At Nosy Crow, we strive to create books that inspire children to read for pleasure and, ultimately, to become lifelong readers. We endeavor to create books by, about, and for a diverse population. And we will do everything we can to ensure our books —and all books — are widely available to readers.
Efforts to censor library materials are at an all-time high since data collection began over 20 years ago, according to the American Library Association. Book banners disproportionately target books by and about people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.
At Nosy Crow, we defend books from censorship by publishing books we believe in and supporting the authors and illustrators who create them. Last spring, we dedicated resources to supporting the release of Everything Possible and debut author and LGBTQ+ ally Fred Small as he toured New England to promote the book’s message of love and inclusion.
We also defend books by using our platform to amplify efforts to protect the freedom to read, through donations to Little Free Libraries, and through our everyday individual efforts to confront attacks on access to books. As we are a startup publisher, we will always strive to support the educators, library staff, and booksellers who make books available for people to read.
Banned Books Week is October 1-7 and Let Freedom Read Day is October 7. Please join us by doing your part to take action, and use the hashtags #LetFreedomReadDay and #BannedBooksWeek on social media. How can you protect everyone’s freedom to read? Here’s a checklist of things you can do to help.
John Mendelson is the President of Nosy Crow Inc. He cares deeply about helping children become lifelong readers and is committed to publishing books that kids want to stay up late reading.
