Authors And Illustrators Speak Out Against Book Bans in Alberta

Canadian Authors and Illustrators Against Book Bans,a group of published writers and artists from across the country, strongly opposes the recent efforts by the Alberta government to ban books in the province’s schools.

We support the rights of young people to read freely and to access books in which they may see people like themselves and their families on the page, and in which they may learn about the lives of other people different from themselves. We support their right to find the stories they need and the information they seek. The reality is that young people have access to many kinds of media and various forums for content. Books, especially now, are a crucially important and appropriate way for them to learn about all topics, including sex and sexuality, as they develop their understanding of the world and their own relationships and identities.

In the context of rising censorship and anti-2SLGBTQIA+ backlash in the United States, we are particularly distressed to see a Canadian province adopting the same book banning playbook pushed by far-right American groups like Moms for Liberty. We are concerned that the new guidelines will be used to target 2SLGBTQIA+ books, a practice that not only censors books and undermines student access, but also sends a harmful message that stigmatizes 2SLGBTQIA+ people and suggests that stories about them do not belong in schools.

As writers and illustrators, we support the work done by teachers and librarians to develop diverse and inclusive collections in schools, and we urge all levels of government to consult with them about any issues related to books in schools. As writers- and for some of us, also as teachers and as parents- we understand the value and importance of allowing students to choose the literature they want. Students who choose the books they want are empowered, allowing them to improve literacy. We believe that the best way to ensure school libraries meet the wide-ranging needs of students is to provide adequate funding for school librarian positions. 

Book bans do not protect children. Children do not need to be protected from books in their school libraries. They do need to be protected from the kinds of hate, bigotry, and discrimination that often motivate attempts to ban books.

We stand against all attempts at book banning in Canadian schools and libraries, and we hope you will join us in this.