This Book is Banned
@thisbookisbanned.bsky.social
Dedicated to advancing literacy and free expression by celebrating books that have been challenged, restricted, or outright banned. And why it's more important than ever to talk about it.
For Toni Morrison’s birthday, we’re returning to her first novel, The Bluest Eye. Its brutal depiction of black girlhood demonstrates the harm we cause when we allow hate to determine what’s beautiful.
Here’s our take on the novel: tinyurl.com/2rakjrxe
But what do you think?
#blackhistorymonth
Here’s our take on the novel: tinyurl.com/2rakjrxe
But what do you think?
#blackhistorymonth
The Bluest Eye: Driven To Madness By Dick And Jane
The Bluest Eye. Morrison doesn’t blink in this examination of the potentially disabling effects that result from racial self-loathing.
tinyurl.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:21 PM
For Toni Morrison’s birthday, we’re returning to her first novel, The Bluest Eye. Its brutal depiction of black girlhood demonstrates the harm we cause when we allow hate to determine what’s beautiful.
Here’s our take on the novel: tinyurl.com/2rakjrxe
But what do you think?
#blackhistorymonth
Here’s our take on the novel: tinyurl.com/2rakjrxe
But what do you think?
#blackhistorymonth
Today is Douglass Day, an annual tradition featuring “transcription parties” to preserve the writings of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass. He was outspoken on providing access to literature and its role in emancipation.
See what he had to say: tinyurl.com/34ytfp3x
#blackhistorymonth
See what he had to say: tinyurl.com/34ytfp3x
#blackhistorymonth
Frederick Douglass: Reading Is The Pathway To Freedom
Frederick Douglass is inextricably linked with the abolition of slavery. But did you know he promoted reading as the pathway to real freedom?
tinyurl.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:12 PM
Today is Douglass Day, an annual tradition featuring “transcription parties” to preserve the writings of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass. He was outspoken on providing access to literature and its role in emancipation.
See what he had to say: tinyurl.com/34ytfp3x
#blackhistorymonth
See what he had to say: tinyurl.com/34ytfp3x
#blackhistorymonth
Since 1990, African American Read-Ins have been an integral part of Black History Month. These gatherings to read and discuss Black stories celebrate the diversity that keeps literature alive.
So how do you join in? Check out this article to get started: tinyurl.com/ybu84vyx
#blackhistorymonth
So how do you join in? Check out this article to get started: tinyurl.com/ybu84vyx
#blackhistorymonth
African American Read-In: Get One Under Way!
Get your African American Read-in underway. Black History month is the perfect time. Use this handy-dandy toolkit to set yours in motion.
tinyurl.com
February 12, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Since 1990, African American Read-Ins have been an integral part of Black History Month. These gatherings to read and discuss Black stories celebrate the diversity that keeps literature alive.
So how do you join in? Check out this article to get started: tinyurl.com/ybu84vyx
#blackhistorymonth
So how do you join in? Check out this article to get started: tinyurl.com/ybu84vyx
#blackhistorymonth
Today, we celebrate Alice Walker’s 82nd birthday with her foundational Womanist novel, The Color Purple.
We have our own take on the novel: tinyurl.com/2z8d49tm
But what do you think? Let us know!
#alicewalker #blackhistorymonth #bannedbooks #books #reading #readingtime #thecolorpurple
We have our own take on the novel: tinyurl.com/2z8d49tm
But what do you think? Let us know!
#alicewalker #blackhistorymonth #bannedbooks #books #reading #readingtime #thecolorpurple
The Color Purple: Defining Text of Womanism
Describing The Color Purple as a womanist work is like saying the Iliad is a heroic poem. It isn’t just an example – it’s the defining work.
tinyurl.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:01 PM
Today, we celebrate Alice Walker’s 82nd birthday with her foundational Womanist novel, The Color Purple.
We have our own take on the novel: tinyurl.com/2z8d49tm
But what do you think? Let us know!
#alicewalker #blackhistorymonth #bannedbooks #books #reading #readingtime #thecolorpurple
We have our own take on the novel: tinyurl.com/2z8d49tm
But what do you think? Let us know!
#alicewalker #blackhistorymonth #bannedbooks #books #reading #readingtime #thecolorpurple
Today's a double celebration day - in addition to being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it's Edgar Allan Poe's birthday!
