Photo by John Ramspott, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

SLJ's most viewed stories on book banning and censorship, which remained front and center in 2023.
 

1. Outraged at Scholastic’s Option to Opt in—or Out—of Receiving Diverse Books, Librarians Seek Book Fair Alternatives
   By Kara Yorio, Oct 17, 2023
   Librarians and authors are angry and seeking alternatives after Scholastic Book Fairs change that requires opt-in for an add-on case of diverse books for elementary fairs. PEN America calls on Scholastic to find a new solution instead of accommodating "nefarious laws."
    
2. On ‘Klanned Karenhood’: The outrage of Moms for Liberty cannot be the narrative
   By Kathy Ishizuka, Jul 17, 2023
   Moms for Liberty has waged war on public education and democratic values, leveraging fear and disinformation. There are steps to take, including exercising your own First Amendment rights, to uphold a just and equitable society.
    
3. Scholastic Apologizes, Will Discontinue Optional Set of Diverse Titles at Book Fairs
   By Kara Yorio, Oct 25, 2023
   In a letter to its authors and illustrators, Scholastic Trade Publishing president Ellie Berger apologized for the decision to create the "Share Every Story" set of diverse titles at Scholastic Book Fairs. Calling it "a mistake to segregate diverse books," she added that Scholastic will discontinue the scheme in January and is "working on a pivot" for the remaining fall fairs.
    
4. Create a Book Resume to Help Respond to a Challenge
   By Kara Yorio, Sep 07, 2023
   New Jersey high school librarian Martha Hickson suggests keeping track of reviews, awards, and places where a book has been retained on the shelves to help when the title is challenged in your library.
    
5. Book Challenges Are Having a Chilling Effect on School Librarians Nationwide | SLJ Survey
   By Marlaina Cockcroft, Aug 24, 2023
   Thirty percent of challenges led to a book’s removal in 2023. And while 34 percent of librarians who experienced challenges have considered leaving the profession, 65 percent are motivated to fight censorship.