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Banning Books in America: Not a How-to
This is a book about banned books in the U.S.—about reading them, teaching them, and assigning them under the shadow of political pressure not to.
Banning Books in America features novelists on banning and being banned, arguments about the histories and politics of book banning, readings of banned books in national and international contexts, and responses to new legislation by anti-censorship advocates, teachers, and librarians. Together, these writers and educators provide a view from the trenches of the wars on reading. They offer, if not a single blueprint, models for how to think about what it means to ban books and how to fight back against the forces that would ban them.
This book shows that at the heart of this issue is the question of what books mean to people. Some Americans are determined to decide which books other Americans shouldn't get to read. Why these books? Why now? Anyone who seeks to answer these questions must examine the context, historical and current, in which Americans allow this to happen.
This is a book about book banning in America, and so it is a book about America.
Banning Books in America features novelists on banning and being banned, arguments about the histories and politics of book banning, readings of banned books in national and international contexts, and responses to new legislation by anti-censorship advocates, teachers, and librarians. Together, these writers and educators provide a view from the trenches of the wars on reading. They offer, if not a single blueprint, models for how to think about what it means to ban books and how to fight back against the forces that would ban them.
This book shows that at the heart of this issue is the question of what books mean to people. Some Americans are determined to decide which books other Americans shouldn't get to read. Why these books? Why now? Anyone who seeks to answer these questions must examine the context, historical and current, in which Americans allow this to happen.
This is a book about book banning in America, and so it is a book about America.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published February 19, 2026
2 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Cohen
43 books3 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I think one thing we need to be hyper aware of in the modern era is that there is so much more potential for fabricated moral outrage. This, in turn, means that we end up with a society quite happy to censor media and ban books, and it gets to a point where there’s no proliferation of original ideas or content. Everyone thinks the same, in the end, following something like that- and that’s terrifying.
I found this book a really interesting new take on banned books, which was great. There was a lot of discourse around why and how books end up being banned, and it provides a lot of interesting insights and various perspectives in a variety of forms.
I found some of the titles that were cited in this book were absolutely ridiculous to ban, and yet, it’s happened. The different approaches to this book in the form of the chapters was really refreshing to see. One thing that made me laugh throughout was the (sic) spelling of so many words when dealing with banned book lists.
One thing that brings further power when dealing with terrifying regimes is to educate yourself, and what better way than with a banned book?
I think one thing we need to be hyper aware of in the modern era is that there is so much more potential for fabricated moral outrage. This, in turn, means that we end up with a society quite happy to censor media and ban books, and it gets to a point where there’s no proliferation of original ideas or content. Everyone thinks the same, in the end, following something like that- and that’s terrifying.
I found this book a really interesting new take on banned books, which was great. There was a lot of discourse around why and how books end up being banned, and it provides a lot of interesting insights and various perspectives in a variety of forms.
I found some of the titles that were cited in this book were absolutely ridiculous to ban, and yet, it’s happened. The different approaches to this book in the form of the chapters was really refreshing to see. One thing that made me laugh throughout was the (sic) spelling of so many words when dealing with banned book lists.
One thing that brings further power when dealing with terrifying regimes is to educate yourself, and what better way than with a banned book?
February 22, 2026
Banning Books in America (Not a How To) signals its irreverent tone from the get-go with its tongue in cheek title. It's a title which perfectly sums up the book itself: a collection that is both serious in its subject matter yet humourous in its defiance against the efforts of those who wish to ban books.
The collection is an impassioned plea and pledge to protect the freedom of Americans to read whatever they want and choose to read. The pieces included here cover the range of forms from essays, to a novel extract, to the editor's own book banning course syllabus.
I love the work of Toni Morrison so I especially enjoyed the chapter on her work and her inclusion in the editor's course syllabus. I also enjoyed reading from teachers and educators who are on the front line of this fight against book censorship.
I live in England which does not (yet) have the same level of coordinated effort to ban specific books as there is in America. However, this does not mean there aren't people in this country who would relish the opportunity to ban books that explore ideas around race, gender, abortion and other social "hot topics".
Fundamentally, the intent behind book banning is not specific to America which is why the ideas explored in this book will not solely be relevant to American readers. Banning books is about controlling thoughts and ideas. It is about preventing people from developing the skills necessary to engage in critical analysis. It has no place in a free society and in curating this collection, editor Samuel Cohen has made a record of dissenting voices which cannot be left out of the story when history looks back on this period. Wouldn't it be ironic if someone tried to ban it!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for early access to this book for the purposes of review.
