The ABA Right to Read Handbook: A Reader's Guide to Fighting Book Bans

by American Booksellers Association

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Education

152 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2024

Reviews

[Meghan Lorenc-Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone who is passionate about fighting book banning should get a copy of this book! It has a concise history of book banning/challenges, info about the groups working to ban books, ideas and how-to’s for fighting back (going to school board meetings, writing op-Ed’s, etc), and more. I learned so much.

[Cameron Rhoads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physically read. Awesome book on how to challenge and fight against book bans and against Moms for Liberty and Republicans and MAGA who want to ban books.

[Miranda Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read resource for everyone who cares about access to books. This book places modern book banning efforts in the context of historical book bans and provides actions anyone can take to fight book bans in their community. Everyone should read this.

[IngramSpark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an invaluable resource for readers, educators, librarians, and everyday citizens.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book bills itself as a "reader's guide," but it's also a guide for librarians, booksellers, educators, and advocates for the first amendment and the freedom to read everywhere. From working with school boards to writing op-eds to shopping local to support diverse books, the ABA gives plenty of helpful tips to ensure that proponents of the freedom to read have multiple avenues to make their voices heard, advocate through the power of what they read and what they purchase, and take it to the next level with their votes and with grassroots networking. I particularly loved how well-documented and well-cited the references are, and I also loved the sidebars featuring individuals who are fighting book bans nationwide - authors, bookstore owners, educators, and participants in various organizations (like the Texas Freedom to Read Project). A very timely and important topic.

[TheWavyDavy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does exactly what it says on the tin. This is an inspiring and concise guide to fighting bans in your local community. It takes a complex issue and makes it easy to understand, and showcases the amazing work of activists to protect our rights.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful handbook perfect for understanding book bans/challenges and taking action, with interviews and spotlights on real changemakers.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for pushing back against censorship in your community.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a bookseller association vs ALA, but lots of valuable info esp for beginners.

[Laura Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Detailed enough without being too lengthy. While some sections had sweeping statements, the book has tons of sources in the back. I loved the guide for how to fight book bans and how to do so in a way that ensures literacy brings people of all backgrounds and political leanings together.