Banning Books, Banning Growth. What OCPS’s List Says About Independent Thinking
How limiting access to diverse literature stifles students’ critical thinking, empathy, and potential for personal growth.
It’s been awhile since I really stopped and thought about banned books. After all, my high school experience now ended nearly 20 years ago. My eldest went to alternative schools and is getting his GED and my younger children aren’t in high school yet. But last night, I walked into Writers Block book store on Park Ave and was perusing the shelves with my husband. I exclaimed “oh how did they create such a great section of some of the best literary works spanning centuries” then, I looked at the signage: “Banned Books for All: Orlando Edition.”
Turns out, we were in the banned books section. Which obviously sent me researching just how many books OCPS had banned. The answer: 673
And I think you’ll be quite surprised by many of these titles as I was.
The banned books list in Orange County, like many others, reflects recurring themes that often trigger challenges or removal from school curriculums:
1. Independent and Critical Thinking
Titles like 1984 by George Orwell and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury encourage questioning authority, societal norms, and injustices. Often, such books prompt readers to think critically about governance, autonomy, and personal freedom, which can be seen as challenging to established ideologies in educational settings.
2. Exploration of Identity and Self-Discovery
Young adult novels, such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, Looking for Alaska by John Green, and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, navigate complex themes of mental health, trauma, and personal growth. While these stories resonate with many young readers, they’re frequently banned for openly addressing adolescent struggles.
3. Historical and Social Awareness
Books like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and The Diary of Anne Frank emphasize empathy and social justice. By highlighting themes like racial discrimination, prejudice, and moral responsibility, these stories encourage historical awareness but can be controversial for their unflinching portrayal of societal flaws.
4. Diverse Perspectives and Inclusivity
Many banned books, including Gender Queer and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, bring awareness to underrepresented voices, covering themes of gender, racial identity, and systemic challenges. These perspectives can clash with community standards or ideas of “age-appropriate” content in some districts.
5. Rebellion and Nonconformity
Works such as The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley showcase characters defying social norms and embracing autonomy, often seen as promoting nonconformity. Such themes can be viewed as encouraging young readers to question authority.
6. Social Justice and Civil Disobedience
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and The Diary of Anne Frank emphasize themes of justice, civil rights, and ethical responsibility. Addressing issues like racial inequality and social movements, these works are frequently challenged for their exploration of controversial topics in a school setting.
These themes reveal a trend where literature that fosters critical thinking, empathy, and self-discovery often faces removal, limiting classroom discussions that could empower young readers to engage thoughtfully with complex social issues.
Why Access to Diverse Literature Matters
The Gateway to Critical Thought
Imagine walking into a library and seeing shelves stripped of titles that have inspired generations of readers to see beyond their immediate world. That’s the impact of book bans—especially on students who are just beginning to understand the world in all its complexities. Diverse literature doesn’t just tell stories; it helps young readers see themselves, understand others, and develop a broader worldview. When we limit access to these books, education becomes a filtered experience, one that’s less challenging, less engaging, and ultimately less transformative.
Research supports the idea that diverse literature builds empathy and critical thinking skills in young readers. According to PEN America’s 2023 report on book bans, the surge in banned books is affecting the breadth of perspectives available in U.S. classrooms, leaving students with fewer opportunities to engage with ideas and identities that differ from their own. This limitation doesn’t just impact literacy; it narrows the scope of students’ understanding of the world and stifles the development of skills essential for democratic engagement and personal growth.
“Books provide students with mirrors to see themselves and windows to see others. Banning books takes away both,” says Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. Without these “mirrors and windows,” students miss out on the critical experiences of both self-reflection and empathy-building that literature uniquely provides. Diverse literature allows them to explore different cultures, confront uncomfortable truths, and consider viewpoints outside their personal experiences—building a foundation for independent, informed thinking.
By removing these books, we risk creating a sanitized learning environment that prioritizes comfort over growth. In the words of Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, “Critical thinking isn’t born from safety. It’s built by questioning and exploring ideas outside our comfort zones.” When we deny students access to literature that challenges, questions, and sometimes unsettles, we deny them the opportunity to develop the intellectual resilience they’ll need in an increasingly complex world.
