Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Not Paying Attention to Banned Books
Everyone makes mistakes—even writers—but that’s OK because each mistake is a great learning opportunity. The Writer’s Digest team has witnessed many mistakes over the years, so we started this series to help identify them early in the process. Note: The mistakes in this series aren’t focused on grammar rules, though we offer help in that area as well.
Rather, we’re looking at bigger-picture mistakes and mishaps, including the error of using too much exposition, neglecting research, or researching too much. This week’s writing mistake writers make is not paying attention to banned books.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Not Paying Attention to Banned Books
The other day, the editors here at WD were discussing books for early readers, and I mentioned that some of the most beloved books on my child’s shelf have appeared on the banned books list. As we talked about the rise of book bans, Michael brought up a point I hadn’t considered before: With the rise of book bans, some might consider being banned to be a badge of honor. It means that you’re writing something that is challenging, that gets under people’s skin and makes them uncomfortable, right? But book bans hurt writers and readers alike and aren’t something that should be celebrated but fought.
The American Library Association (ALA) recorded that in 2022, there was a 38% rise in unique titles being targeted for censorship compared to the previous year. PEN America reports that between the 2021-2022 and the 2022-2023 school years, books for grades K-12 have seen a 33% rise in bans. And while the most frequently targeted books are written by authors of color, deal with race and/or racism, or feature LGBTQ+ characters, this year, we’ve also seen the banned books list feature subjects like mental health, grief, and abuse—all important topics that young people and adults alike need space to learn about and process.
But why should we care so much? you might be thinking. Maybe you’re not someone whose work would be caught up in these book bans (though you might be surprised). Maybe your work hasn’t yet hit the shelves of books stores and libraries. But if you’re in the writing world, you must know that what affects some of us affects all of us.
As Noam Chomsky said, “If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.”
(The Helpers Need Our Help: How Book Bans Will Erode More Than Our Freedom to Read)
Mistake Fix: Get Familiar With What Makes a Banned Book
What is a banned book?
You might be familiar with the terms challenged and banned books. According to the ALA, “A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others.”
When a book is challenged and temporarily or officially banned, it’s most likely from a school library and/or school. Public libraries are also vulnerable to book bans.
Why challenge or ban a book?
Over the course of American history, there have been many reasons why people try and get books banned. In recent history, it’s most often cited as protecting children against materials that are considered “sexually explicit,” contain “offensive language,” or are “unsuited to any age group.”
What books are most vulnerable?
Currently, it’s books that center on racism, sexuality, and gender identity that are most likely to be banned. This means that the authors who are most likely to have books banned are authors of color or those on the LGBTQ+ spectrum. For years, authors have been fighting for more representation in the industry only to see their books being kept out of the hands of kids and teens who really need them.
Young adult books are being banned at a higher rate than adult books (56% vs 24%). A lot of these books tackle themes like bullying, sexual and physical abuse, consensual sexual experiences, and mental health (like depression and anxiety). No matter if young adults read these books or not, they will most likely be experiencing these subjects themselves or through friends and family. Denying them access to these books is only denying them a safe way to feel like their experiences aren’t isolated.
Some examples of books on the current most banned list according to PEN America:
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia KobabeFlamer by Mike CuratoTricks by Ellen HopkinsThe Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic NovelCrank by Ellen HopkinsSold by Patricia McCormickPush by SapphireA Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. MaasThis Book Is Gay by Juno DawsonThe Bluest Eye by Toni MorrisonMilk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
(Defending Diverse Voices: The Battle Against Book Bans)
What next?
Thinking about our role in the publishing industry is important as writers. I hope this article gives you a jumping-off point to investigate this topic because it’s important. And if it gets you thinking about the kind of books that you’re reading, that’s even better!
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