Debate: Who Should Decide What Books Kids Can Read?

There has been much discussion and disagreement over who are the best people to decide what books are appropriate for kids and teens to read. Some people think that parents should be the gatekeepers when it comes to their children’s access to books about sensitive topics like race or LGBTQ identities. Many in the literary community are proponents of librarians or teachers having the right to offer young people more freedom to select books that interest them. This debate was on the minds of authors who attended the National Book Awards ceremony as some shared their thoughts on the issue in their speeches. Listen to hear what they have to say and then debate: Who should decide what books kids can read?