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The recent spike in book challenges has put school libraries at the center of heated political debates. I investigate the relationship between local politics and school library collections using data on books with controversial content from a sample of 6,631 public school libraries. Libraries in conservative areas have fewer titles with LGBTQ, race/racism, or abortion content and more Christian fiction and discontinued Dr. Seuss books. This is true even though most libraries have at least some controversial content. State laws that restrict curricular content are negatively related to access to some LGBTQ and race/racism titles. Finally, I present short-term evidence that book challenges in the 2021–22 school year are associated with decreases in the acquisition of new LGBTQ materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Todd M. Compton's book "In Sacred Loneliness: The Documents" sheds light on the lives of Mormon women involved in polygamy, offering a new perspective on their experiences. Compton's meticulous research uncovers the stories of over thirty-three of Joseph Smith's plural wives, revealing the complexities and hardships they faced. Through personal diaries, letters, and firsthand accounts, Compton challenges simplistic narratives and invites readers to empathize with these women who lived in the culture of Mormon polygamy. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a review of Frederick J. Newmeyer's book, "American linguistics in transition: From post-Bloomfieldian structuralism to generative grammar." The review examines the controversies surrounding Newmeyer's previous work and evaluates whether this new book meets the standards of scientific history writing. The reviewer outlines the criteria for evaluating the book, including methodology, use of data, avoidance of bias, and avoidance of fallacies. The review provides an overview of the book's structure and content, which includes chapters on the transformation of linguistics in the 1920s-1940s, the relationship between American and European structuralism, and the birth of generative grammar. The book challenges the idea of a "Chomskyan revolution" and instead focuses on the originality of early transformational generative grammar. It also disputes the belief that funding played a significant role in the success of generative linguistics and argues against the existence of an underground publication culture. The book documents that generative grammarians were not organizationally dominant in the United States during the period studied. While the book makes progress in improving historiographical methodology in linguistics, there is still room for improvement. [Extracted from the article]

In recent years, book challenging and banning has taken hold of America. In the process, many books with diverse authors, perspectives, and valuable themes are getting silenced and removed from the classroom. Students everywhere have a right to see themselves within literature, as well as reflections of experiences they may be unaware of. This article researches the statistics surrounding book challenging, and offers an educational path towards inclusive teaching through a Lens of Censorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the midst of the pandemic, the American Library Association (ALA) Rainbow Round Table (RRT) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Book Awards, which recognize books of exceptional merit relating to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and plus (LGBTQIA+) community experience. In tandem, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) reported record numbers of book challenges, mostly based on texts written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community. This chapter considers these seemingly divergent issues within a broader social and historical context – and serves as a testament to the steadfast resolve of librarians to resist censorship and promote the freedom to read during turbulent times. The first section provides an overview of pandemic complexities. The second part of the chapter centers around professional milestones and some recent award-winning literary works. The middle section briefly reviews issues related to challenges over time. This is followed by an exploration of the recent surge in censorship with emphasis on LGBTQIA+ content in public libraries as well as aspects of resistance. The final section offers some ideas for moving forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: From book challenges to anti–critical race theory and anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning legislation, US English teachers have been on the receiving end of a considerable amount of far-right conservative pushback. This study aims to explore the effects of conservative pushback on individual English teachers and their classroom practice. What pushbacks have individual English teachers faced? How has pushback impacted their teaching? What strategies have they developed for navigating pushback? Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative study explores secondary English teachers' reported experiences with conservative backlash as reported in 15 semi-structured interviews conducted between May 2022 and August 2023. Findings: Participants reported feeling the pressure of increased levels of pushback, and many reported censoring their book selections to avoid additional public scrutiny. At the same time, they also described a range of strategies they have developed for protecting themselves and their practice, such as codifying curriculum, increasing transparency, formalizing review processes for challenging books and strengthening their resolve to resist. Originality/value: This study offers a timely window on a pressing problem affecting the daily practice of English teachers in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Transformative Sustainability Education: Reimagining Our Future" by Elizabeth Lange is a comprehensive exploration of how education can drive positive change towards a sustainable future. Lange argues that conventional approaches to sustainability education are insufficient and emphasizes the need for fostering values necessary for transformative change. The book highlights the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and economic systems and advocates for a systems thinking approach to sustainability education. Lange also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and diversity in sustainability education, incorporating diverse perspectives and knowledge systems. Overall, the book offers a roadmap for understanding our current situation and developing critical conscientization for addressing sustainability challenges. [Extracted from the article]

