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Trouble in Censorville: The Far Right's Assault of Public Education and the Teachers Who Are Fighting Back
From Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law to Texas districts shuttering libraries in schools, public education in America is under attack from the far right. In Trouble in Censorville, public school teachers describe, in their own words, being threatened, doxxed, ostracized, smeared as pedophilic “groomers,” placed on leave, or fired for teaching historical truth and racial justice, supporting LGBTQ+ students and, in one case, for wearing "insufficiently" feminine attire.
And yet, teachers are fighting back. They’re mobilizing colleagues, parents, and community members who share their faith in the freedom to read, the freedom to think critically, the freedom to challenge small-minded provincialism. Their testimonials of frontline resistance, collected here, provide a battle plan for confronting censorship, rallying support, and mobilizing a grassroots defense of public schools.
Terrifying, infuriating, and inspiring, Trouble in Censorville sounds the alarm for a democracy on fire.
And yet, teachers are fighting back. They’re mobilizing colleagues, parents, and community members who share their faith in the freedom to read, the freedom to think critically, the freedom to challenge small-minded provincialism. Their testimonials of frontline resistance, collected here, provide a battle plan for confronting censorship, rallying support, and mobilizing a grassroots defense of public schools.
Terrifying, infuriating, and inspiring, Trouble in Censorville sounds the alarm for a democracy on fire.
- GenresNonfictionPolitics
296 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2024
1 person is currently reading
3559 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Modrak
6 books15 followersRebekah Modrak is an artist and writer analyzing consumer culture and representation from unusual perspectives. She is co-editor of Radical Humility: Essays on Ordinary Acts in which twenty people (a philosopher, a psychologist, a cook, a journalist, a librarian, a marketing scholar, a lawyer ...) consider humility as a countermeasure to Trump's golden escalator. She's co-editor of Trouble in Censorville: The Far Right's Assault on Public Education and the Teachers Who Are Fighting Back. Alison Bechdel writes, of Trouble in Censorville, "Their powerful testimony is enraging—these vicious attacks are not what they signed up for. But it’s also profoundly uplifting, a vision of courage, resistance, and grace under fire that is a model for us all in these dark times." Modrak has also written articles for publications such as New Art Examiner, Media-N, The Conversation, Afterimage, Ms. Magazine, and Infinite Mile. She is Professor in the Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan. She lives in Ann Arbor where runs a local food truck series.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 28, 2024
This is easily one of the best, most important books I've read this year. If the attack on our education system does not alarm you, you are part of the problem.
Let me be very clear: teachers are not trying to indoctrinate students. If that was our goal, everyone would be kind, wear deodorant, and turn homework in on time.
What we ARE trying to do, however, is provide safe environments for ALL students, and foster communities of inclusion and kindness so that all students know they have a place they belong. Representation matters and I will scream this at the top of my lungs from the top of the mountain until the day I die. All students deserve to see their reality reflected in the books they read and the tv shows and movies they watch. This includes books and graphic novels in classroom libraries and school libraries.
You can find the rest of my review here: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Absolutely fantastic read. As a teacher myself, these stories are infuriating. But they should infuriate everyone, not just teachers. This assault on public education has to end and we have to end it now. Full review to come.
Let me be very clear: teachers are not trying to indoctrinate students. If that was our goal, everyone would be kind, wear deodorant, and turn homework in on time.
What we ARE trying to do, however, is provide safe environments for ALL students, and foster communities of inclusion and kindness so that all students know they have a place they belong. Representation matters and I will scream this at the top of my lungs from the top of the mountain until the day I die. All students deserve to see their reality reflected in the books they read and the tv shows and movies they watch. This includes books and graphic novels in classroom libraries and school libraries.
You can find the rest of my review here: https://allthebookblognamesaretaken.b...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Absolutely fantastic read. As a teacher myself, these stories are infuriating. But they should infuriate everyone, not just teachers. This assault on public education has to end and we have to end it now. Full review to come.
September 25, 2024
✨Thank you Booksirens for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
I should start this review by saying that I am French, was educated in France, and still live there. Why is this important to mention? Because I read this whole book with a look of shock on my face 😱. I knew about book banning (because I read), but I didn't realize how bad things were in some places.
