According to PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans, the 2025-2026 school year had the biggest number of unique titles banned in public schools. YA titles accounted for 58% of book bans, adult titles 26%, and middle grade 10%. PEN America reports that “The vast majority of recorded book bans this school year came from just two states: Texas and Florida. Both states have become blueprints for educational censorship, where special interest groups, state laws, and politicians have converged to pressure school districts to restrict and remove access to books.” It’s frightening and overwhelming to read about the ongoing assault on the freedom to read, but there are things you can do. Here are a few suggestions: Read the PEN America report, which was written by the Freedom to Read Program experts Philomena Polefrone, PhD, senior manager and Kasey Meehan, director. Read PEN America’s report on the attacks on the freedom to read hitting our local public libraries. Both of … Continue reading Texas and Florida Lead in Banning Books in Schools + More Book Censorship News