This essay reviews Streets of Gold: America's Untold Story of Immigrant Success by Ran Abramitzky and Leah Boustan. This elegantly written book, whih is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic of immigration, walks the reader through a history of US immigration, examining patterns of immigrant assimilation from the mid-nineteenth century to today. The book challenges two myths about US immigration. First, it shows that historical European immigrants did not always arrive poor and quickly climb the economic and social ladder. Second, it documents that the pace of immigrant assimilation today resembles that prevailing at the turn of the twentieth century. (JEL J15, J18, K37, N31, N32, Z13) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Record levels of materials challenges have affected libraries in both Canada and the United States in recent years, but despite the apparent swell in censorship efforts, the large majority of challenges go unreported. This study aims to identify factors contributing to the low rate of challenge reporting through a participation survey distributed to over 500 Canadian public libraries. Results indicate low awareness reporting mechanisms is likely the largest obstacle to greater participation, but obstacles related to library policy, including delegation and challenge policy structure, also exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background or Context: Public school library book challenges have garnered ample media attention in recent years as many school districts and advocacy organizations have reported record numbers of book challenges. Book challenges are not a new phenomenon, historically speaking, but they have often illuminated values clashes in communities and raise questions about the rights and freedoms of public school students. Judicial rulings and school district policies that address book challenges could provide insights for many members of school communities (including, but not limited to, school board members, students, parents, and teachers) as they experience challenges, but these aspects of the legal record and their influence on responses to book challenges remains underexamined in scholarship. Purpose, Objective, Research Question, or Focus of Study: The 1982 Supreme Court case Island Trees School District v. Pico remains the lasting judicial precedent for interpreting public school students' First Amendment rights as they interact with school library books. We examine the extent to which school district book challenge policies align with court precedent set in Pico (1982) and the implications for students' rights and democratic participation during book challenges. Research Design: Drawing on elements of the law and society framework as well as political analysis categories, this study uses qualitative methods to illuminate specific elements of district policies that govern book challenges. Specifically, we examine 29 policies in school districts that experienced a publicly reported book challenge between 2017 and 2021 to understand relationships between school district book challenge policies and the Pico (1982) precedent. Conclusions or Recommendations: Our findings reveal ample space between judicial rulings and school district policies we examine. In fact, we find a broader array of relevant actors in book challenge processes than conceived by the courts and raise implications for students' constitutional rights and protections related to who policies indicate may or must be involved in these processes, the settings in which book challenge decisions are made, and the limited roles for public involvement during school library book challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The book of Joshua is a book-length crux interpretum. Its cultivation of two concurrent narratives that contradict one another has fascinated commentators since antiquity. This is only one of its hermeneutically challenging features. Most modern commentaries attribute these features to an uneven process of redaction. Focusing on chapters 1–12, this essay argues that incongruity, ambiguity, and disjunction are essential elements of a rhetorical strategy in which form and content are imaginatively correlated, and that the text contains many cryptic clues that are necessary to elucidate its meaning. It contends that Joshua is the product of a bold literary innovation that is motivated by a sustained and uncompromising determination to unsettle facile assumptions about YHWH and Israel's history. It concludes that the book challenges us to re-evaluate not only the answers we thought it gave, but even the questions we ask of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses China's approach to economic coercion and its opposition to unilateral sanctions in its foreign policy. The author argues that China's rhetoric against sanctions is a strategic counterstigmatization tactic to delegitimize Western intervention-driven sanctions. The author also explores how China's rhetoric constrains its behavior at the United Nations Security Council and its own use of unilateral sanctions. The book provides insights into China's foreign policy logic, challenges traditional materialist perspectives, and emphasizes the role of constructivist elements such as status and memory. However, the book could benefit from a more extensive reading of Chinese sources and a clearer operationalization of audience cost mechanisms. Overall, the book is valuable for understanding the connection between rhetoric and sanctions and how they affect a rising power's behavior. [Extracted from the article]

"The Autism of Gxd" by Ruth Dunster is a profound and poetic exploration challenging perceptions and boundaries related to autism, theology, and language. The book invites readers to consider the autistic approach to theology and language, emphasizing mutual benefit and creative interrogation. Through detailed chapters, Dunster presents a myth of autism that informs theological analysis and encourages diverse perspectives to enrich understanding. The book advocates for listening to autistic voices and reworking traditional discourses to obliterate the center rather than simply including marginalized perspectives. [Extracted from the article]

