This toolkit is designed to help educators address the complex topic of book banning and intellectual freedom in age-appropriate ways. Whether you're responding to a challenge in your school or proactively teaching about censorship, these resources will help you facilitate meaningful conversations with your students.
All materials in this toolkit can be adapted for different grade levels and contexts. Use your professional judgment to select and modify activities that best serve your students' needs.
Discussion Questions
These questions are designed to spark thoughtful classroom discussions about intellectual freedom, censorship, and the role of books in society. Select questions appropriate for your students' age and maturity level.
Understanding Censorship
- What is censorship, and why might people want to censor certain ideas or information?
- What is the difference between a book being challenged and a book being banned?
- Who typically decides which books should be available in schools and libraries?
- Can you think of reasons why someone might want a book removed from a library? Do you agree with those reasons?
First Amendment & Rights
- What does the First Amendment protect, and how does it relate to reading?
- Do students have the same free speech rights as adults? Should they?
- Who should have the right to decide what books you're allowed to read?
- How is limiting access to certain books different from a parent guiding their own child's reading?
Perspectives & Empathy
- Why might a book that makes some people uncomfortable be important for others to read?
- How can reading diverse stories help us understand people who are different from us?
- Have you ever read a book that changed how you think about something? What was it?
- What might be lost if we only had access to books that everyone agrees with?
Critical Thinking
- How can you evaluate whether a source claiming a book should be banned is trustworthy?
- Is it possible to disagree with a book's message while still believing it should be available?
- What skills do we need to read challenging material thoughtfully and critically?
- How might banning a book actually increase interest in reading it?
Taking Action
- If you disagreed with a book being removed from your school library, what could you do?
- How can young people make their voices heard on issues that affect them?
- What responsibility do readers have to defend access to books, even ones they personally don't like?
- How can you support a friend who sees themselves represented in a challenged book?
Lesson Plan Ideas
These lesson frameworks can be adapted for various subjects and grade levels. Each includes learning objectives and suggested activities that encourage critical thinking about intellectual freedom.
Banned Books in History
Learning Objectives
- Identify historical examples of book banning and censorship
- Analyze the social and political contexts that led to censorship
- Evaluate the long-term impact of banning influential works
Activities
- Research a historically banned book and present findings to the class
- Create a timeline of censorship events in American history
- Compare primary sources from both censors and defenders of banned books
- Write a persuasive essay from the perspective of a historical figure
First Amendment Deep Dive
Learning Objectives
- Understand the protections and limitations of the First Amendment
- Analyze key Supreme Court cases related to student rights and libraries
- Apply constitutional principles to current book challenge scenarios
Activities
- Read and discuss excerpts from Board of Education v. Pico (1982)
- Participate in a mock school board hearing on a challenged book
- Draft a letter to the editor arguing for or against a book challenge
- Create an infographic explaining student First Amendment rights
Diverse Voices in Literature
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the value of diverse perspectives in literature
- Identify why certain types of books are more frequently challenged
- Develop empathy through reading stories about different experiences
Activities
- Book club reading and discussion of a frequently challenged title
- Author study of a writer whose work has been challenged
- Create book recommendation posters celebrating diverse voices
- Interview family members about books that shaped their lives
Media Literacy & Book Challenges
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate claims made in debates about book challenges
- Identify bias and misinformation in arguments for and against banning
- Practice fact-checking skills using reliable sources
Activities
- Analyze social media posts and news articles about book bans
- Compare coverage of the same book challenge from different sources
- Create a fact-checking guide for evaluating book ban claims
- Discuss how out-of-context quotes can misrepresent a book
Civic Engagement Workshop
Learning Objectives
- Understand how local government decisions affect schools and libraries
- Practice skills for effective civic participation
- Plan concrete actions to support intellectual freedom
Activities
- Watch videos of school board meetings discussing book challenges
- Role-play preparing and delivering public comments
- Research local representatives and their positions on library issues
- Design an advocacy campaign for intellectual freedom awareness
Quick Classroom Activities
These shorter activities can be incorporated into existing lessons or used during Banned Books Week and other awareness events.
Four Corners Debate
Read statements about book access and have students move to corners labeled "Strongly Agree," "Agree," "Disagree," "Strongly Disagree." Discuss reasoning with those who share and differ from your view.
Banned Book Cover Art
Students design alternative book covers for frequently challenged titles, incorporating themes of freedom, diversity, or the importance of the book's message.
What Would You Challenge?
Present students with brief descriptions of various books and ask them to identify which might be challenged and why. Discuss the subjectivity of "inappropriate" content.
Freedom to Read Pledge
Students write personal pledges about their commitment to reading diverse perspectives and respecting others' right to read. Display pledges during Banned Books Week.
Then and Now Comparison
Compare a book that was once banned but is now considered a classic (e.g., "To Kill a Mockingbird") with a currently challenged book. What do they have in common?
Letter to a Librarian
Students write letters thanking a librarian for making diverse books available, or explaining why a particular book was meaningful to them.
Professional Development Resources
Continue your learning with these professional development opportunities and resources designed specifically for educators navigating intellectual freedom issues.
ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
Training modules, webinars, and resources for librarians and educators on defending intellectual freedom.
NCTE Intellectual Freedom Center
Resources from the National Council of Teachers of English on teaching controversial texts and defending classroom materials.
Teaching Tolerance (Learning for Justice)
Free professional development and classroom resources for teaching about diversity, equity, and social justice.
EveryLibrary Institute
Training on library advocacy, community engagement, and responding to book challenges at the local level.
PEN America Freedom to Write
Reports, data, and educational resources on book bans and their impact on students and educators.
Unite Against Book Bans Toolkit
Practical resources for educators and community members working to keep books accessible in schools and libraries.
Tips for Using These Materials
- 1Create a safe space. Establish discussion norms that allow students to share diverse opinions respectfully.
- 2Know your context. Be aware of your school's policies and community sensitivities while maintaining commitment to intellectual freedom.
- 3Involve your administration. Keep principals and department heads informed about lessons on intellectual freedom.
- 4Adapt for age. These materials span multiple grade levels—select and modify content appropriate for your students.
- 5Connect to standards. These activities align with Common Core ELA standards for critical thinking, civil discourse, and media literacy.
Ready to Get Started?
Download the complete toolkit as a PDF for offline access and easy printing.