Debates over the constitutional, political, and cultural implications of book bans and censorship efforts in the USA have intensified in these politically polarized times. This resource provides a guide for understanding every facet of modern book banning campaigns, as well as their impact on school systems, public libraries, students, parents, educators, and the long-term health and vitality of American communities and culture. There are many political and cultural factors driving the modern surge in book banning efforts in schools and libraries across America. This book explains these factors and discusses the arguments against book bans issued by free speech advocates and other defenders of intellectual freedom in response. In addition, Book Banning in America features a blend of personal and scholarly essays and primary documents to illuminate the perspectives and concerns of all sides of the book banning/censorship debate. These resources will enable readers to gain a greater understanding of well-known and influential book banning campaigns and book censorship efforts from the nation's earliest days to the present day.