The collection is an impassioned plea and pledge to protect the freedom of Americans to read whatever they want and choose to read. The pieces included here cover the range of forms from essays, to a novel extract, to the editor's own book banning course syllabus.
I love the work of Toni Morrison so I especially enjoyed the chapter on her work and her inclusion in the editor's course syllabus. I also enjoyed reading from teachers and educators who are on the front line of this fight against book censorship.
I live in England which does not (yet) have the same level of coordinated effort to ban specific books as there is in America. However, this does not mean there aren't people in this country who would relish the opportunity to ban books that explore ideas around race, gender, abortion and other social "hot topics".
Fundamentally, the intent behind book banning is not specific to America which is why the ideas explored in this book will not solely be relevant to American readers. Banning books is about controlling thoughts and ideas. It is about preventing people from developing the skills necessary to engage in critical analysis. It has no place in a free society and in curating this collection, editor Samuel Cohen has made a record of dissenting voices which cannot be left out of the story when history looks back on this period. Wouldn't it be ironic if someone tried to ban it!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for early access to this book for the purposes of review.
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January 5, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Academic for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
A finger-on-the-pulse look at the US' determination to get books off of shelves and out of schools. While, as stated, it is not a 'how-to' and discusses the dangers and ramifications of book banning, this collection of works also made space for nuanced discussions on why people seek to ban books and where we find issues of age-appropriate literature.
Far from being a difficult to read academic text, each piece of writing was accessible to someone with little-to-no previous understanding of literature, although I will admit my knowledge of cold war social history could do with a serious refresh after reading a little about it here. I particularly enjoyed the university module description and plan at the back of the book and don't doubt I would greatly enjoy Cohen's classes.
A finger-on-the-pulse look at the US' determination to get books off of shelves and out of schools. While, as stated, it is not a 'how-to' and discusses the dangers and ramifications of book banning, this collection of works also made space for nuanced discussions on why people seek to ban books and where we find issues of age-appropriate literature.
Far from being a difficult to read academic text, each piece of writing was accessible to someone with little-to-no previous understanding of literature, although I will admit my knowledge of cold war social history could do with a serious refresh after reading a little about it here. I particularly enjoyed the university module description and plan at the back of the book and don't doubt I would greatly enjoy Cohen's classes.
November 26, 2025
Micro-reviews by chapter.
1 - If you think about it, aren't sensitivity readers the real censors? No. The author should have her Pulitzer revoked, if she'd won it. Half star.
2 - Interview with Jane Smiley by a High School newspaper. Smiley is a delight, it is an excellent interview in general, and it sets something of a reoccurring theme: What books and why? Five stars.
3 - "Softie" author meets sniveling principal. Brief, self-congratulatory, fun. Four stars.
4 - Excerpt of novel. Ill-fit with the remainder of the book, and at a non-productive tension between genre, it does give the feelings. Three stars.
5 - Academic freedom should exist. More reportage on the state of play than analysis. Two stars.
6 - Librarians fight back. Excellent storytelling and big feels provoked about the power of literature to save people. Five stars.
7 - Is it okay ever to prevent someone from reading a book? It has the feeling of a rushed term paper in too many points and not enough substantive analysis, and while decent compares poorly to the other chapters. One and three quarters stars.
8 - History of censorship and anti-censorship during the Cold War. I am unpersuaded by the paradigm-shifting that it suggests, but the argument is good and informative. Five stars.
9 - A consideration of what books get banned out of the author's own academic specialty. The only article that has spoilers. Just read it. Six stars.
10 - Analysis of rhetoric around bans with a call to action. Generally good, it shows the flip side of chapter 6 where the storytelling does not make for effective structure. Three stars.
11 - Closer analysis on the banning of Toni Morrison's books. Superb look at the 'what and why' question, with a bit of a skewer to it, and Morrison's excellent quotes. The sidebar here is that it encodes substantive discussion on the censorious Left better than the usual hot take. Five stars.
12 - Compare and contrast of censorship in the U.S. and India. Exactly what it says on the tin. Three stars.
13 - Book censorship as a slippery slope or stalking horse from education standardization. Provocative and in accord with other recent reading, it has a bit of a fit problem in this book. Four stars.
14 - The editor's own banned book syllabus. Funny and effective at getting to far more angles and provocations than in the rest of the book at large. I am going to still ding it for the Library of Alexandria bit. Four stars.
My thanks to the editor, Samuel Cohen, and to the individual authors, for writing the book, and to the publisher, Bloomsbury Academic, for making the ARC available to me.
1 - If you think about it, aren't sensitivity readers the real censors? No. The author should have her Pulitzer revoked, if she'd won it. Half star.
2 - Interview with Jane Smiley by a High School newspaper. Smiley is a delight, it is an excellent interview in general, and it sets something of a reoccurring theme: What books and why? Five stars.
3 - "Softie" author meets sniveling principal. Brief, self-congratulatory, fun. Four stars.
4 - Excerpt of novel. Ill-fit with the remainder of the book, and at a non-productive tension between genre, it does give the feelings. Three stars.
5 - Academic freedom should exist. More reportage on the state of play than analysis. Two stars.
6 - Librarians fight back. Excellent storytelling and big feels provoked about the power of literature to save people. Five stars.
7 - Is it okay ever to prevent someone from reading a book? It has the feeling of a rushed term paper in too many points and not enough substantive analysis, and while decent compares poorly to the other chapters. One and three quarters stars.
8 - History of censorship and anti-censorship during the Cold War. I am unpersuaded by the paradigm-shifting that it suggests, but the argument is good and informative. Five stars.
9 - A consideration of what books get banned out of the author's own academic specialty. The only article that has spoilers. Just read it. Six stars.
10 - Analysis of rhetoric around bans with a call to action. Generally good, it shows the flip side of chapter 6 where the storytelling does not make for effective structure. Three stars.
11 - Closer analysis on the banning of Toni Morrison's books. Superb look at the 'what and why' question, with a bit of a skewer to it, and Morrison's excellent quotes. The sidebar here is that it encodes substantive discussion on the censorious Left better than the usual hot take. Five stars.
12 - Compare and contrast of censorship in the U.S. and India. Exactly what it says on the tin. Three stars.
13 - Book censorship as a slippery slope or stalking horse from education standardization. Provocative and in accord with other recent reading, it has a bit of a fit problem in this book. Four stars.
14 - The editor's own banned book syllabus. Funny and effective at getting to far more angles and provocations than in the rest of the book at large. I am going to still ding it for the Library of Alexandria bit. Four stars.
My thanks to the editor, Samuel Cohen, and to the individual authors, for writing the book, and to the publisher, Bloomsbury Academic, for making the ARC available to me.
February 19, 2026
Approaching contemporary and historical book banning with sincerity, and a little bit of humor, Banning Books in America: Not a How-to gathers essays from 14 different contributors. These are divided into three sections: writers on book banning, arguments about book banning and teachers on book banning. Tone, foci, and content differ across the essays, but they are all focused on the new American culture wars and book banning as a tool in this societal struggle.
Despite being a short book, thematically the essays cover a lot of ground. The first section has authors reflecting on how to respond if or when their books were banned. Chapter 4 looks at a particular work of fiction that was focused on the McCarthy era but still resonates today. Section two is the most broad as it looks at contemporary bans and organizing, but looks at historic examples and how book band have historical commonalities, but also differ. #9 by Aaron Santesso "Banning the Enlightenment" is particularly intriguing for looking at 18th century literature and how it seems to be largely ignored in the current moment. Essays look at what is getting banned, how the books are talked about in the discourse, the concept of astroturfing (an organized movement meant to appear as a grassroots) and the question of rights. If bans are not contested minorities and children and a varied culturally knowledgeable society loses.
Looking at the contemporary to ban books, they are focused on the forbidden topics of the conservative movement, namely diverse authors or topics, anything from the LGBTQIA+ movements or historical (even if factual) accounts that reflect poorly on American self conception.
Recommended to readers of contemporary social issues, equitable access to information and why you should read banned books.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Despite being a short book, thematically the essays cover a lot of ground. The first section has authors reflecting on how to respond if or when their books were banned. Chapter 4 looks at a particular work of fiction that was focused on the McCarthy era but still resonates today. Section two is the most broad as it looks at contemporary bans and organizing, but looks at historic examples and how book band have historical commonalities, but also differ. #9 by Aaron Santesso "Banning the Enlightenment" is particularly intriguing for looking at 18th century literature and how it seems to be largely ignored in the current moment. Essays look at what is getting banned, how the books are talked about in the discourse, the concept of astroturfing (an organized movement meant to appear as a grassroots) and the question of rights. If bans are not contested minorities and children and a varied culturally knowledgeable society loses.
Looking at the contemporary to ban books, they are focused on the forbidden topics of the conservative movement, namely diverse authors or topics, anything from the LGBTQIA+ movements or historical (even if factual) accounts that reflect poorly on American self conception.
Recommended to readers of contemporary social issues, equitable access to information and why you should read banned books.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Banning Books in America, edited by Samuel Cohen, is a wide-ranging collection of essays that address the attempts, past and especially present, to ban or censor books in the US.
