Freedom to Read: Celebrate with a Banned Book

This Fourth of July is shaping up to be a hot one, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. As fireworks light up the sky from sea to shining sea, let’s turn up the heat, celebrating one of our most fundamental liberties: the freedom to read. 

The First Amendment protects our right to speak our truths, hear diverse voices, and think freely. So, what better way to honor independence than by championing the right of all readers to choose their own story this summer?

Below is a list of lesson plans and activities featuring commonly banned books—and, even banned authors—as shared via PEN America, the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, and a striking article on recent bans in Tennessee. If you’re a teacher or librarian looking to deepen your understanding of the First Amendment, be sure to check out this guide from Random House Children's Books School & Library.