Multiple racial issues in America have been brought to the forefront by the recent deaths of African Americans, yet many teachers feel unprepared to engage with students around issues of race. Their discomfort is likely because traditional textbooks omitted the experiences of non‐dominant, marginalized groups, thereby denying readers an opportunity for a rich, multifaceted understanding of historical events. Education has also become politicized, resulting in educational gag orders and book bans. This article recommends using read‐alouds with children's literature to begin the complex conversations and learning around America's racial history and how it has led to contemporary situations. Using the book Let the Children March, we provide examples of how to prepare for discussion and instruction that recognizes the varied experiences of diverse Americans and honors their contributions to our democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfamiliar Landscapes is a collection of texts from academics and practitioners that explores the relationship between young people and unfamiliar landscapes. The book challenges established norms and encourages a more inclusive approach to outdoor engagement for young people. In this review essay I reflect on my own experiences of the outdoors focusing on themes prominent within the book: the importance of engaging diverse groups in the outdoors, landscapes as sensed across multiple registers, and the role of adults in mediating young people's relationships with landscapes. The book provides an invaluable contribution to current debates in a range of disciplines and contexts highlighting the importance of understanding young people's varied experiences and how they engage with unfamiliar landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This text is a compilation of endnotes from an unknown source, providing a diverse range of references to books, authors, and historical events. It covers topics such as children's literature, racism, censorship, and the history of reading. While it does not present a cohesive narrative or argument, it serves as a valuable compilation of sources and citations for library patrons conducting research on these topics. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a project by a teacher collective that aims to create teaching guides for banned and challenged books, with a specific focus on "The Prince and the Dressmaker" by Jen Wang. The collective provides resources for teachers to integrate these books into their curriculum, including information on themes, discussion topics, vocabulary, activities, and further resources. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing marginalized identities and the challenges faced by students who share these identities. It also includes a glossary of important terms and a summary of the book's plot, which explores the relationship between Frances, a dressmaker, and Sebastian, a prince who secretly dresses as Lady Crystallia. The book delves into themes of identity and belonging, raising questions about authenticity, understanding and respecting others' identities, and balancing personal needs with those of others. The article also provides teaching tools and activities for analyzing character development, understanding conflict, and reading graphic novels. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Classical Theism and Buddhism: Connecting Metaphysical and Ethical Systems" by Tyler Dalton McNabb and Erik Baldwin explores the compatibility between classical theism and Buddhism. It discusses the historical encounter between Jesuit missionary Ippolito Desideri and Tibetan Buddhists, highlighting the differences in their beliefs about the existence of a creator God. The authors argue for a middle ground that reconciles metaphysical claims and ethical implications of both traditions, suggesting that core doctrines of classical theism and Buddhism can coexist harmoniously. The work presents a nuanced analysis of the philosophical and theological intersections between these two belief systems, offering a fresh perspective on their potential synthesis. [Extracted from the article]

Members of NCTE's Standing Committee against Censorship offer an overview of the landscape of censorship; the ways teachers can prepare, respond, and report censorship; and NCTE resources that support teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author examines the relationship between the legacy of slavery and book banning in American schools and prisons, arguing that book banning is a modern form of antiliteracy laws, known as "slave codes," that were enacted during enslavement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Espacio, Tiempo y Forma. Serie III, Historia Medieval is the property of Editorial UNED and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

"The Transformative Potential of LGBTQ+ Children's Picture Books" by Jennifer Miller is a critical analysis of approximately 200 children's picture books published between 1970 and 2018. The book examines the place of LGBTQ+ picture books in historical and contemporary society and their potential influence on queer and heterosexual and/or cisgender readers. Miller emphasizes the transformative potential of these books to normalize LGBTQ+ experiences and decenter the mainstream normalcy of cisgender heterosexuality in children's literature. However, the author's application of the critical optimism lens is not evenly applied, and there is a need for more diverse representation in LGBTQ+ picture books. [Extracted from the article]

"Transnational Social Protection" is a book that explores the relationship between international migrants and their families, focusing on their mutual support and protection in the face of changing welfare state landscapes. The authors introduce the concept of "hybrid transnational social protection," which encompasses a wide range of policies, initiatives, and institutions that safeguard migrants and their families across borders. The book examines various aspects of social protection, including family caregiving, education, labor, health, and aging, providing valuable insights into the complexities of these issues. While the authors acknowledge the role of social networks, they do not fully explore their significance. Overall, the book offers a comprehensive perspective on transnational social protection and is recommended for scholars and educators in the field. [Extracted from the article]

