As book bans soar, schools, libraries buy fewer books on LGBTQ+, race

Conservative “parent rights” groups have successfully influenced a nationwide decrease in sales and opportunities for authors of children’s books they deem inappropriate, resulting in over 10,000 book bans in public schools during the 2023-24 school year. The banned books often feature LGBTQ+ themes and characters of color. Teachers and librarians are hesitant to include controversial books in fear of losing their jobs or facing criminal charges. Publishers report a significant decrease in sales of such books, impacting authors’ incomes. Specific banned picture books include “Sparkle Boy,” “Milo Imagines the World,” “Heather Has Two Mommies,” and “Separate Is Never Equal.” The banning of these books has led to a decrease in sales and a growing trend of censorship in schools, causing concern among authors and the publishing industry.

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