Did you know he invented the modern detective novel? So, celebrate by taking a turn through The Murders in the Rue Morgue, here: thisbookisbanned.com/the-art-of-r...
Did you know he invented the modern detective novel? So, celebrate by taking a turn through The Murders in the Rue Morgue, here: thisbookisbanned.com/the-art-of-r...
Murders in the Rue Morgue: What's Sherlock Holmes got to do with it?
Edgar Allan Poe is a master of the macabre. But, did you know he invented the modern detective novel? Investigate the first of its kind here.
thisbookisbanned.com
January 19, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Today's a double celebration day - in addition to being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it's Edgar Allan Poe's birthday!
Did you know he invented the modern detective novel? So, celebrate by taking a turn through The Murders in the Rue Morgue, here: thisbookisbanned.com/the-art-of-r...
Did you know he invented the modern detective novel? So, celebrate by taking a turn through The Murders in the Rue Morgue, here: thisbookisbanned.com/the-art-of-r...
It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Needless to say, Dr. King is an iconic figure in American history.
Keep this visionary leader’s legacy alive. See how to celebrate his message of fairness, freedom, and peace here: thisbookisbanned.com/celebrations...
Keep this visionary leader’s legacy alive. See how to celebrate his message of fairness, freedom, and peace here: thisbookisbanned.com/celebrations...
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Now they're hampering holidays!
And, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was among the first national holidays to be meddled with. See how to keep his legacy alive here.
thisbookisbanned.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:13 PM
It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Needless to say, Dr. King is an iconic figure in American history.
Keep this visionary leader’s legacy alive. See how to celebrate his message of fairness, freedom, and peace here: thisbookisbanned.com/celebrations...
Keep this visionary leader’s legacy alive. See how to celebrate his message of fairness, freedom, and peace here: thisbookisbanned.com/celebrations...
As Joel Emery, the guest essayist contributing the following essay points out:
“The most effective form of censorship isn’t silencing—it’s flooding the space with conflicting or misleading information.”
That’s precisely what the following piece addresses: thisbookisbanned.com/guest-essayi...
“The most effective form of censorship isn’t silencing—it’s flooding the space with conflicting or misleading information.”
That’s precisely what the following piece addresses: thisbookisbanned.com/guest-essayi...
From “We Must Preserve History” to a Digital Book Burning
This piece speaks to how misinformation is the most effective form of censorship. And the fact that a digital book burning is just beginning.
thisbookisbanned.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:19 PM
As Joel Emery, the guest essayist contributing the following essay points out:
“The most effective form of censorship isn’t silencing—it’s flooding the space with conflicting or misleading information.”
That’s precisely what the following piece addresses: thisbookisbanned.com/guest-essayi...
“The most effective form of censorship isn’t silencing—it’s flooding the space with conflicting or misleading information.”
That’s precisely what the following piece addresses: thisbookisbanned.com/guest-essayi...
All too often, people thumb their noses at English majors, trivializing the subject as the pointless study of irrelevant stories. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely blows a very large hole in that mindset. See how and why it does so here: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/all-a...
All American Boys: A journey from passive to active voice.
The grammar lesson on passive versus active voice detailed in All American Boys, is the key to Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely’s work.
thisbookisbanned.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:07 PM
All too often, people thumb their noses at English majors, trivializing the subject as the pointless study of irrelevant stories. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely blows a very large hole in that mindset. See how and why it does so here: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/all-a...
Today is banned author J. D. Salinger’s birthday, who is best known for his iconic novel The Catcher in the Rye.
So, in honor of J. D. Salinger’s birthday, be sure to check out The Catcher in the Rye: A Twentieth-Century Jeremiad: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/catch...
So, in honor of J. D. Salinger’s birthday, be sure to check out The Catcher in the Rye: A Twentieth-Century Jeremiad: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/catch...
The Catcher in the Rye: banned
The Catcher in the Rye was banned for un-American ideas. It's actually a twentieth-century jeremiad... What the heck is that? Find out here.
thisbookisbanned.com
January 1, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Today is banned author J. D. Salinger’s birthday, who is best known for his iconic novel The Catcher in the Rye.