In "Trouble in Censorville," we meet teachers and librarians who had to face truly angry (and uneducated—sorry, not sorry) people who believe that certain books should not be available and some subjects should not be taught. It's telling how most of these books deal with LGBTQ or racial issues. Many of these people view any book that addresses LGBTQ topics as inherently sexual content, and they have a real problem with the idea of their precious children knowing about sex at all. I agree that some books aren't suitable for children and teens, but books targeted at young adults may indeed discuss sexual topics because, guess what? Teens think about sex a lot. And they'll find a way to access that content, don't worry.
The thing that made me so angry reading this book is that ordinary people have far too much power over things they shouldn't. Again, I'm being very French here, but in my country, teachers and librarians are civil servants. You can't get someone fired because you don't like a book they recommend or the way they teach history. Also, parents have no say in the curricula, which are decided at a national level, and homeschooling is really frowned upon if it's not for health-related reasons (or because your child is an artist or an athlete).
One thing I found interesting was that even though these behaviors aren't new or surprising, they worsened after Trump's election (some people felt very entitled, I guess) and deteriorated further during Covid. Probably because some parents were suddenly able to be in the classroom. I honestly don't know how American teachers are managing, because between that, the pay, and the risk of being in a school shooting, those folks are heroes.
So, basically, it's a very interesting but also terrifying read. Librarians and teachers help raise tomorrow's adults; the books we read and the things we learn as kids shape the adults we become. And I guess that's the point—some people don't want well-read adults who will be able to make informed choices when they vote. The less educated people are, the easier they are to manipulate.
I should start this review by saying that I am French, was educated in France, and still live there. Why is this important to mention? Because I read this whole book with a look of shock on my face 😱. I knew about book banning (because I read), but I didn't realize how bad things were in some places.
In "Trouble in Censorville," we meet teachers and librarians who had to face truly angry (and uneducated—sorry, not sorry) people who believe that certain books should not be available and some subjects should not be taught. It's telling how most of these books deal with LGBTQ or racial issues. Many of these people view any book that addresses LGBTQ topics as inherently sexual content, and they have a real problem with the idea of their precious children knowing about sex at all. I agree that some books aren't suitable for children and teens, but books targeted at young adults may indeed discuss sexual topics because, guess what? Teens think about sex a lot. And they'll find a way to access that content, don't worry.
The thing that made me so angry reading this book is that ordinary people have far too much power over things they shouldn't. Again, I'm being very French here, but in my country, teachers and librarians are civil servants. You can't get someone fired because you don't like a book they recommend or the way they teach history. Also, parents have no say in the curricula, which are decided at a national level, and homeschooling is really frowned upon if it's not for health-related reasons (or because your child is an artist or an athlete).
One thing I found interesting was that even though these behaviors aren't new or surprising, they worsened after Trump's election (some people felt very entitled, I guess) and deteriorated further during Covid. Probably because some parents were suddenly able to be in the classroom. I honestly don't know how American teachers are managing, because between that, the pay, and the risk of being in a school shooting, those folks are heroes.
So, basically, it's a very interesting but also terrifying read. Librarians and teachers help raise tomorrow's adults; the books we read and the things we learn as kids shape the adults we become. And I guess that's the point—some people don't want well-read adults who will be able to make informed choices when they vote. The less educated people are, the easier they are to manipulate.
March 17, 2025
Really important book. I read it while preparing an exhibition on Book Bans in the German library I work at. Although I roughly knew what was going on, I had no idea how incredibly, extremely horrifying things are. For someone looking in from the outside, this reads like an anthology with dystopian stories. Those librarians and teachers who are fighting against Book Bans and against being silenced in the classrooms are real live heroes. Huge thanks to them and all of their colleagues who aren't giving up. I don't think that we can do much to support you in your fight, but maybe it helps you to know that we see you and we value your efforts.
December 7, 2025
Everyone should read this book regardless if you have children or not. If you are even thinking of having children, please read this book!
