Unite Against Book Bans draws its strength from a coalition of 250+ partner organizations—representing parents, educators, librarians, booksellers, publishers, authors, faith groups, and others—that share a common goal: defending the freedom to read. Our Partner Resource Spotlight series highlights content from these stakeholders and experts, drawn from Unite’s partner resource library. We hope this collection of guides, reports, data, and more will support your advocacy in the ongoing fight to read freely.
According to PEN America, more than half of the titles banned during the 2023-2024 school year were written for young adult audiences, resulting in a disproportionate impact on students’ freedom to read. The titles being challenged and banned often depict topics that young people confront in the real world.
In their essential resource, How to Fight Book Bans: A Tip Sheet for Students, PEN offers insights to help students mobilize and respond to attacks on their right to read, building a stronger community of readers and advocates in the process.
A Comprehensive Overview for Student Advocates
Understanding that students have many demands on their time, PEN’s Tip Sheet for Students is organized as an easy-to-navigate, five-point list, with curated links to additional information and support. A PDF version is perfect to print and distribute at meetings, tabling events, or extracurricular gatherings likely to involve prospective youth advocates.
Suitable for use by those who are unfamiliar with the state of censorship in schools and libraries, as well as those who already self-identify as anti-book banning, PEN’s resource offers foundational information as well as ideas for getting involved in the fight.
The Freedom to Read and the First Amendment
It can’t be overstated: Americans’ First Amendment rights are increasingly under attack. Book bans in libraries and censorship of school curricula are just two dangerous trends. Attempts to restrict peaceful protest and the freedom of the press are also on the rise.
It is an important time to stand up for our freedoms by using them. PEN offers young people ideas for speaking out —through protest, demonstration, social media, or in the press —in support of the right to read. They also encourage organizing to pressure decision makers, like library and school boards.
Standing Up to Censors, Including Online
As of 2025, 92% of all book challenges come from organized efforts, not individual parents or families. Particularly by calling stories by or about LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals into question, book challenges can provoke abusive behavior online and beyond. PEN’s Tip Sheet for Students points to additional resources that can help young activists prepare for and respond to harassment, as well as find additional support if needed.
Additional Resources for Students
The Unite Against Book Bans Partner Library has a range of additional content developed especially for students. Scroll down to the section on Students & Youth to learn more.
