Censorship of Palestinian Children's Literature in the U.S.

Since October 7, 2023, a wave of censorship has emerged in the United States, particularly targeting Palestinian children's authors. Events promoting their books have been canceled, and coordinated harassment campaigns have proliferated across schools, libraries, and bookstores. Authors like Jenan Matari and Safa Suleiman have experienced significant disruptions, with Matari's debut book, *Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden*, facing cancellations due to community pressure, while Suleiman's school visit was called off following her public sharing of personal trauma related to Israeli airstrikes.

The Guardian

In response to rising antisemitism concerns, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills aimed at combating hate in schools. One law mandates the establishment of an office of civil rights and requires investigations into "discriminatory content." Authors fear that the vague language in these laws could be weaponized to label their works as discriminatory, further suppressing Palestinian narratives in educational settings.

The Guardian

Hannah Moushabeck, author of *Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine*, faced multiple event cancellations and was told her book violated North Carolina's compelled speech law for not presenting "two sides to the story." Similarly, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow's scheduled visit to a Quaker school was postponed due to concerns about her Muslim identity and its perceived implications regarding Palestine. Other authors, like Autumn Allen and Aya Khalil, reported cancellations linked not to their book content but to their social media advocacy for Palestinian rights.

The Guardian

Despite the challenges, some authors have found unexpected support. Khalil noted that her book sales surged in response to censorship attempts, with community members rallying to purchase her titles. Matari's book sold out its first printing before reaching shelves, illustrating a counter-movement against censorship. Maysa Odeh's book, *A Map for Falasteen*, faced removal attempts but was defended by the Watertown library, which resisted organized campaigns against it.

The Guardian

The current climate of censorship reflects a broader trend in the U.S., where advocacy groups and parents increasingly challenge books in schools. PEN America reported over 3,750 titles banned in 87 school districts during the 2024-25 school year, highlighting a significant rise in book bans across the country. This trend raises questions about who gets to tell stories and the implications for diverse narratives in public spaces.

Marco Eagle

PEN America emphasizes that removing books from public access constitutes censorship, arguing that it limits students' exposure to diverse stories. In contrast, organizations like Moms For Liberty advocate for parental control over educational content, framing their efforts as responsible stewardship rather than censorship.

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• “Freedom of speech isn’t afforded to everybody in this country, especially if you’re Palestinian,” — Jenan Matari, Author

The Guardian

• “now they’re trying to disconnect us from our stories.” — Jenan Matari, Author

The Guardian

• “I had to arrive at the school at six o’clock in the morning and go in through the back with a security escort,” — Hannah Moushabeck, Author

The Guardian

• “It’s never about the content of the talk. It’s always about who I am as a person,” — Autumn Allen, Author

The Guardian

• “I can’t really get into the mind of the person who read my book and felt threatened by it,” — Maysa Odeh, Author

The Guardian

The censorship of Palestinian children's literature in the U.S. underscores a significant cultural and political conflict. As authors navigate these challenges, the ongoing debate about freedom of expression and the right to tell diverse stories remains critical in shaping the literary landscape.

The Guardian