It is so alarming to hear how the best people in the world, our educators and librarians, are being silenced by the far right community. This has just confirmed for me that when I choose to have children, I will be very involved in their education. I want to make sure they have every resource available at school and at home with an open dialogue about what’s going on in the world today. The fact that there are even banned books is infuriating to me. We need to stand together and support our teachers and librarians! Thank you to each and every one of you for all of your hard work everyday!
It is so alarming to hear how the best people in the world, our educators and librarians, are being silenced by the far right community. This has just confirmed for me that when I choose to have children, I will be very involved in their education. I want to make sure they have every resource available at school and at home with an open dialogue about what’s going on in the world today. The fact that there are even banned books is infuriating to me. We need to stand together and support our teachers and librarians! Thank you to each and every one of you for all of your hard work everyday!
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October 13, 20245 STARS
How this book ended up on my TBR: I perused the "new additions" desk of my library. I feel like they know me well. I always seem to leave with more books than I'd been expecting.
If you give even the smallest of hoots about education in the US right now, this book is necessary reading. This book is a collection of stories from educators across the US, including teachers, school librarians, and even administrators. All of them have experienced questioning at best, and firing at worst, as a result of them doing their jobs. The stories involve challenges to educators' identities, discussion topics, and available books. A common theme across many of the stories is a far-right reaction to DEI initiatives (diversity, equity, and inclusion), including calling school librarians pedophiles and groomers for having LGBTQ+ materials in their holdings. There are also several examples of other educators, administrators, and beyond not supporting these educators, although there are some examples of administrators and school boards fighting back. Educators emphasize that they are teaching history as it happened. They're talking about current events with students who want to talk and learn to talk about racism and inequality and how to be good citizens in a community where people have to work together. Instead, students are learning that we just don't talk about divisive issues; we pretend they don't exist and bully other people into getting our way and thus maintaining the status quo.
What was especially frustrating to hear was one example after another of wanting to ban books with LGBTQ+ characters or themes. Book bans are frustrating and ineffective. You seriously want to ban a book from a school library when kids can get into everything online? All that does is make kids more curious about what they can't have and why they can't have it. But more than that, these books probably save hundreds of lives every year for kids who aren't sure of their sexuality and don't have safe places or individuals to turn to. I remember listening to Brandi Carlile talking about reading a book about Elton John while she was in school, and that helped her to find her way. Imagine if she hadn't been able to read his book.
The individuals in this book love teaching. They love children. They want to help these kids navigate the world and be successful, and they want to bring them into a community that cares about everyone it in, not just the ones with privilege. This is a powerful book, and I'm so glad I read it.
--
PS. If you all ever go to The StoryGraph, let's be friends there! Here's my profile.
How this book ended up on my TBR: I perused the "new additions" desk of my library. I feel like they know me well. I always seem to leave with more books than I'd been expecting.
If you give even the smallest of hoots about education in the US right now, this book is necessary reading. This book is a collection of stories from educators across the US, including teachers, school librarians, and even administrators. All of them have experienced questioning at best, and firing at worst, as a result of them doing their jobs. The stories involve challenges to educators' identities, discussion topics, and available books. A common theme across many of the stories is a far-right reaction to DEI initiatives (diversity, equity, and inclusion), including calling school librarians pedophiles and groomers for having LGBTQ+ materials in their holdings. There are also several examples of other educators, administrators, and beyond not supporting these educators, although there are some examples of administrators and school boards fighting back. Educators emphasize that they are teaching history as it happened. They're talking about current events with students who want to talk and learn to talk about racism and inequality and how to be good citizens in a community where people have to work together. Instead, students are learning that we just don't talk about divisive issues; we pretend they don't exist and bully other people into getting our way and thus maintaining the status quo.
What was especially frustrating to hear was one example after another of wanting to ban books with LGBTQ+ characters or themes. Book bans are frustrating and ineffective. You seriously want to ban a book from a school library when kids can get into everything online? All that does is make kids more curious about what they can't have and why they can't have it. But more than that, these books probably save hundreds of lives every year for kids who aren't sure of their sexuality and don't have safe places or individuals to turn to. I remember listening to Brandi Carlile talking about reading a book about Elton John while she was in school, and that helped her to find her way. Imagine if she hadn't been able to read his book.
