonfamily

Sep 17, 2021

Jordan Francoeur

Sep 28, 2021

Kathy

Oct 23, 2021

Beth P

Nov 23, 2021

Nourhan Almeldin

Laura

Nov 29, 2021

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You Can't Say That! Writers for Young People Talk About Censorship, Free Expression, and the Stories They Have to Tell

You Can't Say That! Writers for Young People Talk About Censorship, Free Expression, and the Stories They Have to Tell

You Can't Say That! Writers for Young People Talk About Censorship, Free Expression, and the Stories They Have to Tell

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