As part of the NCAC’s 50th anniversary, we are taking time to reflect on our achievements, how far we’ve come since our establishment in 1974, and the future ahead. We are also spotlighting those who stand with us in our coalition, such as the Children’s Book Council.
Over the past 70 years, the CBC has developed from an organization created to oversee Children’s Book Week into an active and vibrant advocate for the children’s publishing industry.
Their work includes educational programming for employees of their member publishers, collaborative projects with other national organizations, and literacy initiatives highlighting the quality and variety of children’s literature available today.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our Partner Organizations. Their support and collaboration have been instrumental in our 50-year journey. We look forward to celebrating each organization as our anniversary year continues.
-The National Coalition Against Censorship
Let’s get real — and hopeful. A third to a half or more of the kids in thousands of classrooms across the country are filled with amazing kids who are not white or straight. And one of those kids is going to come up with the breakthrough to save our drinking water, our air, our food supply, and our planet. Another will create works of art that will lift us up. Another will come up with a major medical breakthrough, which ironically may save the life of someone trying to ban the books that would otherwise inspire and encourage a future scientist, artist, or humanitarian. Not that a straight white kid won’t do the same; they will. But they already have plenty of role models all around them; we need ALL young people to have access to books that show them what is possible. And that’s what the Children’s Book Council and the book publishers we represent do: create beautiful books that entertain, educate, and inspire. And that’s what NCAC does: fight daily to keep books on the shelves for all to read. To save us from those who want to move back in time, not ahead. We say we are the land of the free and the home of the brave. The NCAC’s work will help us truly achieve that dream. We are proud to be members of the NCAC, whose work on behalf of all young people and families is vital to our well-being and survival.
-Carl Lennertz, Executive Director, Children’s Book Council