The individuals in this book love teaching. They love children. They want to help these kids navigate the world and be successful, and they want to bring them into a community that cares about everyone it in, not just the ones with privilege. This is a powerful book, and I'm so glad I read it.
--
PS. If you all ever go to The StoryGraph, let's be friends there! Here's my profile.
January 3, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Despite the .pdf format of the book which I struggled with vision-wise, I found this to be a great book of articles.
There are two things I can clearly say about the book:
ONE; The teachers, librarians, and administrators were clearly devoted and cared about education.
TWO; While problems had been present, it was as one author put it, when Trump became President it opened the way for hatred.
The stories were of people caught off-guard by a refusal of radicals to go through the normal process of approaching the individual, then the immediate superior while instead jumping right into social media with hurtful and vicious accusations and the fear that caused in elected officials and administrators.
The editor wisely used Censorville as the place where each writer was at but while a couple identified being from Appalacia, others identified some other States but almost always they left the impression they were from smaller or rural areas.
While the issue is education, one can see how it applies to Corporations, the media and other areas of life and leaves one mourning for a country.
Despite the .pdf format of the book which I struggled with vision-wise, I found this to be a great book of articles.
There are two things I can clearly say about the book:
ONE; The teachers, librarians, and administrators were clearly devoted and cared about education.
TWO; While problems had been present, it was as one author put it, when Trump became President it opened the way for hatred.
The stories were of people caught off-guard by a refusal of radicals to go through the normal process of approaching the individual, then the immediate superior while instead jumping right into social media with hurtful and vicious accusations and the fear that caused in elected officials and administrators.
The editor wisely used Censorville as the place where each writer was at but while a couple identified being from Appalacia, others identified some other States but almost always they left the impression they were from smaller or rural areas.
While the issue is education, one can see how it applies to Corporations, the media and other areas of life and leaves one mourning for a country.
September 12, 2024
I’m beyond grateful to have won this book from Goodreads giveaways. With that being said, I am going to give my completely honest opinion about this book.
This book is one of my favorite reads of 2024. It’s eye opening, as well as heartbreaking and infuriating to learn about the troubles that public education is facing throughout the United States. Even libraries and librarians have been hit hard for supplying children books that have LGBTQ+ people in them. It was an eye opening read and it was great to have more information on what’s going on in the school systems that my children will be in soon, but it’s terrible to think about what public education will be like in the future.
I’m going to do what I can to help protect our public education.
This book is one of my favorite reads of 2024. It’s eye opening, as well as heartbreaking and infuriating to learn about the troubles that public education is facing throughout the United States. Even libraries and librarians have been hit hard for supplying children books that have LGBTQ+ people in them. It was an eye opening read and it was great to have more information on what’s going on in the school systems that my children will be in soon, but it’s terrible to think about what public education will be like in the future.
I’m going to do what I can to help protect our public education.
June 26, 2024
A political analysis of the far right strategy in attacking education and how people is reacting.
Even if it talks about USA something similar is happening in other West countries and it's a thought provoking read
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Even if it talks about USA something similar is happening in other West countries and it's a thought provoking read
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 3, 2025
A necessary book about the latest attacks on public education and teachers by people who use fear and loathing in an effort to dismantle a system that is supposed to help all students. Lots and lots of history of this anti-school movement and tips on how to respond, but the best parts of the book simply give teachers and librarians the space to talk about what has happened to them.
July 15, 2024
A difficult but important read. I am even more grateful for all of the educators that put themselves on the line to protect their students' rights to learn and, more importantly, to occupy space in this world.
February 11, 2025
This book is written very well and didn’t feel slow like a lot of nonfiction (sorry). You can tell that each educator wrote their own story, and each had so much research and detail. These educators’ stories are inspirational and need to be shared.
July 17, 2025
Really powerful testimonies but I wish there was less introduction and more information about what to do about the issue.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher as a Goodreads Giveaway. A review was requested but not required and the content and star rating are both my own
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher as a Goodreads Giveaway. A review was requested but not required and the content and star rating are both my own
October 2, 2024
Powerful!
August 29, 2025
not my cup of tea
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews