Florida’s Book Ban: Iconic Titles Pulled from School Libraries Amid Controversy

A wave of book removals is sweeping through Florida schools, with renowned titles like The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Forever by Judy Blume, and Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut disappearing from library shelves. The removal of these iconic works has raised significant cultural and educational concerns. According to a recent report from the Florida Department of Education, this latest list highlights titles withdrawn from school libraries due to actions taken by local school districts.

Empowered by New Legislation

These book removals stem from recent legislation empowering parents and residents to challenge library books, requiring districts to submit annual reports on restricted titles. Florida leads the nation in book removals, as documented by both the American Library Association and PEN America.

“A restriction of access is a restriction on one’s freedom to read,” stated Kasey Meehan of PEN America. “Students lose the ability to access books that mirror their lived experiences and foster empathy for those with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.”

Targeted Themes and Classic Authors

The 2023-2024 list includes classics by American icons like Maya Angelou, Flannery O’Connor, and Richard Wright, along with books featuring LGBTQ+ characters, discussions of gender and sexuality, and mature themes—topics that are increasingly targeted for censorship across the country. Titles such as All Boys Aren’t Blue by George Johnson and Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe have been labeled “pornographic” by conservative groups. Additionally, the list includes Holocaust literature, such as Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation and Sophie’s Choice, as well as George Orwell’s 1984, a dystopian work exploring themes of surveillance and censorship.

Stephana Farrell, co-founder of the Florida Freedom to Read Project, voiced concern over the diversity and range of affected literature. “If you take the time to look at that list, you will recognize that there is an issue with … this movement.”

Response from the Florida Department of Education

A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Education refuted claims of censorship, stating, “Once again, far-left activists are pushing the book ban hoax on Floridians. The better question is why do these activists continue to fight to expose children to sexually explicit materials,” said Sydney Booker.

Discrepancies in Reporting

The list of restricted books varies significantly by district, with some districts reporting no restrictions and others pulling hundreds of titles. Farrell highlighted that the state report might be incomplete, as it excludes books removed after internal staff reviews, focusing only on those formally challenged by parents or residents.

Community Divisions

Farrell believes many parents favor broad access to literature. “We live in a state where parental rights are supposed to be acknowledged, heard, and responded to. We are asking for accountability and an accurate record of how these laws are impacting our children and what’s available to them.”

Stephen King’s Works and Ongoing Legal Battles

Dozens of books by Stephen King, including It and Pet Sematary, have also been pulled, with his memoir, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, deemed inappropriate for students. King, who spends part of the year in Florida, voiced frustration in August, encouraging readers to seek his books in libraries or bookstores.

Legal disputes over book bans are underway in several districts, including Escambia County, where PEN America and Penguin Random House have filed a lawsuit. In Nassau County, a settlement required the reinstatement of And Tango Makes Three, a children’s book about two male penguins raising a chick.

As school libraries become a battleground over book access, Florida’s educators, authors, and parents remain deeply divided over what should be available to young readers.