Teaching Between the Bans: Exploring Book Banning, Censorship, and Book Access in the Middle Grades

Authors

  • Dr. Bethany L. Scullin University of West Georgia
  • Nickie B. Smith University of West Georgia
  • Holly N. Proby University of West Georgia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56887/galiteracy.135

Keywords:

banned books, educational censorship, book access, book challenges, middle school literacy, diverse narratives

Abstract

In this article, we invite middle-level educators to discover how literature can be a gateway to understanding and addressing book bans, censorship, and access to books. We delve into the recent rise in book challenges, particularly against diverse narratives, and trace the historical roots of censorship. Highlighting ten selected texts, we show how they can be practical tools in teaching the critical importance of intellectual freedom. Accompanied by discussion questions and engaging teaching ideas, these books aim to spark critical thought, embrace varied viewpoints, and motivate students to actively discuss censorship issues. This piece is a resource for educators to enrich their approach to complex topics and underscore the vital role of reading in shaping aware, inquisitive, and active citizens in today’s increasingly complex world.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Bethany L. Scullin, University of West Georgia

    Dr. Bethany L. Scullin, Associate Professor of Literacy, Department of Early Childhood through Secondary Education and Reading, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA; email [email protected]. 

  • Nickie B. Smith, University of West Georgia

    Nickie B. Smith, Graduate Student, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA; email [email protected]. She has taught special education for five years in elementary and high school settings. She is currently an ELA co-teacher for high school students. 

  • Holly N. Proby, University of West Georgia

    Holly N. Proby, Graduate Student, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA; [email protected]. She has worked for a decade within private schools and, since 2019, within Georgia public schools.

Teaching Between the Bans (Scullin et al., 2024)

Downloads

Published

05/15/2024

Issue

Vol. 46 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Research and Practitioner Articles

How to Cite

Scullin, B., Smith , N. B. ., & Proby, H. (2024). Teaching Between the Bans: Exploring Book Banning, Censorship, and Book Access in the Middle Grades. Georgia Journal of Literacy, 46(1), 49–63. https://doi.org/10.56887/galiteracy.135

Similar Articles

11-20 of 112

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Most read articles by the same author(s)