Impacts of ‘Soft’ Book Bans and the Consequences of Unprecedented Censorship

David Shelley, the CEO of Hachette, experienced feelings of loneliness and isolation as a teenager growing up in Margaret Thatcher’s Britain under Section 28, a law that restricted the teaching of homosexuality. He found relief in a library book about teenage love between boys. Now, as CEO, Shelley is concerned about the increase in book censorship efforts in the U.S., fearing it will lead to similar experiences for young people. Recent reports show a rise in books being removed from schools, particularly those with LGBTQ+ themes. Soft censorship, where books are excluded or limited before being banned, is also a growing concern. Authors like Dr. Seema Yasmin and George M. Johnson have experienced soft-banning of their books. The fear of backlash leads teachers and librarians to avoid carrying certain titles. Some face penalties if found providing challenged books. Authors like Johnson and Leah Johnson are actively fighting against book bans and censorship, with Leah Johnson founding a “banned bookstore” in response to controversial library policies. The duo is set to release a book featuring Black, queer characters, emphasizing the importance of diverse stories and challenging the notion that they are inherently dangerous. Overall, there is a growing concern about censorship in the U.S. and the impact it can have on marginalized communities and young readers seeking representation.

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