The strengths of this book is having all of the essays being accessible to any reader interested in the topic coupled with the range of writers. We have authors as well as those coming at the issue from historical and/or policy perspectives. Underlying most of it is the type of people and the form of government that would choose censorship or outright banning, or even just entertain them.
It is a collection of essays from different people, so not every one will be equally appealing to you. Even the one I have seen the most comments about needs to at least be taken seriously. I agree with many people that sensitivity readers are not now acting as de facto censors. Most are still freelancers and their recommendations are just that, recommendations. That doesn't mean the potential isn't there, in the future, for that position to be abused by a publisher or some other group to advance censorship. It is better to help create a solid space for them to operate rather than wait ignorantly and then try to fix it after it is too late. Is it now censorship? No. Is the potential there for abuse? Yes. Is it ignorant to be dismissive? Absolutely.
If you are concerned about the current movements to censor what people can read and want to better understand the topic from a variety of perspectives, and also aren't opposed to opening your mind to potentialities that exist, then this will be a wonderful read for you.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
The strengths of this book is having all of the essays being accessible to any reader interested in the topic coupled with the range of writers. We have authors as well as those coming at the issue from historical and/or policy perspectives. Underlying most of it is the type of people and the form of government that would choose censorship or outright banning, or even just entertain them.
It is a collection of essays from different people, so not every one will be equally appealing to you. Even the one I have seen the most comments about needs to at least be taken seriously. I agree with many people that sensitivity readers are not now acting as de facto censors. Most are still freelancers and their recommendations are just that, recommendations. That doesn't mean the potential isn't there, in the future, for that position to be abused by a publisher or some other group to advance censorship. It is better to help create a solid space for them to operate rather than wait ignorantly and then try to fix it after it is too late. Is it now censorship? No. Is the potential there for abuse? Yes. Is it ignorant to be dismissive? Absolutely.
If you are concerned about the current movements to censor what people can read and want to better understand the topic from a variety of perspectives, and also aren't opposed to opening your mind to potentialities that exist, then this will be a wonderful read for you.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
November 12, 2025
When it comes to the idea of banned books, I never really understood the concept. I guess a few books I could understand why they would be put on a list but most are because of people's idea of what an "appropriate" book should be. Most of these are coming from "concerned" parents at school but it's those same parents that read otherly subjective books that would make the Pope blush. As much of a passionate subject this is for me, the idea of banning books is the same to me as burning books; it's all about what society dictates is deemed worthy.
Some authors like Jodi Picoult, in my opinion, shouldn't have books on the banned book list. Again, it's parents complaining to a school board about what should be appropriate for their children to read. If we follow that same principle, then ban fairy tales, ban history books, just ban every book at that point and not let kids read at all..
On a more educational note, this book breaks down why we have banned books, what books are banned and so on and so forth.
This was a very interesting and intriguing read even if it made my blood boil with passion that's hasn't been resurrected since Banned Book week when I get on my soap box to protest against why certain books shouldn't be banned.
I would really like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Some authors like Jodi Picoult, in my opinion, shouldn't have books on the banned book list. Again, it's parents complaining to a school board about what should be appropriate for their children to read. If we follow that same principle, then ban fairy tales, ban history books, just ban every book at that point and not let kids read at all..
On a more educational note, this book breaks down why we have banned books, what books are banned and so on and so forth.
This was a very interesting and intriguing read even if it made my blood boil with passion that's hasn't been resurrected since Banned Book week when I get on my soap box to protest against why certain books shouldn't be banned.
I would really like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is great source for understanding the “thinking” behind why books are banned. It contains essays by various authors on what’s it liked to be banned, histories of book banning, and responses to legislation by anti-censorship advocates.
In reviewing this book I was drawn back to Amanda Jones’ That Librarian book. First she became the focus of nefarious religious banning books group. She writes about the position of librarians that libraries are for everyone; it is a place where everyone should be able to find books that contain stories or information about them - not just certain “thems.” This is echoed in the various essays in this book.
As a composite of the thinking about book banning, these essays give insight on the meaning of reading and what books people should be allowed to read. But why these books? Why not those books? By reducing the number of books students are given less opportunity to access diverse points of views.
This is a very American problem and this book is a very American book. Recommend it!
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
#banningbooksinamerica
#samuelcohen
#bloomsburypublishing
In reviewing this book I was drawn back to Amanda Jones’ That Librarian book. First she became the focus of nefarious religious banning books group. She writes about the position of librarians that libraries are for everyone; it is a place where everyone should be able to find books that contain stories or information about them - not just certain “thems.” This is echoed in the various essays in this book.