Access to diverse literature isn’t just about reading; it’s about growing. For students in Orange County and beyond, these books represent pathways to understanding, empathy, and critical engagement with the world around them.
Fostering Empathy Through Storytelling
It’s no secret that stories let us live other lives, even if just for a few pages. When students read about characters with backgrounds, cultures, or struggles different from their own, they’re stepping into someone else’s shoes. This act of connection—of seeing the world through another’s eyes—plants the seeds of empathy. And empathy isn’t just a “nice-to-have” skill; it’s a crucial component for navigating a world where understanding others is increasingly essential.
Research backs this up. The Journal of Applied Social Psychology found that reading fiction can actually increase empathy and emotional intelligence. It makes sense, right? When students read, they’re not just processing words; they’re experiencing emotions, conflicts, and perspectives outside their own reality.
“Reading literature is one of the most powerful ways to cultivate empathy. It helps students see beyond their own lived experiences,” explains Dr. Maryanne Wolf, a cognitive neuroscientist and literacy advocate. Without access to these diverse stories, we’re not just taking books off shelves; we’re limiting the tools students have to build meaningful connections with the world around them.
Preparing Students for a Globalized World
In today’s interconnected world, students aren’t just preparing for careers—they’re preparing to be global citizens. Understanding different perspectives isn’t optional; it’s a necessity. When literature brings diverse cultural, political, and social experiences into the classroom, it broadens students’ worldviews and readies them for the realities of a multicultural society.
Removing these books does more than narrow their education; it narrows their understanding of what the world truly looks like. The Global Literacy Foundation highlights the role of diverse literature in promoting cultural awareness, noting that students who engage with stories from varied backgrounds tend to carry fewer biases and a greater appreciation for differences.
“Exposing students to global perspectives through literature broadens their understanding and prepares them for life in a multicultural world,” the Global Literacy Foundation asserts. When we take away these stories, we’re not just removing “challenging” content; we’re removing students’ opportunities to understand the complexity of the world they’re stepping into.
Encouraging Independent Thought and Questioning
High school is supposed to be about more than just learning facts. It’s where students start to ask hard questions, develop their own opinions, and explore the complexities of the world around them. Books that challenge societal norms or introduce complex themes push students to think beyond surface-level answers, helping them develop the skills needed for critical analysis and self-reflection.
The American Psychological Association (APA) links exposure to diverse ideas with growth in critical thinking skills, underscoring that students who engage with complex narratives are better equipped to question, analyze, and synthesize information. This is essential for becoming informed citizens who can navigate the world with a sense of purpose and independence.
“Independent thought flourishes when students are allowed to question and engage with challenging content,” explains Dr. David Myers, a psychologist and education advocate. Limiting access to diverse literature restricts that process, turning education into something safe and sanitized rather than a space for curiosity and exploration. If we want students to become thinkers rather than followers, we have to give them access to literature that challenges them to think deeply, even if it’s sometimes uncomfortable.
Losing Lessons from the Past
Erasing Our History, One Book at a Time
The irony is hard to miss. The Diary of Anne Frank, To Kill a Mockingbird—these books were written to make sure we don’t forget, to remind us of the brutal consequences of prejudice, hatred, and ignorance. And yet, here we are, pulling them off school shelves. These aren’t just stories; they’re warnings, lessons, and sometimes, gut-punches to our collective conscience. They demand that we confront the darkest parts of our history, not shy away from them.
If we’re removing these books, we need to ask ourselves: what message are we sending to students about facing uncomfortable truths? Are we telling them that history is too messy, too inconvenient, to confront? Or that it’s better to bury the past than learn from it? Removing these titles not only deprives students of important historical insights, but it also risks sanitizing their education, making it feel “safe” and sterile rather than real and impactful.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has long emphasized the critical role of Holocaust education in preventing future atrocities. “To learn history, we must confront it. Censoring books that recount historical truths is a step backward,” says a representative from the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Books like The Diary of Anne Frank aren’t just accounts; they’re testimonies. They teach students the vital importance of remembrance, of empathy, and of standing against injustice, even when it’s uncomfortable.