"African Refugees" by Toyin Falola and Olajumoke Yacob-Haliso is a comprehensive book that covers the topic of refugees in Africa. The authors draw from their research and experiences to provide detailed coverage of various issues related to refugees in Africa, including the historical causes of conflicts, refugee experiences, and protection and solutions. The book challenges stereotypes and emphasizes the need to understand the colonial history of Africa in order to address the root causes of conflicts and displacement. It also proposes solutions such as prosecution of human rights abusers, international cooperation, investment in education, and promotion of self-sufficiency among refugees. While the book acknowledges the complexities and challenges of finding lasting solutions, it offers a hopeful perspective and emphasizes the importance of inclusive governance and development. [Extracted from the article]

Richard M. Billow's book, Selected Papers on Psychoanalysis and Group Process, is a collection of 20 chapters that delve into the author's experiences as a clinical psychologist and group therapist. The book focuses on the application of Bion's ideas in therapeutic groups and emphasizes the significance of the group therapist and the relational aspects in individual and group therapy. Billow also emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and transforming beta elements into emotional thinking. Dr. Tzahi Slonim, the book's editor, provides a helpful introduction that simplifies and clarifies Billow's key concepts. The book offers a unique blend of theory and practice, encouraging therapists to take creative and courageous approaches. In Haim Weinberg's book, "The Therapist's Emotional Survival: Dealing with the Pain of Exploring Trauma," the author explores the therapist's role in therapy and the value of authenticity and emotional connection in the therapeutic process. The book challenges traditional views on therapy, such as the therapist's neutrality and the role of interpretation. Weinberg also discusses attention-getting mechanisms and the therapist's need for recognition and admiration. Overall, the book encourages therapists to be brave and genuine in their work. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Find the Helpers" by Jennifer Sturge discusses the challenges faced by school librarians in navigating political unrest and threats to intellectual freedom. It emphasizes the importance of seeking support from various resources, including clear policy and procedures, expert organizations like American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom, and collaboration with fellow librarians.

The book "Rural Transformations and Rural Crime: International Critical Perspectives in Rural Criminology" edited by Matt Bowden and Alistair Harkness explores the often overlooked topic of crime in rural areas. The book challenges the perception that crime is limited to urban areas and argues that rural crime should not be marginalized in criminological research. While the book covers various topics such as policing and penology, it also highlights the need for critical perspectives in rural criminology, particularly in relation to issues such as gender-based violence and climate change. However, the book is criticized for neglecting historic scholarship in the field and failing to engage with decolonial, Indigenous, and southern perspectives. Overall, the book provides an overview of rural criminology but leaves some gaps in the discussion. [Extracted from the article]

French Musical Life: Local Dynamics in the Century to World War II by Katharine Ellis is a comprehensive and well-researched book that explores the local dynamics that shaped French music. The book challenges the Paris-centric focus of previous studies and examines the relationships between decentralization and regionalism in French musical life. It covers topics such as education, concert rites, stage music, folk music, religion, and nation. The book also delves into the history of orchestras, tensions within the opera world, and the impact of café-concerts on traditional opera. It highlights the lack of a French equivalent to folk-based music and provides insights into musical institutions and the influence of individuals on these institutions. Overall, the book offers a fresh perspective on French music studies and emphasizes the importance of local archives in shaping our understanding of music and politics. [Extracted from the article]

"The Cambridge Legal History of Australia" is a visually appealing and extensive book that explores the legal history of Australia. It focuses on the encounter between the Australian government and Indigenous peoples, recognizing the ancient and contemporary nature of Aboriginal cultures. The book challenges the notion of Australia as a bastion of the Common Law and emphasizes the fragmented and politically influenced nature of Australian law. It covers various aspects of Australian legal history, including criminal law, labor law, civil wrongs, and indigenous legal traditions. This book is a significant contribution to Australian historiography and global legal history. [Extracted from the article]

"The Huxleys: An Intimate History of Evolution" by Alison Bashford is a unique and engaging scientific biography that explores the lives of Thomas Henry Huxley and his grandson Julian Huxley. The book examines their contributions to various scientific fields and their shared fascination with the mysteries of life and evolution. It also delves into their personal struggles with depression and their complex views on topics such as eugenics and spirituality. Through a careful examination of the Huxley family's literary and intellectual pursuits, the book challenges conventional narratives and sheds light on the role of women in their intergenerational pursuit of knowledge. The book is structured into four parts, covering genealogies, animals, humans, and spirits, and incorporates a rich array of visual sources to enhance the reader's understanding of the Huxleys' lives and the cultural context in which they lived. [Extracted from the article]