As a composite of the thinking about book banning, these essays give insight on the meaning of reading and what books people should be allowed to read. But why these books? Why not those books? By reducing the number of books students are given less opportunity to access diverse points of views.
This is a very American problem and this book is a very American book. Recommend it!
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC.
#banningbooksinamerica
#samuelcohen
#bloomsburypublishing
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fairly short book in which a bunch of contributors write about book bans, what's it's like to get your book banned, and other musings concerning the subject.
It started out on the wrong foot for me, the contributor rails against mainly sensitivity readers then takes a jab at content warnings. I can see how some people can find these things annoying, but I feel like they're more complicated than the writer makes them seem. We've all read books where the author says clearly wrong information about a group of people and that information can perpetuate harmful ideas. And sometimes people don't want to read about child rape.
Most of the other sections were better. The ones I found the most interesting were the two that talked about censorship behind the iron curtain and in India. They both write about things that were new to me, and give some insight about the different and similar reasons that censorship often occurs.
Although some of the sections leaned a little overly obvious, I did find this to be a fairly interesting read
It started out on the wrong foot for me, the contributor rails against mainly sensitivity readers then takes a jab at content warnings. I can see how some people can find these things annoying, but I feel like they're more complicated than the writer makes them seem. We've all read books where the author says clearly wrong information about a group of people and that information can perpetuate harmful ideas. And sometimes people don't want to read about child rape.
Most of the other sections were better. The ones I found the most interesting were the two that talked about censorship behind the iron curtain and in India. They both write about things that were new to me, and give some insight about the different and similar reasons that censorship often occurs.
Although some of the sections leaned a little overly obvious, I did find this to be a fairly interesting read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As someone who works in a library this felt like pretty mandatory reading. I'm lucky enough not to be a librarian in the US so thankfully haven't had to deal with banning on this level!
I like how this is split into sections for different aspects of book-banning as this helped keep it interesting. Unfortunately I didn't agree with the views of some of the essayists in this collection which makes it hard to rate it higher than 4 stars. One of them was the very first essay in the book which did make me question whether to carry on with it (I 100% believe that every perspective should be available on different social issues but that doesn't mean I have to like it!)
This also made me explore what sort of titles are banned/challenged in the US and why which was very interesting.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc
I like how this is split into sections for different aspects of book-banning as this helped keep it interesting. Unfortunately I didn't agree with the views of some of the essayists in this collection which makes it hard to rate it higher than 4 stars. One of them was the very first essay in the book which did make me question whether to carry on with it (I 100% believe that every perspective should be available on different social issues but that doesn't mean I have to like it!)
This also made me explore what sort of titles are banned/challenged in the US and why which was very interesting.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc
February 19, 2026
I absolutely raced through this and found it far more engaging than I expected from a nonfiction collection. It’s sharp, passionate, and genuinely thought-provoking, with a strong sense of urgency that never feels preachy. What really stands out is how it challenges assumptions and pushes the reader to think more deeply about freedom, access, and who gets to decide what is acceptable. The tone feels energetic and purposeful throughout, making it both informative and motivating. By the end, I felt better informed, slightly fired up, and very glad this book exists at all.
Many thanks to Bloomsbury Academic and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy
Many thanks to Bloomsbury Academic and NetGalley for providing this advanced copy
December 6, 2025
Quick-paced with sections ending in a much needed call to action. I enjoyed learning about the librarians across the country showing up for their communities and careers. Some of the essays felt a bit like reading a college term paper, though perhaps my favorite section was the course curriculum.
Overall, an important reflection of the historical and current events leading to and caused by attempts at silencing marginalized voices.
Overall, an important reflection of the historical and current events leading to and caused by attempts at silencing marginalized voices.
December 10, 2025
This exploration of how and why books are banned with comparisons internationally and through history. It is both thoughtful and thought provoking - asking very pertinent questions of the reader that I am still pondering. It introduces forms of censorship I hadn’t considered playing a role in book banning. The need to protect the freedom to read is powerfully argued and i thoroughly enjoyed exploring this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Samuel Cohen has put together a great book on the book banning topic that is currently huge and unfortunately getting louder everyday. This book is definitely not a "how-to" with lots of good reading lists and actions you can take if the stuff starts happening in your community.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.
February 27, 2026
I would have given it 5 stars until I realized over ten percent of the book was just his course syllabus. "I'll just grab a handful of essays, throw my course syllabus in there, and bing bang boom"?
The essays were excellent. I appreciate the willingness to discuss censorship coming from right and left alike. A point that seems to rankle a lot of folks.
The essays were excellent. I appreciate the willingness to discuss censorship coming from right and left alike. A point that seems to rankle a lot of folks.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews