Ban This!: How One School Fought Two Book Bans and Won

by Christina Ellis, Renee Ellis, Edha Gupta

“Each demand to ban a book is a demand to deny each person’s constitutionally protected right to choose and read books that raise important issues and lift up the voices of those who are often silenced.”


—Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom


In September 2021, the school board in York, Pennsylvania, voted to remove a record-breaking number of books from school libraries in its community. The Panther Anti-Racist Union (PARU) at Central York High School, comprised of four students and two advisors, successfully fought the ban by organizing protests, speaking at school board meetings, and participating in media interviews to raise awareness.


In Ban This!: How One School Fought Two Book Bans and Won (and How You Can Too), the members of PARU—Christina Ellis, Renee Ellis, Edha Gupta, Ben Hodge, Patricia A. Jackson, Olivia Pituch—give actionable advice on how to respond to book challenges that happen in your school and community. Learn how to push back against book bans with arguments against the common reasons given to ban books in schools and public libraries, speak out against censorship, and win the right to intellectual freedom.

Genres: Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

Published September 16, 2025

Reviews

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by the true life story of an activist group fighting two over the top book bans, Ban This is part non-fiction narrative, part educational how-to guide in how blanket book bans hurts everyone (except the fundamentalists and/or extremists that want it) and how to fight it if/when it comes in your community. After a basic introduction and timeline, each of the book's 14 chapters details one way in how the group fought the ban, detailed reasons why the ban was harmful, especially for marginalized people, and action steps to fight back in case blanket bans come to your community. It covers subjects like racism, sexuality, patriotism, emotions and trauma, and maturity. The information was delivered in a good and informative way, and generally approaches with grace instead of antagonizing people, and gave me a bit of confidence in fighting against potential bans of books near and dear to me. Highly recommend for everyone.

*I received a review copy from Netgalley and Zest Books. All opinions are my own.*

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The readers of York, Pennsylvania were surprised and angered when a pervasive book ban invaded their lives. This book defines the problem and shows how they employed civil combat and rational measures to eliminate that threat. Then it goes on to provide a template for others to follow if they are threatened with similar idiocy. Excellent!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital PDF galley from Lerner Publishing Group | Zest Books ™ via NetGalley.
#BanThis by #ChristinaEllis #ReneeEllis #EdhaGupta #BenHodge #PatriciaJackson #OliviaPituch
@zestbooks @lernerbooks #censorship #bookbanning #civildisobedience #localactivism
#HowOneSchoolFoughtTwoBookBansandWon

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ban This!" is an interesting and impeccably crafted nonfiction book that submerges the readers into the heart of York, Pennsylvania’s battle over book banning. This book delivers not just a thorough timeline of the events, but also provides an honest examination of why diverse voices, stories, and the freedom to read are so fiercely contested—and so important.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to address uncomfortable and often controversial issues with clarity and empathy. The authors do not shy away from tough subjects, like race, censorship, and the complexities of community response, but skillfully cover each topic with both sensitivity and honesty. The narrative is frank yet never sensationalized, allowing readers space to reflect as well as think for themselves and decide where they stand on the topic.

"Ban This!" is deeply inspiring, shining a light on how ordinary individuals—students, parents, teachers, and community activists—can make real change by speaking up. The stories of those who stood against book banning in York are a testament to the strength found in numbers, regardless of age. Every voice counts, especially when it comes to defending access to knowledge and stories that challenge us to grow, and this book highlights this lesson perfectly.

Uplifting Messages:

- Shows the power and necessity of raising your voice, even when it’s difficult.

- Highlights the ripple effects of local activism, making it clear that change is possible.

- Provides real-life strategies for advocacy, making it a practical resource, too.

The book’s writing is clear, confident, and accessible, making complex legal and social issues easy to understand. Personal stories are interwoven with thorough research, creating a narrative that is both informative and emotionally moving without appearing significantly biased. It’s paced perfectly, keeping readers engaged from the first page to the last.


"Ban This!" is pretty much required reading for anyone passionate about intellectual freedom, the importance of representation in literature, and the continuing struggle for equity in education. Also, the book is perfect for any aspiring activists, showing that raising your voice can and will make a difference. It will move you, challenge you, and above all, inspire you to recognize and use your own voice against injustice.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The school that I teach at is the only one in our state that successfully banned a book. It disgusted me, along with the production that was made about around it. This book was a breath of fresh air and should be a must read.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a helpful resource about strategies school staff can use when faced with book challenges, but I didn't feel like it added any new information to what I already knew. Still, validating to hear how other schools have handled the influx of challenges that many schools are currently facing.