Hitting the Books

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The American Library Association released a list of the 10 most challenged books in 2023.

Here's the upshot, from the ALA president: "In looking at the titles of the most challenged books from last year, it’s obvious that the pressure groups are targeting books about LGBTQIA+ people and people of color."

Folks tried to ban 4,240 titles in schools and libraries around the nation in 2023, a 65 percent jump from 2022, which was itself a record-breaking year.

We're in a maelstrom of censorship right now, courtesy of those who believe keeping kids from reading gay books will prevent them from being gay. That's not how things work. I don't recall reading any queer books growing up, and I still managed to attain full sapphic status.

I'll admit that, as a child, I loved "Harold and the Purple Crayon," but I'm pretty sure that doesn't count.