Kid Lit Authors Petition Congress to Condemn Book Banning

At a hearing held Thursday morning by the U.S. House Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, chair Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) introduced into record a letter drafted by two-time Newbery Honor-winning author Christina Soontornvat, along with fellow authors Phil Bildner, Alex London, and Ellen Oh. The letter, which urged congressional protection against book bans, was signed by more than 1,300 children's authors, including Judy Blume, Jason Reynolds, Rick Riordan, and Jacqueline Woodson. The hearing was the second on the topic of "political attacks on free speech and classroom censorship." The subcommittee has jurisdiction over issues related to civil rights, civil liberties and the equal protection of laws, including freedom of religion, speech, press, and assembly.