Safeguarding Our Students' Freedom to Read
By Spencer Miller
During the first day of school in September of 1991, a true horror story unfolded at a school in the quiet town of Manning, Alberta. Thirty angry parents—members of a group calling themselves Parents for Quality Education (PQE)—entered Rosary Catholic School, detained the principal, threatened the staff, tied up the phones, and warned they would burn books on the spot if they weren’t immediately removed. The targeted books? Impressions, a series of language arts materials edited by Canadian educator David Booth containing a selection of poems and stories for children. The coup was a success. The school board agreed to remove the books. The town was left bitterly divided, the first-grade teacher resigned in distress, and the principal considered selling his home and leaving the community. No arrests were ever made.
What motivated this desperate act of parental vigilantism? According to an account from editor and educator Peter Carver published in 1992, the parent group asserted the poems and stories inside Impressions contained “satanic symbols, messages of death, the occult, witchcraft, and devil-worship.” An even more bizarre objection: Canadian spelling. Some members of the PQE claimed that the "u" in the word "colour" is a “satanic sign.” In another recount, writer and journalist Ron Brown recorded claims from PQE members that an illustration in one story “contained a subliminal image of the devil which could be seen if the drawing were held upside down before a mirror” and that a line from a nonsense poem—“In Napanee, I'll eat your knee"—promoted cannibalism.
While the invasion of Rosary Catholic School remains one of the more dramatic (and perplexing) examples of book censorship in Canadian schools, this case illustrates several truths that remain relevant today: 1. Book censorship is often fueled by fear, conspiracy theories and religious extremism. 2. Book censorship usually succeeds due to caught-off-guard decision-making, and 3. Book censorship does real harm to educators, students, and community members. The story reminds us that, as educators, we need to be prepared to identify book censorship as it is happening and be ready to safeguard our students’ freedom to read.
Identifying Censorship in Canadian Schools
The first time I was confronted with book censorship in the classroom was as a pre-service teacher. During my final Field Experience in an Albertan high school, a phone call from a parent led to an ultimatum: use a permanent marker to black out the curse words and religious references in a copy of Cherie Dimaline’s The Marrow Thieves, or their child would be pulled from class during our novel study. Thankfully, my mentor teacher supported my decision not to censor the book. With her guidance, we were able to address the parent’s concerns, and the student was able to participate in class. From this early encounter, I learned that teachers must be prepared and have a plan in place for responding to book challenges.
Being familiar with previous cases of book censorship in Canadian schools can help educators identify various forms of book censorship and raise awareness. Not every attempt to remove reading materials looks like an angry mob storming a school and threatening to burn books. Over the past decade, instances of book censorship in Canadian schools have become more subtle, often resulting from backroom decisions or silent attempts to reduce visibility or limit access to a book rather than remove it from shelves completely (also known as shadow bans). In most cases, when censorship does occur, it goes completely unchallenged and remains unknown to the public.
The following are examples of book censorship from the past decade that caught public attention.
In 2016, Robin Stevenson and her book Pride: Celebrating Diversity and Community faced resistance from teachers and administrators. No students attended Stevenson’s talk hosted by a public library after a school principal’s last-minute decision to withdraw permission for a teacher to bring her class. An article on Freedom to Read’s website describes a similar situation that occurred when Stevenson was touring Quebec for Canadian Children’s Book Week. Shortly before a school visit, a teacher contacted Stevenson and asked her not to talk about her newest book. With support from the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC), Stevenson was able to explain why the book’s subject matter was “not just appropriate for their students, but essential for addressing bullying and encouraging a supportive, respectful and safe climate.” In the end, she was able to make a successful visit to the school.
In 2018, author David A. Robertson’s graphic novel series 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga was included on a list of “Books to Weed Out” by Edmonton Public Schools. The books were “not recommended for use” after reviewers determined the series contained "sensitive subject matter and visual inferencing of abuse regarding residential schools.” Due to public pressure, the school board would later take down the website that included the list, stating that it was “out of date.” Later that year, a teacher in Alberta anonymously revealed they were told to stop teaching another of Robertson’s graphic novels, Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne, as it appeared on a similar list created by Alberta Education. The challenges to Robertson’s work wouldn’t stop there. In 2022, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) pulled his middle-grade novel, The Great Bear, from library and classroom shelves for reasons Robertson described to CBC News as “still a mystery.” Thankfully, the book was returned to shelves only a few weeks later after an accelerated review.
In 2023, American writer Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give was dropped from Nova Scotia’s Department of Education’s recommended reading list. The young adult novel is about a Black teenage girl who speaks out after witnessing a police officer shoot and kill her friend. The department claimed the award-winning book was dropped after receiving complaints about the book's language. However, a freedom of information request from CBC News later revealed the decision to remove the book from the curriculum appeared to have been made before the Department of Education received or saw any formal complaints.
Later in 2023, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board would restrict access to books with 2SLGBTQIA+ themes selected as part of the Forest of Reading program. Reporting from the Toronto Star described how certain books were placed on different shelves out of the reach of students including Salma Writes a Book by Danny Ramadan, The Mystery of the Painted Fan by Linda Trinh, Princess Pru and the Ogre on the Hill by Maureen Fergus, and Jude Saves the World by Ronnie Riley. For students to borrow one of these books from the library, a teacher first had to provide the “Catholic context.”
Recent Challenges to 2SLGBTQIA+ Books
Educators should be aware of a trend towards more organized and formal book challenges. Research by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) revealed that book challenges in Canadian libraries increased nearly four times the pre-pandemic average in recent years. This new wave of censorship focused on diverse books, with nearly half of book challenges targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ books—including books about gender and sexual identity, books that have transgender characters, and even books about sexual education.
