We Believe in the Right to Read

Today, as we observe Right to Read Day, it’s a crucial reminder that access to books—no matter their content—is a cornerstone of our freedom to learn, explore, and imagine. 

It’s disheartening, isn’t it?

The freedom to read, to explore different perspectives, and to walk in someone else’s shoes is a foundational element of a vibrant and democratic society. Yet here we are, with a list that represents something entirely different – a barrier, an affront to that freedom.

CENSORSHIP IS ON THE RISE

From 2014 to 2023, the number of unique book titles challenged has skyrocketed. In 2014, there were 183 challenges reported, and by 2023 that number has alarmingly escalated to 4,240. That’s not just an increase; it’s a staggering surge of over 2200%! These figures aren’t just statistics; they represent a growing tension around the freedom to read, with the scale of challenges growing year on year, reaching levels that are hard to comprehend. It’s a serious wake-up call for advocates of intellectual freedom.

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The State of America’s Libraries Report for 2023, released by the American Library Association (ALA), presents a startling list of the most challenged books of the past year.

Here are the titles that faced the brunt of censorship, along with the contentious reasons behind their challenges:

1. “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.

2. “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.

3. “This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, claimed to be sexually explicit.

4. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity.

5. “Flamer” by Mike Curato

Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit.

6. “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison

Reasons: Rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content.

7. “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” by Jesse Andrews

Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity.

8. “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins

Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content.

9. “Let’s Talk About It” by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan

Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education, LGBTQIA+ content.

10. “Sold” by Patricia McCormick

Reasons: Claimed to be sexually explicit, rape.

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We Believe in the Right to Read

As we shine a light on the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2023, it’s a powerful moment to reaffirm our stance at Cider House. We believe in the freedom of expression, the power of stories to reflect the full spectrum of human experience, and the undeniable right of everyone to live their truth and love without boundaries.

Books are more than just pages and text; they are mirrors and windows to lives like and unlike our own. They have the power to challenge our perceptions, to comfort the isolated, and to empower the disenfranchised. In the spirit of unity and understanding, we stand firmly with authors, readers, and communities advocating for the freedom to explore the richness of human life in all its diversity.

At Cider House, we don’t just create; we celebrate the infinite variety of stories that connect us. We are committed to building platforms that uphold the right to read, to dream, and to love. We support the courage to share one’s story and the right to access the stories of others. Today, on #RightToReadDay, and every day, we honor this commitment and encourage others to join us in championing the freedom that fuels creativity, empathy, and progress.

We encourage you to visit the American Library Association website to learn more about the state of public libraries in the U.S.