“Banning books? That doesn’t happen in the United States.”

Every year, there are dozens of challenges to literary works as varied and acclaimed as The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, and Toni Morrison’s Beloved.

Whether you’re a parent, a student, a teacher—or none of the above—you can fight back.

NCAC has been battling censors and book-banning advocates for over 40 years. We present this collection of materials on how to effectively fight challenges to books in schools for the use of students, educators, parents, and authors. This information is not intended as legal advice. If you are embroiled in a censorship controversy, we hope you will consult the resources below for guidance. Please also contact us and let us know if you, your school, or your community are facing a book challenge. We’re here to support you. Email us at [email protected]

Read the action kit below; click here for a full-screen view.