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Parent Guides
Not sure how to handle a book that sparks interest or concern? These quick guides share simple ways to talk with your child and/or schools about a book without closing the cover for others.
How to Restrict Access Without Banning for Others
If you’ve read about a book and feel it isn’t right for your child, you have options that honor your values while respecting other families’ choices. Most school districts allow parents to request that specific titles be limited for their own student without removing access for others.
Every reader is different, and this approach helps maintain balance — protecting individual choice while keeping resources available for those ready to explore them. Reach out to your school librarian or media specialist to learn about your district’s process and how to submit a request.
For public libraries, many systems let parents or guardians link their child’s library card to their own account, making it easy to see what’s being checked out or set content preferences if needed. Librarians can guide you through those settings and recommend age-appropriate reads that align with your family’s values.
When families model this kind of respect for differences, students learn that freedom of thought matters. It shows your teen that they can stand by their beliefs while allowing others to do the same — a lesson just as important as anything found in a classroom or a book.
How to Request Alternative Titles for School Assignments
If a book assigned in class conflicts with your family’s values or comfort level, you can usually request an alternative without disrupting the curriculum for others. Most schools have policies that allow parents or students to ask for a different title that meets the same learning objectives.
Start by contacting your child’s teacher or the school librarian to discuss your concerns. Approach the conversation with curiosity — share what aspects of the book are concerning and ask for suggestions that still support the class theme or reading goals.
Teachers often appreciate when families stay engaged and communicate early. Requesting an alternative is about finding common ground, not censorship. It models for students how to express differences thoughtfully and respectfully — and how reading can open dialogue rather than close it.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Banned Books
Conversations about banned or challenged books don’t have to be uncomfortable—they can actually open doors. Start by asking what your teen already knows or has heard about a book rather than jumping into whether they should read it. Listening first builds trust and tells them you’re curious about their perspective, not trying to control it.
If you’re worried about the book’s content, be honest about why. Maybe you’re concerned about language, violence, or certain scenes—name it, but then ask what they think the author might be trying to say through those parts. Framing it as “what do you think the writer wants you to feel or learn?” turns a potential argument into a thoughtful discussion.
Reading together or side-by-side can help, too. Many parents find it easier to talk about difficult themes (violence, identity, grief, sex) through characters rather than personal examples. Remember: the goal isn’t to agree on every detail—it’s to help your teen practice empathy, critical thinking, and discernment in what they read.