How Book Bans Are Impacting Teachers and Students: Insights from First Book Research & Insights

Over the last several years, book bans and restrictions have dramatically increased across the United States. Organizations like the American Library Association (ALA) and PEN America have been tracking these trends, but there has been little data on how these efforts to limit access to books are affecting educators and students, particularly in underserved communities.

At First Book, we believe every child deserves access to books that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and learning. To better understand the real-world impact of book bans, First Book Research & Insights conducted a nationwide survey in 2023. We gathered responses from more than 1,500 educators who work in classrooms and programs serving children from low-income families. Here’s what we learned.

The Survey: Who Participated?

Our survey reached over 1,500 school-based educators from nearly every state in the country. Respondents included:

• 71 percent were classroom teachers
• 15 percent were librarians
• 58 percent served elementary school students
• 23 percent served middle school students
• 17 percent served high school students

These educators represent students from schools and programs in which at least 70% of the children come from low-income families. Their insights provide a critical perspective on how book restrictions are shaping classrooms, learning experiences, and student engagement.

The Impact of Book Bans on Educators

The findings revealed a troubling trend: conversations surrounding book bans have had a far-reaching impact on educators’ ability to teach effectively.

Key Findings:

• 65 percent of educators reported that the conversations related to book bans are negatively impacting their ability to teach.
  • Of these educators:
    • 71 percent said that book banning undermines their expertise as educators.
    • 40 percent noted that book bans contribute to a sense of erasing people and history.
    • 36 percent expressed that book bans discourage critical thinking.

Educators in communities directly experiencing book bans reported even greater negative impacts, with percentages 10 percent higher across these categories.

The Impact of Book Bans on Students

Our survey also asked educators about changes they have observed in their students’ engagement and learning as a result of restricted access to books. The data underscores the critical importance of providing students with access to diverse, high-quality reading materials.

Key Findings:

• 81 percent of educators said that conversations around banned books and restrictions to book access harm students.
• 78 percent said students read more when they have the freedom to choose what they want to read—including access to banned books.
• 72 percent noted that when students’ access to books is restricted, their reading engagement declines.

These results demonstrate that limiting access to books not only impacts reading engagement but also stifles curiosity and a love of learning among students.

Why Access to Books Matters

At the heart of this debate is whether a small group of individuals has the right to dictate what other people’s children are allowed to read – and to impose their restrictions on the rest of the nation. The evidence is clear—book bans are not only affecting educators’ ability to teach, but they are also hurting student engagement and learning outcomes.

To prepare the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, we must increase access to books—not restrict it. Ensuring that all children have access to diverse, high-quality books is essential for building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and opportunity.

Every child deserves the freedom to explore books that inspire them, challenge them, and help them see the world—and themselves—in new ways. At First Book, we remain committed to supporting educators, empowering students, and championing access to books for all children.

Join the Network

Educators can join First Book’s Network — the largest and fastest growing network of individual educators, professionals, and volunteers serving children in need across the United States and Canada — to bring these resources and many more to your classroom or program. 

This article was originally published on Unite Against Books Bans.