STRONGER NEWS - Sep 2026 - Free Freedom to Read Event on 9/24, New Stronger Publishers, and More
September means back to school and counting book bans and fighting for the freedom to read! Here are three news items that are top of mind for us.
Here are three news items that are top of mind for us:
1. Tasslyn and Lee have been part of the grassroots group organizing a telethon-style free online event happening this Thursday Sep 24, 2026 from 2-4pm Eastern.
Join us for Show Up, Speak Up: Vote for the Freedom to Read, a virtual variety show featuring a star-studded lineup of freedom to read champions celebrating books, authors, and readers and encouraging you to take action! Sign up here for the show.
2. We’re excited to announce the new cohort of books from independent publishers that WE ARE STRONGER THAN CENSORSHIP will be buying and donating (two books to offset every one book challenge) over the next two years.
Please join us in cheering on these titles and publishers:
Justice Makes a Difference from Planting People Growing Justice
The Boy and the Lion from Iska Press for African Perspectives
Izzy's (Almost) Epic Day from Phoenix Media and Books
Clubfoot Connections from Thinking Ink Press
Oh No! Chinese School! from East West Discovery Press LLC
Blood, Sweat & Queers from Contrarian Publishing
They're So Flamboyant from the American Psychological Association
Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman
The Journey Seed from Eternal Tree Books
The Big Aquarium Adventure! From Developmental Texts
See Us Bloom from Sambasivan and Parikh
Contested Classics (collection of 8 titles) from Broad Book Press
3. Check out this report that Tasslyn helped put together on the last five years of censorship – and those fighting back in schools, libraries, and statehouses. As one of the co-authors, Kelly Jensen, writes:
“From coast to coast, from red state to blue state, from the formally organized to the scrappy, parents, students, and literary advocates of all stripes have come together to say enough is enough. They’re taking back their rights to fully funded, well-supported public schools and libraries.”
We love how this report focuses on everyday people everywhere choosing to take action in all the ways they can. Read the report here.
https://bookriot.com/book-censorship-5-year-report/
With thanks and appreciation for all you do,
Lee and Tasslyn