Authors Walk Out of Bay Area School Over Censorship Demands

UPDATE: Authors Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin-Pritchard abruptly left Country Club Elementary School just minutes before their scheduled presentation on October 17, 2023, after being instructed not to discuss themes of book banning from their book, “The Day the Books Disappeared.” This incident highlights growing tensions around the censorship of literature in schools across the United States.

The authors were on a tour across the Bay Area to promote their book, which tackles the pressing issue of book banning. However, school officials from the San Ramon Valley Unified School District expressed concerns that discussing certain aspects of the book might not be appropriate for their young audience, particularly students aged 4 to 9.

“Book banning is real; it’s happening everywhere, it’s happening in California,” said Caroline Kusin-Pritchard. Her co-author, Joanna Ho, added, “Caroline was like this is completely out of our integrity; we won’t be changing our presentation if we’re giving the presentation.”

According to the district’s statement, they had requested modifications to the authors’ presentation to better align with the developmental needs of their younger students. The school claimed that the book’s messages of kindness and empathy were overshadowed by the focus on book banning.

The district attempted to communicate these concerns to the organization coordinating the author visits but reported receiving no response. Consequently, they approached the authors directly upon their arrival, leading to the authors’ decision to leave rather than alter their message.

Despite the district’s attempt at censorship, Kusin-Pritchard cited overwhelming positive feedback from students across the country. She noted the powerful insights and hopeful reactions from children engaging with the book’s story.

Joanna Ho emphasized the critical issues the book addresses, including the reasons behind book bans, such as uncomfortable historical truths, discussions of race, and diverse family structures. She stated, “It’s essential to bring these stories to light to foster awareness and intentionality in our communities.”

This incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding educational content and the role of literature in shaping young minds. As the conversation about book banning intensifies, the implications for authors, educators, and students become increasingly significant.

Moving forward, eyes will be on how schools handle similar issues and whether this incident sparks broader discussions about freedom of expression in educational settings.