To Kill a Mockingbird and similar novels serve a similar purpose, asking us to look at racial injustice in America’s past and present. They’re not comfortable reads, but that’s the point. They’re meant to challenge, to provoke thought, and to remind students of the power of courage and moral conviction. When we remove these books, we’re removing opportunities for students to engage with our collective past honestly and thoughtfully. And in doing so, we risk raising a generation less equipped to recognize and stand up against injustice in the future.
“To remember is to honor the truth. We cannot afford to look away or erase the past.”
Deborah Lipstadt
Historical Erasure and Its Consequences
It’s one thing to learn history; it’s another to actually see it, raw and unfiltered, through the words of those who lived it. But when we remove books that tell these difficult stories, we’re contributing to something much more insidious: historical erasure. By stripping the shelves of these accounts, we’re making it easier to forget, to sanitize, and to simplify a past that was anything but simple. And that has consequences.
If students aren’t exposed to the harsh realities of our history, how can they learn from it? The American Historical Association emphasizes that understanding difficult historical truths is essential for preventing the mistakes of the past from repeating. We risk creating a generation that’s ignorant of the lessons history has to offer, a generation more susceptible to oversimplified narratives and convenient myths that omit the complexities and struggles of real life.
“Erasing parts of history isn’t just about the past—it shapes the future we’re building,” notes a representative from the American Historical Association. History is messy, but it’s also instructive. When we censor these accounts, we aren’t just hiding the past; we’re stunting the future.
Literature as Testimony
Books like Night by Elie Wiesel or Beloved by Toni Morrison are more than just words on a page; they’re testimonies. They hold the weight of personal experience, of lives marked by historical forces that reshaped the world. When we remove these books, we’re doing more than censoring literature—we’re silencing voices, erasing the testimonies of people who endured unimaginable hardships so that we might learn from them.
Literature has a unique role in recording history because it’s deeply personal. It doesn’t just tell us what happened; it invites us to feel it, to experience the aftermath, and to grapple with its lingering impacts. PEN America has spoken about the importance of literature as a form of testimony, noting that books are often the voices of those who would otherwise be forgotten.
“Books are the voices of those who might otherwise be forgotten. When we remove them, we’re silencing history itself,” says a spokesperson from PEN America. These stories deserve to be read, not hidden away, because they preserve the perspectives and experiences of people who might otherwise be reduced to footnotes. Without them, we lose the emotional and moral insights they offer, insights that can’t be found in mere dates and facts.
Lessons in Moral and Ethical Complexity
History isn’t black and white, and neither are the choices people make within it. Books like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Kite Runner delve into ethical dilemmas, portraying characters who struggle with right and wrong in situations that rarely offer easy answers. These stories don’t just teach history; they teach moral reasoning, providing students with case studies in humanity’s best and worst moments.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has published research on how literature supports moral and ethical development, highlighting that stories about moral struggle help students develop a personal sense of ethics. By grappling with complex situations in literature, students build the tools they need to navigate ethical choices in their own lives.
“Stories about moral struggle help students develop their own sense of right and wrong. Removing them is a disservice to moral education,” explains Dr. Robert Coles, a researcher in moral development. When we remove these books, we’re not just avoiding uncomfortable topics; we’re denying students a chance to confront, question, and understand the ethical complexities that shape human experience.
Parental Concerns vs. Educational Goals
Walking the Tightrope Between Censorship and Guidance
Let’s be real—parental input is essential. Parents know their children best, and their concerns are valid. Many want to ensure their kids are exposed to content that’s age-appropriate, safe, and constructive. But there’s a line between protecting young minds and outright shielding them from reality. When we swing too far toward removing challenging content, we risk limiting students’ ability to engage with the world as it truly is.
The key here is balance. Collaboration between parents and educators can ensure that students are given the guidance they need while still being exposed to complex, diverse perspectives that literature can offer. There’s a way to respect parental concerns without resorting to outright censorship, allowing students to explore ideas in a supportive, structured environment.
