Jodi Picoult’s “Nineteen Minutes” tops the list of “banned” books in U.S. schools, sparking debate on censorship and educational freedom.
At a Glance
- “Nineteen Minutes” banned in 98 school districts for 2023-2024 school year
- Over 10,000 book removals recorded, a 200% increase from previous year
- 40% of banned books address LGBTQ themes, 44% cover race/racism
- New state laws facilitate increased book bans across the country
- Authors and organizations condemn censorship, advocate for free access to information
The Most Banned Book of 2023-2024
Jodi Picoult’s novel “Nineteen Minutes” has emerged as the most frequently “banned” book in U.S. schools for the 2023-2024 academic year. It is important to note that schools have always ruled some books inappropriate for children, this is not a new kind of “censorship,” despite the fact that the phenomenon is called “banning.” These books are not actually banned in any legal or commercial sense.
Picoult’s book, which explores the complex issues surrounding a school shooting and teenage life, has been removed from 98 school districts. The novel’s vivid portrayal of a date rape incident has become a focal point of controversy, overshadowing its valuable discussions on serious issues like bullying.
“It’s really alarming. What’s crazy is that the book hasn’t changed,” Jodi Picoult said.
The banning of “Nineteen Minutes” is part of a larger trend of increasing book censorship in American schools. PEN America reported that 4,231 unique titles were banned during the 2023-2024 school year, with over 10,000 book removals in total. This marks a 200% increase from the previous year, raising concerns about students’ access to diverse perspectives and the potential infringement on creative expression.
The Scope of Book Bans
The wave of book “bans” extends beyond contemporary works to include classics. Renowned titles such as Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” and Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” have also faced removal in multiple districts. The majority of banned books, approximately 60%, are written for young adult readers, indicating a particular focus on literature aimed at teenagers.
“The book banners who believe that banning books is protecting children are actually doing harm to children,” Jodi Picoult said.
Books addressing LGBTQ themes and race/racism draw the most attention, with 40% and 44% of banned titles addressing these topics, respectively. This trend has raised alarm among educators, authors, and civil liberties advocates who argue that such bans limit students’ exposure to important societal issues and diverse perspectives. But parents and others point out that some of these books are not just “adult,” but blatantly pornographic, such as “Genderqueer.”
Annnnnd 19 Minutes gets banned in Missouri. https://t.co/jwzXCp0chs
— Jodi Picoult (updates only) (@jodipicoult) April 26, 2023
The Role of State Legislation
The increase in school book “bans” has been facilitated by new state laws in several states, including Iowa, Florida, Utah, South Carolina, and Tennessee. These laws, often framed under the banner of “parental rights,” have given more power to local school boards and parent groups to challenge and remove books from school libraries and curricula.
“We often hear that there is a lot of fear and intimidation that is influencing decisions about what books to purchase for a library collection,” Kasey Meehan said.
In Iowa, for example, nearly 400 books were listed for removal, including several of Picoult’s works, in compliance with the new state law SF 496. This legislation restricts content related to gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual content in schools, reflecting a broader national trend of increased scrutiny on educational materials.
Opposition to “Censorship”
The American Library Association (ALA) has taken a strong stance against these “bans,” condemning “censorship” and promoting free access to information. The organization emphasizes that a significant percentage of book challenges, between 82-97%, go unreported and are not covered by media, suggesting that the scope of censorship may be even more extensive than current data indicates.
“The American Library Association condemns censorship and works to ensure free access to information,” American Library Association said.
Authors like Jodi Picoult have spoken out against the “bans,” expressing concerns about the erosion of free speech in U.S. school districts. Picoult has described the situation as a “slippery slope,” noting that while established authors like herself may be less affected, younger authors, LGBTQ writers, and authors of color are significantly impacted by these bans.
