Nearly 3,400 Books Were Banned in Iowa
Schools across Iowa pulled at least 3,400 books – including Captain Underpants, the Holocaust memoirs Maus, dozens of classics, and books written for young readers. More
New Book Examines Why Reading Matters in America’s Prisons and How Ordinary Citizens Can Make a Difference
The book is a collection of inspiring stories from the prison book movement and a guide for people who want to swell its ranks. More
The “Swirl of Ideas” that Propels Author Jennifer Egan As She Puts Pen to Paper (Literally)
An occasional blog about the writing process and how writers approach their work. By Suzanne Trimel “Writing improv” is the way author Jennifer Egan describes how she starts a novel. Egan says:… More
PEN America Mourns the Death of Children’s Book Author Robie Harris, a Champion of Free Expression and the Right to Read
[caption id="attachment_242286" align="alignnone" width="300"] Robie Harris, left, with PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel at the 2023 PEN America Literary Gala, NYC[/caption] By Suzanne Trimel (NEW YORK)— PEN America is mourning the… More
101-Year-Old Grace Linn: ‘Banning Books and Burning Books Are the Same’
Others protesting book bans have held up signs in protest. Grace Linn held up a quilt. The 101-year-old talked to PEN America about the importance of spreading the word… More
More Than 300 Titles, Including Numerous Literary Classics, Banned In Collier County, Florida
Collier County Public Schools in Florida is making news for removing over 300 books from its school libraries from all grade levels. More
Kimberly Nguyen | Emerging Voices Fellow
I was really interested in the idea that pain and trauma can actually be embedded in the language itself. More
Nathan Go | Emerging Voices Fellow
I feel like we are back to square one. We are back to talking about voices that need to be heard because of all the backlash around diversity. More
Narges Mohammadi, The Iranian Writer Speaking Out From Behind Bars
Narges Mohammadi has been a target of Iranian authorities for more than 30 years. She was arrested twice at meetings of a political student group. More
Dailihana Alfonseca | 2023 PEN/Robert J. Dau Prize Winner
Believe in yourself enough to bet on your journey as a writer and try not to let the pressures of wanting to publish alter the story you are attempting… More
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