According to surveys by the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), the majority of parents actually support some degree of freedom in educational choices, particularly when it comes to books that offer educational value despite challenging themes. “Parents are vital partners in education, but censorship serves no one,” states Chris Finan, Executive Director of the NCAC. Rather than removing books, finding ways to contextualize them can foster understanding and growth, ensuring students benefit from both the perspectives of their parents and the guidance of educators.
Educational goals shouldn’t have to be sacrificed to address concerns. Instead, we can create an environment where literature serves as a bridge, encouraging students to think critically while respecting the diverse viewpoints that their parents bring to the table.
Tips for Concerned Parents: Reading Together for Better Understanding
For parents who feel apprehensive about certain books in the curriculum, there’s an effective middle ground: read the book alongside your child. By engaging with the same material, parents have the chance to be prepared for challenging themes and discussions, creating a natural opening to talk through questions, emotions, and perspectives as they come up. Rather than censoring, this approach allows for a shared journey through the text, fostering a collaborative learning experience.
Here are some ways parents can navigate this approach:
Start a “Book Club” with Your Child:
Treat it as a family activity where both you and your child read the book and discuss it, sharing thoughts and questions.
Ask Open-Ended Questions:
Encourage critical thinking by asking questions like, “What do you think the author wanted us to feel?” or “How does this story relate to the world around us?” This allows students to articulate their understanding while helping parents frame the discussion with context.
Encourage Reflection and Understanding:
When difficult themes come up, take the time to talk about them in a way that aligns with your family’s values. Reading together allows you to help your child understand complex topics without avoiding them entirely.
Surveys by the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) show that most parents support educational freedom, particularly when they play an active role in their child’s learning experience. “Parents are vital partners in education, but censorship serves no one,” states Chris Finan, Executive Director of the NCAC. This approach respects the value of parental guidance without limiting a child’s access to literature that can broaden their horizons and build resilience.
Encouraging Curiosity, Not Compliance
Learning to Question, Not Follow
High school isn’t just about passing tests; it’s about learning to ask hard questions, think independently, and seek truth. When we start pulling books off shelves because they make us uncomfortable, we’re sending a message that it’s better to stick to safe, unchallenging ideas. But life doesn’t work that way, and neither should education. Students deserve the chance to explore diverse viewpoints, even those that make us squirm. This exploration builds the foundation for resilience, critical thinking, and adaptability—qualities they’ll need long after graduation.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), critical thinking is a cornerstone for future resilience and adaptability. Exposure to diverse, complex ideas helps students learn to engage thoughtfully with different perspectives, rather than simply accepting what they’re told.
“Critical thinking isn’t born from safety. It’s built by questioning and exploring ideas outside our comfort zones,” remarks Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America. When we shield students from challenging concepts, we risk raising a generation of compliant thinkers rather than curious, independent minds ready to tackle the complexities of the real world.
The Power of Questioning in Building Resilience
Curiosity isn’t just about gathering information—it’s a powerful force that builds resilience. When students learn to question and explore, they develop confidence in their ability to handle uncertainty. This skill is essential in today’s world, where adaptability and problem-solving are valued as much as technical knowledge. Curiosity makes students more likely to embrace challenges rather than avoid them, arming them with the courage to face the unknown.
Psychology Today emphasizes that curiosity fosters resilience and emotional intelligence, showing that students who engage deeply with diverse ideas become more comfortable with ambiguity and complexity. Rather than seeing different viewpoints as threats, they learn to view them as opportunities to expand their understanding.
“Curiosity creates a buffer against fear. When we’re curious, we’re more likely to embrace challenges rather than avoid them,” notes an article from Psychology Today. Encouraging students to question and explore strengthens their ability to face life’s uncertainties, preparing them to navigate a world that won’t always come with clear answers.
Education as Exploration, Not Indoctrination
True education isn’t about handing students a list of “approved” ideas; it’s about encouraging them to explore, question, and discover their own beliefs. When we only expose students to comfortable, unchallenging material, we aren’t educating them—we’re indoctrinating them. Real learning happens when students are free to engage with diverse perspectives, helping them develop independent, well-rounded viewpoints.