So, in honor of J. D. Salinger’s birthday, be sure to check out The Catcher in the Rye: A Twentieth-Century Jeremiad: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/catch...
So, in honor of J. D. Salinger’s birthday, be sure to check out The Catcher in the Rye: A Twentieth-Century Jeremiad: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/catch...
Whether you celebrate Christmas, or one of the other wonderful holidays that take place this time of year, enjoy this work by banned author L. Frank Baum. The Life and Adventures of Santa Clause. You can find it here: thisbookisbanned.com/wp-content/u...
December 25, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Whether you celebrate Christmas, or one of the other wonderful holidays that take place this time of year, enjoy this work by banned author L. Frank Baum. The Life and Adventures of Santa Clause. You can find it here: thisbookisbanned.com/wp-content/u...
Great minds think alike. We hear it a lot… But that’s not the entire saying. And the part that usually gets left out entirely changes what this aphorism means. Discover what it’s really trying to tell us here: thisbookisbanned.com/aphorisms-un...
Aphorisms Unplugged: Great minds think alike.
The aphorism "Great minds think alike" may not mean what you think it means. Discover its intended message here.
thisbookisbanned.com
December 23, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Great minds think alike. We hear it a lot… But that’s not the entire saying. And the part that usually gets left out entirely changes what this aphorism means. Discover what it’s really trying to tell us here: thisbookisbanned.com/aphorisms-un...
What really happened at the first Thanksgiving is more complicated than the story we were taught as children. So check out "If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving" by Chris Newell, a helping of Thanksgiving history to offset the myth we were fed as kids. thisbookisbanned.com/benefits-of-...
Let's Talk Turkey!
Check out "If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving." And, have a helping of Thanksgiving history to offset the myth we were fed as kids.
thisbookisbanned.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM
What really happened at the first Thanksgiving is more complicated than the story we were taught as children. So check out "If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving" by Chris Newell, a helping of Thanksgiving history to offset the myth we were fed as kids. thisbookisbanned.com/benefits-of-...
We’ve got a new Fun and Fancy Word… LICKSPITTLE! We’re seeing a lot of lickspittles these days. But, what in tarnation is a lickspittle? Find out what this fun and fancy word means here: thisbookisbanned.com/fun-and-fanc...
Fun and Fancy Words!
Mary Poppins taught us that words can be fun. Remember supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? See a caboodle of Fun and Fancy words here.
thisbookisbanned.com
November 15, 2025 at 12:18 AM
We’ve got a new Fun and Fancy Word… LICKSPITTLE! We’re seeing a lot of lickspittles these days. But, what in tarnation is a lickspittle? Find out what this fun and fancy word means here: thisbookisbanned.com/fun-and-fanc...
Today is Veterans Day! And the sacrifices veterans have made in the service of our country often result in the PTSD many continue to carry with them.
So in honor of Veterans Day, learn more about Slaughterhouse Five and how it functions as a study in PTSD: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/find-...
So in honor of Veterans Day, learn more about Slaughterhouse Five and how it functions as a study in PTSD: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/find-...
Slaughterhouse Five banned
Kurt Vonnegut's darkly funny anti-war novel Slaughterhouse Five was banned. Why has its protagonist "come unstuck in time?"
thisbookisbanned.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Today is Veterans Day! And the sacrifices veterans have made in the service of our country often result in the PTSD many continue to carry with them.
So in honor of Veterans Day, learn more about Slaughterhouse Five and how it functions as a study in PTSD: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/find-...
So in honor of Veterans Day, learn more about Slaughterhouse Five and how it functions as a study in PTSD: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/find-...
It’s Native American Heritage Month! A time to recognize the contributions, and unique, essential achievements of Native peoples both past and present. And, we’re shining a light on activist Zitkála-Šá. Not familiar with Zitkála-Šá? Learn more about her here: thisbookisbanned.com/celebrations...
November 3, 2025 at 8:18 PM
It’s Native American Heritage Month! A time to recognize the contributions, and unique, essential achievements of Native peoples both past and present. And, we’re shining a light on activist Zitkála-Šá. Not familiar with Zitkála-Šá? Learn more about her here: thisbookisbanned.com/celebrations...
Today is “Let Freedom Read Day.” It’s a day of activism to celebrate – and defend – the freedom of expression embodied in our libraries and on bookstore shelves.
