SAMPLE STUDENT LETTER OPPOSING BOOK BANS

[Feel free to cut, paste and adapt!]

Dear [Principal/School Administrator/Board Chair/Librarian],

I am a student at [School Name] and I am writing about recent attempts to restrict kids’ access to [Book Title] by [Author Name]. I understand that the book has been challenged because __________________.

All people, including and especially young people, have a right to read. When we ban books we dislike or disagree with, it deprives others of their freedom to read and form their own opinions.

I have read [Book Title] and formed my own opinion about the book. I believe it is a valuable book because _______________. The book is also widely celebrated and available in many public libraries across the country. [Book Title] was awarded the [Book Award Name(s)/Year.] [Mention some positive reviews the book has received.].

If parents do not want their children to read a particular book, then they are free to request a different one. But they may not deny others access to the book or tell other parents what their children may read.

[School/Library Name] has a responsibility to prepare its students to succeed in our diverse and complex world. Helping students understand and tolerate different views is a key part of that. By removing the book, [School/Library Name] is abandoning this responsibility. Removing the book also sends a message to students like me that the views of a few members of our community are more important than the quality of our education.

Please, show that you value our right to read and think freely by keeping [Book Title] in our [school/library]. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]