A selection of books that have been banned or challenged elsewhere in the U.S.
FeaturedLibraries DirectorLower SchoolOn CAmpus Newsletter

Celebrating the Freedom to Read

Allison Peters Jensen·

Librarians and educators nationwide marked National Banned Books Week from September 22-28, 2024. This important week highlights the freedom to read, and in Colorado Academy’s community of readers, it is a joy to celebrate! Our Fourth Grade students enjoyed dedicated lessons about book challenges, censorship, and the power of protecting access to all stories. Discussing these topics with young readers always sparks passionate responses, and this year was no different.

Hearing the Fourth Graders’ reactions to learning about communities of children losing access to their favorite books—Captain Underpants, A Wrinkle in Time, or And Tango Makes Three—was both moving and telling. They could hardly believe that such beloved stories had been challenged or banned in some schools and libraries. Their outrage at the idea of Harry Potter being taken away underscored how deeply these books have touched their lives. I’m reminded that Colorado Academy’s commitment to providing an open and inclusive learning environment allows every student the opportunity to explore a wide range of ideas and perspectives through reading.

As we celebrate the freedom to read, it’s important to remember that reading is more than just a skill—it is a doorway to worlds of adventure, courage, kindness, curiosity, and leadership. At CA, we strive to nurture these qualities by encouraging a love of reading that remains strong from Pre-K through Upper School.

Adventure: Exploring the Unknown

Books have the unique power to take readers on journeys to far-off places, different times, and imaginative worlds. During Banned Books Week, we reflect on how stories like Where the Wild Things Are or Percy Jackson have been questioned, yet remain powerful adventures that fuel the imagination. We encourage students to pick up books that take them on such journeys, real or imagined, allowing them to experience resilience and creativity—reminding us why the freedom to read adventurous stories matters.

Courage: Facing Challenges with Heart

Many banned books contain characters who show tremendous courage in the face of adversity, a theme that resonates with readers of all ages. For example, After the Fall: How Humpty Got Back Up Again shows younger students how courage comes in all shapes and sizes, while older readers connect with the bravery in Wonder or The War That Saved My Life. Stories like these are often challenged because they address difficult subjects, yet it’s precisely these challenges that teach students to confront their fears and stand up for what is right. Our commitment to the freedom to read ensures that these critical life lessons aren’t lost.

Kindness: The Power of Compassion

Banned Books Week reminds us that stories promoting kindness and empathy have been among the most challenged, yet their messages are essential. Books like Last Stop on Market Street and When Stars Are Scattered encourage students to see the world through others’ eyes, fostering compassion. Protecting access to these stories means safeguarding students’ opportunities to learn about empathy and the impact of small acts of kindness on those around them.

Curiosity: Fueling a Love for Learning

Books that spark curiosity—whether through fantastical tales or explorations of real-world issues—are often among the most challenged. From classics like The Lorax to more recent stories like Hidden Figures, books that question the status quo or address environmental, social, or scientific topics frequently come under scrutiny. In our library, we proudly offer a wide range of books that inspire curiosity, fostering a lifelong love of learning. Celebrating the freedom to read means ensuring these opportunities for intellectual growth remain accessible.

Leadership: Inspiring the Next Generation

Some of the most inspiring stories, like Wolf Hollow or Sofia Valdez: Future Prez, challenge readers to become leaders, prompting them to be upstanders and make a difference. Banned Books Week is a reminder that stories of leadership—especially those that break boundaries or challenge norms—can be controversial, but they are vital for encouraging students to think critically and take action. We embrace the freedom to read because it empowers students to explore leadership in all its forms.

Keeping the Joy of Reading Alive

As I reflect on the passionate reactions of our Fourth Graders, it becomes clear that protecting the freedom to read allows them—and all our students—to continue discovering the books that inspire curiosity, compassion, and courage. By ensuring that the stories they love remain accessible for generations to come, we not only safeguard their joy of reading but also empower them to become thoughtful, engaged citizens. Together, we will continue to protect and celebrate the freedom to read, building a community of adventurous, courageous, kind, curious, and empowered readers. Happy reading!

Book List:

*If you are interested in learning more about book challenges nationwide, the American Library Association collects data on the issue. In 2023, book challenges were up 92% since the previous year. The ALA is still collecting data for 2024, but so far it looks as though attempts to ban books are down slightly from 2023.