Why is Jodi Picoult’s “Nineteen Minutes” Facing School Bans?

Stack of banned books with a sticky note.

Jodi Picoult’s “Nineteen Minutes” tops the list of banned books in U.S. schools for 2023-2024, sparking debate over censorship and educational freedom.

At a Glance

“Nineteen Minutes” banned in 98 school districts, making it the most frequently banned book
Over 10,000 book removals recorded in public schools, a 200% increase from previous year
40% of banned titles address LGBTQ themes, 44% deal with race/racism
New laws in several states facilitate increased book bans
Jodi Picoult opposes bans, calling them a “slippery slope” for free speech

Rise in Book Bans Across U.S. Schools

The 2023-2024 school year has seen an unprecedented surge in book bans across U.S. schools, with Jodi Picoult’s “Nineteen Minutes” emerging as the most frequently banned title. According to PEN America, 4,231 unique titles were banned, totaling over 10,000 book removals—a staggering 200% increase from the previous year. This trend has raised concerns about censorship and its impact on educational freedom.

The ban on “Nineteen Minutes,” a novel addressing the aftermath of a school shooting, has been attributed to its depiction of a date rape scene. Despite initial praise for its candid exploration of bullying, the book has now been removed from 98 school districts. This ban is part of a broader censorship movement that disproportionately targets books addressing LGBTQ identities and racial issues.

Annnnnd 19 Minutes gets banned in Missouri. https://t.co/jwzXCp0chs

— Jodi Picoult (updates only) (@jodipicoult) April 26, 2023

Impact on Literature and Education

The wave of book bans has not spared classical literature. Renowned works such as Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” and Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” have also faced removal in multiple districts. These actions have raised questions about the criteria used for book selection and removal in educational institutions.

“It’s really alarming. What’s crazy is that the book hasn’t changed,” Jodi Picoult said of the ban.

The American Library Association (ALA) has voiced strong opposition to these bans, emphasizing its commitment to free access to information and condemning censorship. However, the ALA notes that a significant percentage of book challenges go unreported, suggesting that the actual scale of censorship may be even larger than currently documented.

Legislative Influence on Book Bans

State legislation has played a crucial role in facilitating the increase in book bans. New laws in states like Iowa, Florida, Utah, South Carolina, and Tennessee have provided legal grounds for removing books from school libraries and curricula. These laws often cite the need for “age-appropriate” content and invoke “parental rights” as justification for book removals.

On that note, Picoult said, “The book banners who believe that banning books is protecting children are actually doing harm to children.”

Proponents of these bans argue that they aim to protect students from obscene or inappropriate content. However, critics view these actions as a form of censorship that limits students’ exposure to diverse narratives and perspectives, potentially hindering their educational growth and understanding of complex social issues.

Authors’ Response to Censorship

Jodi Picoult, along with other affected authors, has been vocal in opposing these bans. Picoult has described the situation as a “slippery slope” that threatens free speech in educational settings. While established authors like Picoult may be less financially impacted by these bans, there are concerns about the effect on younger authors, LGBTQ writers, and authors of color who may face significant challenges in reaching their audience.

Despite the growing trend of book bans, many authors, including Picoult, remain committed to their craft and do not plan to alter their content in response to censorship pressures. This stance underscores the ongoing tension between artistic freedom, educational policy, and community standards in the realm of literature and education.