Push back against the book banning that's taking place nationwide with tools you’ll find here: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/let-f...
Push back against the book banning that's taking place nationwide with tools you’ll find here: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/let-f...
Let Freedom Read Day!
It's Let Freedom Read Day! Our freedom to read continues to be under assault. Find out what you can do to stand up for our right to read.
thisbookisbanned.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Today is “Let Freedom Read Day.” It’s a day of activism to celebrate – and defend – the freedom of expression embodied in our libraries and on bookstore shelves.
Push back against the book banning that's taking place nationwide with tools you’ll find here: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/let-f...
Push back against the book banning that's taking place nationwide with tools you’ll find here: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/let-f...
What’s the latest addition to our caboodle of Fun and Fancy words? Aibohphobia!
What does this mirthful lexeme mean? Find out here:
thisbookisbanned.com/the-art-of-r...
What does this mirthful lexeme mean? Find out here:
thisbookisbanned.com/the-art-of-r...
Words can be fun: a caboodle of fun and fancy words
Words can be fun, like Mary Poppins taught us. Remember "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"? Here's a whole caboodle of fun and fancy words.
thisbookisbanned.com
September 23, 2025 at 2:16 PM
What’s the latest addition to our caboodle of Fun and Fancy words? Aibohphobia!
What does this mirthful lexeme mean? Find out here:
thisbookisbanned.com/the-art-of-r...
What does this mirthful lexeme mean? Find out here:
thisbookisbanned.com/the-art-of-r...
Here at This Book is Banned, we talk a lot about how book banning effects students.
And now, guest essayist Sarah Bland, an educator, writer, and wellness advocate, talks about self-care for teachers navigating this era of extreme book banning. Read more here: thisbookisbanned.com/guest-essayi...
And now, guest essayist Sarah Bland, an educator, writer, and wellness advocate, talks about self-care for teachers navigating this era of extreme book banning. Read more here: thisbookisbanned.com/guest-essayi...
Self-Care for Teachers Navigating Book Bans
This piece from guest essayist Sarah Bland speaks to the necessity of self-care for teachers navigating this era of extreme book banning.
thisbookisbanned.com
September 17, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Here at This Book is Banned, we talk a lot about how book banning effects students.
And now, guest essayist Sarah Bland, an educator, writer, and wellness advocate, talks about self-care for teachers navigating this era of extreme book banning. Read more here: thisbookisbanned.com/guest-essayi...
And now, guest essayist Sarah Bland, an educator, writer, and wellness advocate, talks about self-care for teachers navigating this era of extreme book banning. Read more here: thisbookisbanned.com/guest-essayi...
Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye is a veritable case study in why books about diverse characters are vital to a healthy society.
It delineates the devastating consequences of homogeneous, racially exclusive representation in our culture.
Read about it here:
thisbookisbanned.com/banned/the-b...
It delineates the devastating consequences of homogeneous, racially exclusive representation in our culture.
Read about it here:
thisbookisbanned.com/banned/the-b...
The Bluest Eye: Driven to Madness by Dick and Jane
The Bluest Eye. Morrison doesn’t blink in this examination of the potentially disabling effects that result from racial self-loathing.
thisbookisbanned.com
August 21, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye is a veritable case study in why books about diverse characters are vital to a healthy society.
It delineates the devastating consequences of homogeneous, racially exclusive representation in our culture.
Read about it here:
thisbookisbanned.com/banned/the-b...
It delineates the devastating consequences of homogeneous, racially exclusive representation in our culture.
Read about it here:
thisbookisbanned.com/banned/the-b...
When we’re familiar with the Declaration of Independence beyond “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” we see that it contains red flags to be on the alert for if we want to continue living in a democratic society.
Read here to find out what that means: thisbookisbanned.com/fascist-bust...
Read here to find out what that means: thisbookisbanned.com/fascist-bust...
The Declaration of Independence: guidelines for recognizing a tyrant
The Declaration of Independence is than the documentation of past events. It's also a list of red flags for identifying a tyrannical leader.
thisbookisbanned.com
July 29, 2025 at 4:29 PM
When we’re familiar with the Declaration of Independence beyond “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” we see that it contains red flags to be on the alert for if we want to continue living in a democratic society.
