Every time I find myself reading The Hunger Games I can’t help but feel inspired by the bravery and poise of Katniss Everdeen. I mean she staged an entire rebellion as a teenager. However, I didn’t know that just by reading that novel, I was staging my own rebellion.
Throughout the past years, the Banned Book Movement has been sweeping across the country. The movement has affected classic novels such as George Orwell’s 1984, pop culture phenomena such as Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, and recent novels such as Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End.
The American Literary Association (ALA) reports that in 2022, there were 1,269 demands for censorship over books and resources in our libraries. The number almost doubles the 729 demands in 2021.
So what about these novels warrants censorship?
According to the ALA, a majority of recently banned or challenged books include representation of the LQBTQIA+ community, or were written by and about black people, indigenous people, and people of color.
Book banning removes titles from libraries, book stores, school reading lists, and more. Minority representation has become more common in current popular media. However, acts such as book banning are a direct threat to the access of these diverse and inclusive stories. Book banning further silences voices that should be elevated and celebrated in our communities.
Characters like Katniss Everdeen have proven the importance of a singular voice to inspire a revolution. There are several ways people can help support the voices and stories impacted by book banning, and join the rebellion against the movement.
This week Kansas State is hosting its annual Banned Books Week event. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the movement, and join in on the discussion.
Finally, one of the easiest ways to show support is by reading banned books. By uplifting and sharing stories, it becomes increasingly harder for banned books to be silenced. By staying informed, everyone has the power to make a difference.
If you would like more information about banned books, check out the ALA website at https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks.
— Grace Odgers, Sigma Tau Delta Vice President (BA ’25)
K-State English 