Intellectual Freedom Center
All students have the right to materials and educational experiences that promote open inquiry, critical thinking, diversity in thought and expression, and respect for others.
Authors Speak Out on Censorship
Sherman Alexie tells us “Why the Best Kids Books Are Written in Blood”
Isabel Allende writes a letter to defend her book The House of the Spirits
Judy Blume has some “Good Words” to share.
Chris Crutcher tells us “How They Do It”
Terry Davis, “The Author of Vision Quest Responds to ‘Hidden Secrets”
Keith Gray speaks out on “Censorship and Writing for Young Adults” and against “gatekeepers” and censorship in young adult literature at the Open Book Festival in Cape Town.
Beth Hammett speaks about the impact of censorship in her life and about her book, Natalie, Diary of a Senior Year.
George M. Johnson provides this critical conversation from their keynote session at NCTE’s 2021 Annual Convention.
Robert Lipsyte talks about several of his books and an encounter with one superintendent.
Carmen Maria Machado opinion piece Banning My Book Won’t Protect Your Child about her book In the Dream House in the New York Times. (Note: Article is behind a paywall.)
Wes Moore shares a letter he wrote in response to his book, The Other Wes Moore.
Susan Patron writes a response to her book being censored, The Higher Power of Lucky.
Marilyn Reynolds, author of Detour for Emmy, responds to a censorship challenge and a librarian shares a fact statement on the book.
Barbara Shoup, Stranded in Harmony and Wish You Were Here
Sonya Sones
- An article from the Los Angles Times, “Banned in Bakersfield.” The author of What My Mother Doesn’t Know, an acclaimed young-adult novel, reflects on the criticism levied at her and her writing and why parents resort to censorship.
- Letter to a superintendent regarding her book, One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies
Jeanette Walls speaks out about her book The Glass Castle.