Banned Book Reading Challenges for Kids (With Customizable Free Printables!)

It’s Read Across America Week here in the US, and I couldn’t think of a better way to observe it this year than with some creative ways to celebrate banned books with kids.

Some of my favorite childhood afternoons began with a trip to the library to peruse the shelves, free to read just about anything that caught my interest. Even as a very little biscuit, I devoured books. Nothing was ever off limits – from fairy tales, picture books, and comics to historical fiction and big, complicated novels that I know I didn’t fully understand at the time.

I was also lucky enough to be surrounded by close family and friends (my godmother was a public school librarian!) who deeply believed in the power of books. The village that raised me knew: Giving me the freedom to read whatever I wanted would make me a lifelong reader.

Today, that freedom to read is under threat (even more so than usual).

Across the United States, book bans are very much on the rise. In many schools and public libraries, books are being challenged or removed at alarming rates, often stories by and about marginalized communities. We’re talking about well-loved books – many that have helped generations of kids feel seen, understood, and inspired!

Out of frustration (and a desire to make a little good trouble), I created a set of banned book reading challenges you can use to encourage kids to read widely, think critically, and celebrate all the wonderful books that others are trying to keep off our shared shelves.

With the help of our free printables (or using them for inspiration to have kids design their own), you can create your own banned book challenge and turn reading into the adventure it’s meant to be, as well as a powerful act of resistance.

Visit our collection of over 40 library theme books for kids for more great reading activities!

To make your own kids’ banned book reading challenge, you’ll need:

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How to Set Up a Banned Book Reading Challenge – DIY Instructions

Great Banned Book Resources

• Brooklyn Public Library – They offer free library cards to any teen in the U.S., plus a searchable list of banned books that you can explore here.
• Unite Against Book Bans – A great resource with an action toolkit and a free printable PDF guide for taking action. Visit the toolkit.
• PEN America – They track book bans nationwide and offer resources for parents, teachers, and students. Learn more and follow book banning updates.
• ALSC Blog – Need help starting the conversation? Try talking about banned books with kids
• We Need Diverse Books – Read “How to Talk with Students About Banned Books“
• NPR – Listen to “Kids Respond to Banned Books“
• For all of us adults, a documentary called The Librarians premiered at Sundance last year, and when I saw the article about it from the ALA, I *immediately* added it to my Letterboxd watchlist. It’s available to stream free right now via PBS Independent Lens.
• Instantly upgrade an empty wall with this gorgeous “Open books, open doors” free-to-download poster from artist and illustrator Rafael López via the School Library Journal.

More Ways to Explore Banned Books with Kids

Want to take the challenge further? Here are a few more creative ways to use our printables…

• Design a Banned Book Bookmark – Have kids create their own bookmark inspired by a favorite banned book, complete with a quote and artwork.
• Make a Banned Book Passport – Create a reading passport where kids earn “stamps” (stickers or drawings) for each banned book they finish.
• Start a Banned Book Club – Read a challenged book together as a family or with friends and discuss it over snacks.
• Illustrate a Scene – Have kids draw a favorite scene or design an alternative cover for a banned book they loved.
• Host a Banned Book & Movie Night – Many banned books have been adapted into films. Read the book first, then watch the movie, and then compare!
• Pair the Bingo Challenge with Other Activities – Take your Bingo card to the library and see how many books kids can find on their own.
• Combine the reading list with a writing challenge – Have kids write a letter of appreciation to an author of a banned book.
• Start a Reading Log – Encourage kids to start a reading journal to reflect on what they learn from each book.