Studies from the International Literacy Association (ILA) highlight how diverse literature supports exploratory, self-directed learning. Exposure to a range of ideas allows students to find their own truths, building a foundation of intellectual freedom that’s crucial for adulthood.
“Education should open doors, not close them,” says a spokesperson from the ILA. By promoting exploration over compliance, schools can foster an environment where students learn not just to absorb information, but to seek, question, and reflect on it. This shift from “safe” learning to true intellectual exploration prepares students to engage fully and thoughtfully with the world around them.
Building Emotional and Social Resilience Through Literature
Why Reading Hard Stories Matters
Let’s face it—growing up is hard. Books like Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and The Perks of Being a Wallflower show students that they’re not alone in their struggles. When we allow teens to explore tough topics through literature, we’re giving them a safe space to process, relate, and, ultimately, build resilience. Banning these stories doesn’t protect kids; it shields them from the tools they need to handle life’s challenges.
According to research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, engaging with literature that tackles real-life challenges promotes emotional growth in teens. By reading about characters who navigate difficult situations, students learn to process their own feelings and develop coping strategies, an essential skill set for lifelong resilience.
“Literature provides a safe space for young people to explore hard emotions, developing empathy along the way,” says Dr. Maryanne Wolf, a cognitive neuroscientist and literacy advocate. Shielding students from challenging stories doesn’t protect them—it denies them opportunities to build strength and understanding.
Developing Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
When students see themselves reflected in literature, they’re given a mirror to explore their own identities and struggles. Books that explore difficult topics like identity, mental health, and trauma offer students a way to process these themes safely. This isn’t just about empathy for others; it’s about empathy for themselves. Reading tough stories can help students gain self-awareness, prompting personal reflection and growth that extends far beyond the classroom.
Studies show that self-reflection is a cornerstone of emotional resilience. The American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes that engaging with complex narratives allows students to explore their own thoughts and emotions, encouraging a deeper understanding of themselves.
“Through characters’ journeys, students are often able to recognize and validate their own feelings, which is crucial for self-acceptance,” notes the APA. By removing these stories from the classroom, we risk depriving students of an essential tool for self-discovery and resilience. Literature isn’t just about external empathy; it’s about fostering internal empathy and self-awareness, helping young people grow into emotionally balanced and self-reflective adults.
Are We Teaching Compliance Over Curiosity?
Curiosity Isn’t Dangerous, It’s Essential
Here’s the real question: are we teaching students to be curious thinkers or compliant followers? By censoring certain ideas, we risk promoting a mindset that avoids complexity. Curiosity drives innovation, empathy, and resilience—all essential traits for navigating today’s world. Censoring challenging content may feel safer, but it ultimately limits students’ capacity to think critically.
Both the International Literacy Association (ILA) and Psychology Today highlight curiosity’s role in cognitive development and lifelong learning. When we prioritize “safe” content over diverse perspectives, we send a message that learning is about staying within comfort zones, rather than exploring new ideas.
“Censorship teaches compliance; curiosity teaches growth. We must decide which we value more,” suggests Dr. John Palfrey, President of the ILA. The choice isn’t just about curriculum; it’s about fostering a mindset that values questioning, exploration, and adaptability.
Encouraging Lifelong Learning Through Embracing Complexity
Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about cultivating a mindset that sees complexity as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. When students are encouraged to tackle difficult topics and wrestle with different perspectives, they develop a more nuanced understanding of the world. This skill extends beyond the classroom, creating a foundation for lifelong learning and adaptability.
The American Psychological Association (APA) emphasizes that embracing complexity builds cognitive flexibility, a critical trait for navigating an increasingly fast-paced and unpredictable world. Exposure to challenging content helps students learn to synthesize diverse viewpoints, analyze complex situations, and make informed decisions—qualities essential for both personal and professional growth.
