In the land of free speech and the First Amendment, the topic of book bans might seem like a relic of the past. Yet, book bans are making headlines once again, fueling fiery debates about censorship, education, and who gets to decide what people—especially children—can and cannot read. Across the United States, schools, libraries, and community groups are finding themselves at the center of these battles, with parents, educators, and lawmakers all weighing in.

So, who’s behind the push to ban books? It’s not a simple answer. On one side, conservative groups and parents are challenging books they feel promote explicit content, political ideologies, or themes they deem inappropriate for young readers. On the other, progressive groups argue for the removal of works they believe contain outdated, racist, or otherwise harmful depictions. The result? A wave of book challenges and bans across the political spectrum, leaving educators caught in the crossfire.

One of the most notable recent efforts has come from conservative-led campaigns targeting books with LGBTQ+ themes, explicit sexual content, or critical discussions of race. Titles like Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison have faced scrutiny, with critics arguing these books are inappropriate for schools. Gender Queer, an illustrated memoir, has been at the top of many banned book lists due to its depictions of sexual identity, while The Bluest Eye has been challenged for its portrayal of racism and sexual violence.

Meanwhile, progressive voices have questioned classics like Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, arguing that their use of racial slurs and depictions of race relations are harmful in modern classrooms. The irony, of course, is that many of these books were once heralded as essential tools for confronting difficult social issues. Now, they find themselves under attack from those who believe they no longer align with contemporary values.

According to the American Library Association (ALA), book challenges have skyrocketed in recent years, with 2023 seeing one of the highest numbers of challenges recorded in decades. Many challenges come from grassroots parent organizations, emboldened by debates over curriculum transparency and parental rights in education. These groups argue that parents should have a greater say in what their children are exposed to, particularly in school libraries. In contrast, librarians and free speech advocates warn that banning books sets a dangerous precedent, limiting access to diverse perspectives and ideas.

The impact of these bans is already being felt. Entire districts have temporarily removed books from shelves to comply with new policies, only to face backlash from students and authors. PEN America, a nonprofit advocating for free expression, reports that book bans disproportionately affect works by authors of color, LGBTQ+ writers, and those addressing complex social issues. This trend, critics say, erases the very voices that offer critical insights into society’s challenges.

It’s important to note that banning books doesn’t stop people from reading them—it often has the opposite effect. Sales of banned books like 1984 by George Orwell and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood have spiked as public interest grows. Young readers, in particular, are drawn to the idea of reading something “controversial,” seeing it as an act of rebellion or a chance to better understand the world around them.

The debate over book bans is far from over. On one hand, parents have a legitimate interest in ensuring their children are exposed to age-appropriate material. On the other, critics warn that banning books often crosses the line into censorship, suppressing important conversations and limiting intellectual freedom. Striking a balance between these two perspectives will require thoughtful dialogue, not knee-jerk reactions.

For now, the best way to push back against book bans is to stay informed. Read the books that are being challenged, discuss them with your community, and advocate for the value of diverse literature. After all, history has shown us that banning books rarely stifles ideas—it only makes them more powerful.