Book Bans and Challenges
While reading is fundamental in English classrooms, selecting engaging and standards-aligned books can be challenging, especially given the historical and ongoing issue of book banning. From the 17th-century censorship of Thomas Morton's New English Canaan for its critique of the Puritans, controlling reading material has evolved and significantly impacted education. This raises the question: in 2025, how does book banning affect teachers and students in the classroom? As a recent student teacher, the prevalence of book banning in educational discussions has been less prominent than anticipated, prompting further inquiry into its impact on learning. My research into book banning across America reveals several recurring themes: the real-world impact of book bans and challenges in schools, and the tension and conflict between schools and parents over literary choices. The impact of book banning presents a challenge to pro...