Originally published in TEACH Magazine, September/October 2025 Issue
By Kelsey McCallum
Across North America, books are disappearing from shelves in classrooms and libraries. This wave of censorship has increased in frequency over recent years—not just in the United States, but Canada as well, most recently with Alberta’s new school library standards. As groups, government entities, parents, and individuals continue to raise issues about the content of certain books, it’s important to consider the impact this will have on our students.
Frequently, books that address diverse topics, perspectives, and identities are the ones being targeted. Rather than removing or restricting access to this material, however, we should be celebrating these stories. All students have the right to see themselves reflected in the books they read. Not only does this help them feel supported, it also encourages a lifelong love of reading. Plus, having access to a wide range of reading options gives students the opportunity to learn about lives, communities, and cultures other than their own.
Kelsey McCallum is an Associate Editor for TEACH Mag. She holds a BSc from the University of Guelph and a Graduate Certificate from Centennial College. She currently lives in Toronto, ON, with her partner and their cat, Banksy.