How is the increase in organized book challenges affecting Canadian schools?
In February 2023, the group Action4Canada (A4C) targeted British Columbia school boards with campaigns to remove 2SLGBTQIA+ books. Their campaigns included making reports to the RCMP that school libraries contained child pornography. The RCMP would investigate and soon dismiss the claims. Some BC school boards would take further action and ban the A4C from attending school board meetings.
Later that year, school boards in Manitoba faced an onslaught of similar claims. School board trustees from the Prairie Rose School Division and Brandon School Division stood firm and rejected requests to remove books that touch on 2SLGBTQIA+ issues and issues of sexual and gender identity from classrooms and libraries.
Perhaps the most disconcerting campaign of censorship targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ books comes directly from the Government of Alberta. In 2024, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservative Party (UCP) government introduced Bill 27 or the Education Amendment Act, a controversial piece of legislation proposing significant changes in Alberta schools, including opt-in requirements for students to participate in sexual education and parental notification for students to use different names or pronouns. Bill 27 also states that “learning and teaching resources dealing primarily and explicitly with gender identity, sexual orientation or human sexuality”—including books—must be approved by the Minister of Education. Major concerns have been flagged by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, educators, and legal experts. An open letter to the Premier from faculty members, legal researchers, and staff at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary Faculties of Law states that proposed changes would “cause harm to all youth, especially to those who are vulnerable to sexual violence, including girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth…the proposed scheme impacts youth’s right to access to information, which is an important aspect of freedom of expression.” The legislation is anticipated to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Using Banned and Challenged Books in the Classroom
A few years ago, during Freedom to Read Week, I visited a class of high school students near Montreal. My presentation included a short video clip featuring American children’s author Jason Reynolds, whose books regularly sit atop the American Library Association’s Most Challenged Books list. After the presentation, a group of students approached me and asked for a list of Reynold’s banned books to read. One of the students told me, “I didn’t know book bans still happened. I’m going to tell my parents what’s going on.”
Despite being the group most harmed by book censorship, most students are unaware of the issue. When introduced to the topic, students almost always want to read some banned books and help spread the word. Anytime students get excited about reading—that’s a win!
I encourage educators to introduce students to the authors behind banned and challenged books. Writers like Jael Richardson and David A. Robertson—recipients of The Writers’ Union of Canada’s Freedom to Read Award—have dedicated their careers to telling diverse stories, providing positive representation, and speaking on important children’s issues. I can’t think of more inspiring role models.
I also encourage educators to bring banned and challenged books into their classrooms and school libraries. If a book has been removed elsewhere, it’s most likely deserving of a place on your shelf. The following are a few recommendations of banned and challenged Canadian books that make positive contributions to classrooms and school libraries.
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
written by Christine Baldacchino
illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant
Groundwood Books, 2014
If you can believe it, this adorable picture book has faced challenges and bans in multiple states, including Texas, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. The story is about an imaginative young boy who loves to wear the tangerine dress in his classroom’s dress-up centre. Morris’s classmates tease him so much that his tummy aches. Undeterred, Morris continues to create and imagine new worlds for himself and the tangerine dress during playtime. Eventually, some of his classmates join in on the fun. This standout story about a gender-nonconforming child invites all readers to imagine a world of possibilities beyond current societal norms and expectations.
Thanks a Lot, Universe
written by Chad Lucas
Amulet Books, 2021
Temporarily removed from shelves by the Indian River County School Board (Florida) in 2022, this middle-grade novel tells the story of two young men whose lives become intertwined as they experience challenges growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Brian deals with anxiety and panic attacks after he and his younger brother are taken from their parents and placed in a foster home. Ezra feels his friends pulling away and worries they will abandon him completely if they discover his growing feelings for Brian. Breaking down toxic masculinity and the societal pressures on young men, the novel makes my recommended reading list for every middle school boy.
Growing Up Trans: In Our Own Words
edited by Dr. Lindsay Herriot and Kate Fry
Orca Book Publishers, 2021
With its bold cover and title, this book has been subject to quiet censorship, with some librarians uncertain of the responses they will receive if it is displayed on shelves. Within its pages is a collection of stories, essays, art, and poetry created by trans youth that illustrate the experiences of trans kids and teens. Exploring ideas around family, school, bodies, and mental health, the collection rejects misinformation as it allows young readers to learn about trans identities directly from the experts. It is an excellent resource for Language Arts teachers to explore the power of writing and self-expression in their classroom.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me
written by Mariko Tamaki
illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
Groundwood Books, 2019
Frequently appearing on lists of banned and challenged books across America (along with most of the other books she’s written), this young adult graphic novel follows a teenager named Freddy who deals with constant heartbreak in her on-again, off-again relationship with the popular Laura Dean. With the support of her friends, Freddy leaves her toxic relationship behind and places renewed emphasis on the relationships that matter most. This queer coming-of-age story reveals the harmful effects of bad romances and points teen readers towards prioritizing positive and supportive friendships.
7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga
written by David A. Robertson
iIllustrated by Scott B. Henderson
HighWater Press, 2012/2025
Once included on a list of “books to weed out” by Edmonton Public Schools, this series of four graphic novels has become a staple in school libraries and classrooms across the country. Together, the four books tell an epic story about one Indigenous family over three centuries and seven generations. Discussions of the series will guide students toward a deeper understanding of history and reconciliation. Take note—a special 15th-anniversary edition (recoloured, relettered, and featuring a new foreword from author David A. Robertson) will be released by HighWater Press later this year.
Spencer Miller is a secondary school teacher, the Editorial Coordinator of Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom and the Digital Media Coordinator. Find him on Instagram @spencerbmiller.