BREAKING: Authors Joanna Ho and Caroline Kusin-Pritchard abruptly left Country Club Elementary School minutes before their scheduled presentation on October 17, 2023, after being asked by the San Ramon Valley Unified School District to censor their discussion on book banning. The authors were promoting their book, “The Day the Books Disappeared,” which tackles the pressing issue of book censorship.
The incident unfolded when the district requested that the authors avoid discussing critical themes related to book banning, specifically for students ages 4 to 9. Kusin-Pritchard expressed her frustration, stating, “Book banning is real, it’s happening everywhere, it’s happening in California.” The authors chose to uphold their integrity rather than modify their message, leading to their early exit.
The district justified their request, claiming parts of the presentation were inappropriate for younger audiences. They indicated that while the book’s core message of kindness and empathy was valuable, the focus on book banning was deemed unsuitable for transitional kindergarten to third-grade students.
In a statement, the district explained they had initially contacted the organization coordinating the author visits for adjustments. When they received no response, they approached the authors directly upon their arrival, requesting changes to the presentation. The authors’ decision to walk away highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding book censorship in schools.
Despite the controversy, Kusin-Pritchard noted positive feedback from thousands of students nationwide, emphasizing the powerful reactions children have when engaging with the book’s themes. “The insights and hopeful reactions from children show the importance of discussing these topics,” she said.
Joanna Ho elaborated on the book’s themes, addressing uncomfortable truths about history, race, and diverse family structures. “We believe it is crucial to bring these stories to light to foster awareness and intentionality within our communities,” she emphasized.
This incident raises urgent questions about the role of literature and censorship in education, particularly in California, where debates on book banning continue to intensify. As more authors face similar challenges, the implications for future discussions about literature in schools remain significant.
NEXT: The authors may seek to raise awareness about censorship in educational settings through future events. Readers are encouraged to follow this developing story as it unfolds, as it reflects a growing national conversation on the importance of diverse narratives in children’s literature.