“Lifelong learners aren’t born from simplified lessons. They’re made by engaging with complexity and learning to adapt,” notes the APA. Encouraging students to engage with diverse, challenging literature isn’t just about critical thinking; it’s about equipping them with the adaptability they’ll need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Removing these opportunities in favor of compliance risks creating students who shy away from complex ideas rather than seeking them out.
Across County Lines
Despite having a Maitland zip code, we’re actually zoned for Seminole County schools, and honestly, I’m grateful. Seminole County’s banned book list includes around 80% fewer titles than OCPS, with a more flexible approach that allows access to certain books with parental consent. This balance respects parental concerns while still valuing students’ exposure to diverse literature.
Big shout out to Moms for Liberty for fighting the good fight here.
Reflecting on OCPS’s extensive list, the predominant themes are independent thinking, self-discovery, historical awareness, and inclusivity. Many of these books challenge societal norms or encourage critical examination of issues like identity, injustice, and mental health. Only about 10-15% of these titles could be considered genuinely inappropriate for high schoolers, with most offering valuable perspectives that stimulate growth, empathy, and intellectual curiosity.
Seminole County’s list, by comparison, is smaller and seems focused more specifically on intense themes like addiction, trauma, and certain explicit content. While Seminole has restricted access to some titles, their approach allows these books to remain available with parental permission, bridging the gap between censorship and educational freedom. With this approach, students can explore complex ideas with guidance rather than being completely shut off from them.
The True Cost of Limiting Independent Thought
In the end, education isn’t about creating echo chambers; it’s about broadening minds. If we truly want students prepared for the complexities of today’s world, we need to let them read widely, think deeply, and learn from diverse perspectives. When we ban books, we’re not just narrowing library options; we’re narrowing students’ potential, reducing their ability to empathize, question, and understand.
PEN America’s data on book bans highlights a worrying trend, showing that book restrictions are increasingly common in U.S. schools. “Education should open minds, not close them. Banning books only narrows the world for our children,” asserts Jonathan Friedman, PEN America’s Director of Free Expression and Education. By limiting access to diverse ideas, we risk raising students who follow rather than question, who comply rather than explore. True education empowers them to seek knowledge, ask hard questions, and develop independent thought—qualities essential for a thriving, resilient society.
Concerned parents can get involved in fighting book bans through several key organizations that advocate for intellectual freedom in schools:
PEN America – Actively campaigns against book bans and offers resources on protecting free expression in education. Learn more at PEN America.
American Library Association (ALA) – Provides resources and programs, like the “Unite Against Book Bans” initiative, to support those opposed to censorship. Explore ALA resources.
National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) – Engages in campaigns and legal support to protect students’ access to diverse literature. Get involved with NCAC.
Unite Against Book Bans – A national initiative by the American Library Association, Unite Against Book Bans supports community efforts to protect access to diverse books in schools and libraries. They provide resources, tools, and strategies for fighting censorship locally. Learn more and join the initiative.
These organizations offer tools, legal support, and ways to connect with local advocacy efforts.
Sources
American Library Association. Unite Against Book Bans. American Library Association, https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/.
Caldwell-Stone, Deborah. “Books Provide Students with Mirrors to See Themselves and Windows to See Others.” American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif.
Friedman, Jonathan. “Education Should Open Minds, Not Close Them.” PEN America, https://pen.org/.
Global Literacy Foundation. “Exposing Students to Global Perspectives Through Literature.” Global Literacy Foundation, https://globallit.org/.
Journal of Adolescent Health. “Linking Literature to Emotional Growth in Teens.” Elsevier, https://www.jahonline.org/.
National Coalition Against Censorship. “Parents Are Vital Partners in Education.” NCAC, https://ncac.org/.
Nossel, Suzanne. “Critical Thinking Isn’t Born from Safety. It’s Built by Questioning.” PEN America, https://pen.org/.
Palfrey, John. “Censorship Teaches Compliance; Curiosity Teaches Growth.” International Literacy Association, https://www.literacyworldwide.org/.
Psychology Today. “Curiosity Fosters Resilience and Emotional Intelligence.” Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. “To Learn History, We Must Confront It.” USHMM, https://www.ushmm.org/.
