Book banning is on the rise, and authoritarian attacks on the freedom to learn seem to be coming from all around us. The American Library Association (ALA) has tracked “695 attempts to censor library materials and services and documented challenges to 1,915 unique titles” so far this year. That’s up 20% from last year. People For has been actively engaged in areas like Philadelphia and Temecula, directly countering extremist school board members who are wreaking havoc on the Temecula school district and national book banning extremists Moms for Liberty who are behind many of the recent attacks.
It’s a lot to deal with, but there’s hope. People For has been standing up for the freedom to learn for more than 40 years, and now we’re using our Grandparents For Truth campaign to push back against authoritarian attacks. As we approach National Banned Books week 2023, we want to give our members and friends one more way to get involved and make their voices heard. So, we’ve launched our exciting Banned Books Challenge.
Read Banned Books, Win Prizes, Fight Authoritarianism
This year, we’re offering you the opportunity to show just how much honest education means to you—and get some cool swag in the process—with People For’s Banned Books Challenge. As you read some of the most banned and attacked books this year, you can take pictures or videos of yourself reading to yourself, your kids, your grandkids, your friends, or even your pets, then send them to us. Get creative and show the Far Right that we won’t sit idly by while education is on the line.
And yes, we did mention swag. As you read more books and send us more photos and videos, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for things like bookmarks, water bottles, backpacks and more. They’re one more way for you to show your support for the freedom to learn—and look good doing it.
It’s Up To All of Us To Oppose Book Banning
The Far Right have shown they won’t let up when it comes to book banning. They’re dead set on pushing an agenda that limits access to diverse information and demonizes ideas that don’t fit the far-right narrative. It’s up to those of us who believe in the value of diverse education and the rights of students to access honest, accurate information to push back and prevent further degradation of education in America.
People For’s Banned Books Challenge is one way we’re standing up, and we need you to make it happen. Sign up to participate today and read some of the best books the Far Right can’t stand.
Join Us and Help Stop Book Banning
To get involved even further, become a member of People For. As a member, you’ll receive regular updates on everything People For is doing to defend Truth, Justice, and the American Way, including access to member briefings and other materials on our programs and campaigns. You can also show your support for Truth and education by becoming a Grandparent For Truth (whether or not you’re actually a grandparent). Our members are our driving force, and we can’t wait to see what you send us for our exciting Banned Books Challenge.