Read here to find out what that means: thisbookisbanned.com/fascist-bust...
Read here to find out what that means: thisbookisbanned.com/fascist-bust...
It’s Juneteenth! And the Unplugged Aphorism “It’s a cakewalk” is a perfect way to acknowledge the fact that much of our nation's history pertaining to slavery has been diminished or erased.
Read more about this largely forgotten piece of history here: thisbookisbanned.com/aphorisms-un...
Read more about this largely forgotten piece of history here: thisbookisbanned.com/aphorisms-un...
It's a Cakewalk: Aphorisms Unplugged
"It's a cakewalk" is typically used to mean something so easy success is certain. But the origins of this expression are anything but easy.
thisbookisbanned.com
June 19, 2025 at 2:35 PM
It’s Juneteenth! And the Unplugged Aphorism “It’s a cakewalk” is a perfect way to acknowledge the fact that much of our nation's history pertaining to slavery has been diminished or erased.
Read more about this largely forgotten piece of history here: thisbookisbanned.com/aphorisms-un...
Read more about this largely forgotten piece of history here: thisbookisbanned.com/aphorisms-un...
What does Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” have to do with Pride Month?
Follow this link to read more about how “The Picture of Dorian Gray," speaks to the way living in a hostile, anti-LGBTQ+ society is corrosive to the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals:
Follow this link to read more about how “The Picture of Dorian Gray," speaks to the way living in a hostile, anti-LGBTQ+ society is corrosive to the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals:
June 17, 2025 at 6:59 PM
What does Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” have to do with Pride Month?
Follow this link to read more about how “The Picture of Dorian Gray," speaks to the way living in a hostile, anti-LGBTQ+ society is corrosive to the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals:
Follow this link to read more about how “The Picture of Dorian Gray," speaks to the way living in a hostile, anti-LGBTQ+ society is corrosive to the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals:
Whitman is known as “the world’s poet of democracy.” Find out how Whitman’s iconic work "Leaves of Grass" relates to yesterday’s demonstrations here: thisbookisbanned.com/fascist-bust...
What does democracy look like?
Walt Whitman is known as “the world’s poet of democracy.” And, images from the “No Kings” protests underscore that reputation.
thisbookisbanned.com
June 16, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Whitman is known as “the world’s poet of democracy.” Find out how Whitman’s iconic work "Leaves of Grass" relates to yesterday’s demonstrations here: thisbookisbanned.com/fascist-bust...
June is Pride Month, but it’s also National Immigrant Heritage Month. And it’s more important than ever to honor the immigrant experience. “The House on Mango Street” is the perfect book to read while doing that. Learn more about this essential work here: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/mango...
The House on Mango Street: A bridge of unity.
Banned due to social issues addressed, Cisneros' work tells the story of Esperanza as she comes of age in the Hispanic quarter of Chicago.
thisbookisbanned.com
June 13, 2025 at 5:08 PM
June is Pride Month, but it’s also National Immigrant Heritage Month. And it’s more important than ever to honor the immigrant experience. “The House on Mango Street” is the perfect book to read while doing that. Learn more about this essential work here: thisbookisbanned.com/banned/mango...
This edition of our Power of Books Author Series is perfect for Pride Month!
It features Federico Erebia, author of “Pedro & Daniel,” and adds nuance to the question of why it’s important for stories about diversity to be told.
Check it out here: thisbookisbanned.com/.../power-of...
It features Federico Erebia, author of “Pedro & Daniel,” and adds nuance to the question of why it’s important for stories about diversity to be told.
Check it out here: thisbookisbanned.com/.../power-of...
Power of Books Author Series: Federico Erebia
In this edition, we talk with Federico Erebia about how young readers being able to see themselves in books can be life-saving.
thisbookisbanned.com
June 10, 2025 at 3:06 PM
This edition of our Power of Books Author Series is perfect for Pride Month!
It features Federico Erebia, author of “Pedro & Daniel,” and adds nuance to the question of why it’s important for stories about diversity to be told.
Check it out here: thisbookisbanned.com/.../power-of...
It features Federico Erebia, author of “Pedro & Daniel,” and adds nuance to the question of why it’s important for stories about diversity to be told.
Check it out here: thisbookisbanned.com/.../power-of...