In the book "The Rise of Chance in Evolutionary Theory: A Pompous Parade of Arithmetic" by Charles H. Pence, the author explores the role of statistics in evolutionary theory. Pence traces the development of mathematical and statistical approaches in understanding natural selection, focusing on key figures such as Francis Galton and R.A. Fisher. The book challenges the idea of a scientific revolution during this period and emphasizes the continuity of ideas and approaches. Pence also discusses the relationship between modeling, abstraction, and generality in studying evolution. Overall, the book provides a valuable contribution to the history and philosophy of biology, as well as to the understanding of the role of mathematics in science. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a review of the book "The Contest for Value in Global Value Chains: Correcting for Distorted Distribution in the Global Apparel Industry" by Lilac Nachum and Yoshiteru Uramoto. The book challenges the prevailing notion that power relations in global value chains are heavily skewed, arguing instead that there is a more balanced distribution of power between suppliers and lead firms in the global apparel industry. However, the authors also acknowledge that lead firms can exert control over suppliers through demands and control mechanisms. The book explores the wage-labor productivity gap in the apparel industry in Bangladesh, attributing it to exploitation and a power imbalance that prevents labor from unionizing and bargaining collectively. The article highlights the burden of inequality on workers in global value chains, particularly in the apparel industry, where multinational corporations take advantage of low labor costs. It also discusses the vulnerability of these workers, who often face long working hours and low wages. The article suggests that while some suppliers in Bangladesh claim to pay above-average wages, they may still exploit their workers through piece-rate systems and other means. It emphasizes the need to understand the historical context of colonialism, imperialism, and neoliberal trade policies that have shaped these power relations. The article concludes by calling for a critical examination of global capital-labor relations and the hierarchical world economy. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Relaciones Internacionales (1699-3950) is the property of Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain, International Relations Studies Group (GERI) Law Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

"Portraits of Women in International Law, New names and Forgotten Faces?" is a book edited by Immi Tallgren that aims to bring attention to the contributions of women in the field of international law. The book features essays and portraits of women who have made significant but overlooked contributions to international law throughout history. By highlighting these forgotten women, the book challenges the traditional image of an international lawyer and encourages a reevaluation of the field. While the book is a step in the right direction, more research and attention are needed to fully address the historical neglect of women in international law. [Extracted from the article]

"How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States" by D. Immerwahr is a comprehensive and eye-opening exploration of U.S. imperialism in the late 19th and 20th centuries. The book challenges commonly held notions about American history and exposes the motivations of U.S. leaders, which were often rooted in racism and greed. It delves into the ways in which the United States reshaped its borders, determined citizenship, acquired territories, and standardized the world to align with American interests. The author emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and accurate understanding of U.S. history in order to create a more equitable society. [Extracted from the article]

Heidi Morefield's book "Developing to Scale: Technology and the Making of Global Health" challenges the conventional narrative surrounding appropriate technology in global health initiatives. The book delves into the history of appropriate technology, highlighting the diverse actors and interests that have shaped its implementation. Morefield's work traces the evolution of appropriate technology from a cost-cutting measure to a tool for self-sufficiency and resistance against colonial powers, shedding light on its impact on global health outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

"The Lost History of Sextus Aurelius Victor" by Justin A. Stover and George Woudhuysen challenges the commonly accepted understanding of fourth-century Latin literature. The authors argue that the Historiae abbreviatae and the Epitome de Caesaribus, previously attributed to Aurelius Victor, are actually epitomes of a larger lost history by Victor that covered imperial history from Augustus to Julian. They also question the existence of the Enmannsche Kaisergeschichte and its influence on Latin historiography. The book presents a paradigm-shifting argument that opens up new avenues for investigation into fourth-century Latin historiography. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of ABI Technik is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

"Commerce, Food, and Identity in Seventeenth-Century England and France: Across the Channel" by Garritt Van Dyk delves into the culinary landscapes of England and France, challenging simplistic narratives and exploring the role of commerce in shaping cultural identities. The book examines the impact of global trade on French and English cultures, highlighting how culinary traditions symbolize their divergent trade and political approaches. Van Dyk's work provides a nuanced understanding of the interplay between commerce, food, and cultural identity during the early modern period, inviting readers to reevaluate perceptions of English and French gastronomy." [Extracted from the article]