Varian Johnson has had three books challenged. Varian was born in Florence, South Carolina, and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he received a BS in Civil Engineering. He later received an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is honored to now be a member of… Read More Feb 5: Black and Banned
Unless someone reports local book challenges, they’re not recorded anywhere. Reporting indicates how widespread challenges are, and how they’re being justified. Equally important, is following up to indicate how the issue was resolved. The source I’m using provide a lot of information, but too often the outcome of the books initial removal from the library… Read More 4 Feb: Black and Banned
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is the instant New York Times, International bestselling, & Award-winning author of Ace of Spades. She is an avid tea drinker, a collector of strange mugs, and a graduate from a university in the Scottish Highlands where she received a BA in English Literature. She also has an MA in Shakespeare Studies from Kings College London.… Read More 3 Feb: Black and Banned
National Book Award winner, Elizabeth Acevedo has had two books challenged. The most recent is Poet X in December, 2023. The other was Clap When You Land, as recent at November 2023. Acevedo on book bans: “It just makes me realize the different ways they try to disempower folks and disempower communities who are trying… Read More 2 Feb: Black and Banned
This year, I’m featuring Black authors of youth literature who have had at least one book banned or challenged in 2022 or 2023 in the United States. There are only 23 days in February, so not every author will be mentioned. PEN American reports that 30% of banned or challenged books include characters of color… Read More Black and Banned
Cotton Quilts Edi 