“What is your stance on banned books?”
Answering questions from customers at Ink-a-Dink Children's Bookstore. Let's talk about book bans. ~ Kim Childress
Recently, a thoughtful customer named Helen called me with a question that I truly appreciated: “What is your stance on banned books?”
The fact that she called and asked—catching me by phone in the middle of a busy day—was, to me, a little miracle. Being Banned Books Week, and as this fits in with our State of the Industry Series, Helen's important question deserves a thoughtful answer, which I believe is worth sharing.
Issues around book banning were an important subject at the Publishers Weekly US Book Show 2025.
I am against banning books. Because as a journalist, I am fundamentally in support of freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Once you start banning, it’s a slippery slope.
- Kim Childress
First thing I thanked Helen for calling and asking me this question. I shared that I have previously written about book bans as well as "Responsibility in Children's Publishing" (linked below).
KIM: I am against banning books. Because as a journalist, I am fundamentally in support of freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Once you start banning, it’s a slippery slope. And who makes those decisions?
HELEN: Exactly.
KIM: However, that does not mean that I agree with every book out there that is published for children, especially children ages six and under. From a child developmental perspective, there are simply some topics not appropriate at certain ages, but rather than ban or "challenge" a book, I believe it is important to check out the books and see why they’re up for banning. I also believe you have to trust your teachers and your school librarians.
HELEN: But not all teachers and librians feel that way.
KIM: You’re right. And with that, I suggest doing exactly what you are doing right now. Calling and asking this question.
HELEN: Well, then, who is ultimately responsible.
KIM: The parents.
HELEN: What can we do?
Constructive Responses
Rather than calling for bans, there are constructive steps to take:
- Talk to your children. Read the book first, then discuss it together. Let them share their thoughts. Often a book—or even a video or song—can open doors to important conversations about your family’s beliefs and values.
- Reach out to publishers or producers. I shared a personal example, when the movie version of Stuart Little was first released, I watched it with my then three year-old son, and I was so disappointed in the end because one of the cats said "hell." (I was like, really?) So I looked at the casing of the VHS, found the address and names of producers, and I wrote them a letter saying I was disappointed, there was definitely no cussing in the book. Had the addition really been necessary? And they actually wrote back to me! Saying, “Thank you for writing. We need are parents like you to write in and let us know.”
- Choose with your conscience. As a bookseller, I can decide not to carry a particular title or publisher if I feel strongly about it. That’s very different from supporting a public ban.
- Talk to your kids about it. Look at the book before you decide. Don’t just "challenge" or ban something based on what somebody tells you or what you read in a post online.
Conversations Build Understanding
Children are often more perceptive than adults realize, and sometimes blame themselves for things they don’t understand. Talking with them about the stories they read—or the videos they watch—can prevent that confusion and turn challenges into learning opportunities. Over the years, I’ve learned as much from my children as they’ve learned from me. Even now as adults, they share new music and ideas with me. Those conversations matter.
“Books are the primary way to tell stories—to learn right from the mouths of people who have witnessed things.... Our society depends on the idea of future generations learning and progressing, and with the banning of books, all we are doing is going backwards, not forwards.” —Meghan, a teenage student from Glenbard West High School, Illinois
The debate over book bans is not new, but according to the American Library Association, the past two years have seen record-high challenges. While many who support restrictions do so to “protect” youth, the bigger question is whether bans actually protect—or instead limit growth, empathy, and understanding.
Freedom of speech and freedom to read are cornerstones of our democracy. By engaging with challenging materials rather than banning them, we teach children how to think critically—not simply what to think. That’s a principle worth protecting.
Ink-a-Dink Set Books Free Initiative
Ink-a-dink proudly partners with ABA and WNDB by reading #BannedBooks and helping others do the same. #setbooksfree” #FreedomToRead on Instagram and Facebook (@UniteAgainstBookBans)
For more information, see "Responsibility in Children's Publishing."
ABOUT:
Ink-a-Dink Children's Bookstore: Ink-a-Dink.com is an online store offering quality children‘s books and adult-interest nonfiction titles, poetry, stationary, paper craft. Member of the American Booksellers Association, an official Indie Bookstore, recipient of James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus Award, 2021 and 2023. With recommendations curated by long-time Girls’ Life book reviewer, Kim Childress, and the Ink-a-Dink team, seeking out and sharing excellence in children’s literature. Founded by author and award-winning editor, Kim Childress, Ink-a-Dink is an affiliate of Childress Ink. Learn more at ChildressInk.com.
Set Books Free Project! SBFP is a program that enables indie booksellers and their customers to help get books into the communities and organizations where books are being banned. The SBFP program is organized by the American Booksellers Association’s free expression initiative, American Booksellers for Free Expression, and its goal is to help raise awareness around book bans and organize a direct action by private institutions (bookstores) that may not have the same vulnerabilities to funding pressure as public institutions. (Teachers may get fired, schools may lose funding, hence the anonymous school name.)
We Need Diverse Books is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people. Among their many initiatives, their Books Save Lives campaign employs a three-pronged strategy to directly address book bans and champion diverse books. While supporting the educators and authors most affected by the bans, they raise awareness, provide resources, and create positive change. Through WNDB, you would be connected with one or more specific educators in nearby states to supply their classrooms with books.
Unite Against Book Bans is a national initiative to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship. Learn more and sign the pledge on their website, https://uniteagainstbookbans.org.