Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh tells the story of how Mexican-born Gonzalo Mendez and Puerto Rican Felicitas Mendez challenged the separate and unequal school system in California. They moved their family to Westminster during WWII, and their children were sent to a dilapidated school for Mexican American children. The story of Mendez v. Westminster is the desegregation case in California that preceded Brown v. Board of Education. The role Mendez held powerfully as an organizer brought together other parents and legal support to pursue an equal education for all children.
The Lola Levine books by Latinx author Monica Brown is a fun, light-hearted book series that feature a multiracial female protagonist who is the first one to share her opinions on gender roles, why it is important to be kind, dealing with little brothers, bullying and the dreams of writing.
The novel I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by author Erika L. Sánchez shares the story of a teenager coming to terms with losing her sister and finding herself amid the pressures, and expectations of growing up in a Mexican American home along with the stereotypes that come with it.
These books are just a few examples of thoughtful, heartwarming, powerful literature created by Latinx authors that also happen to sit on many banned books lists around the country.
Each year from September 15 through October 15 in the US, we celebrate Latine American Heritage Month and honor the history, culture, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. During this same period each year, we also observe Banned Books Week as set by the American Library Association. These two annual observances offer the unique opportunity to recognize that Latinx authors often face challenges and bans of their creations.
Over the last two years, the ACLU of Ohio has hosted a series of Banned Book Bingo events and at each event, participants were often shocked to hear certain titles called. The Lola Levine series is a perfect example. Author Monica Brown’s depiction of Lola is not that different than most other teenagers in America today. Her struggles are simple, classic, and super relatable. So why are they on the list of censored literature? Simply because any viewpoint that potentially addresses diversity or other perspectives is seen as a threat to a vocal minority that often has a seat of power.
Throughout the US, lawmakers and federal agencies are trying to censor what students and educators can read, learn, and discuss in public schools and public libraries. These efforts take away fundamental First Amendment rights and limit opportunities for an honest, inclusive education. At the ACLU of Ohio, we know that when people in positions of power suppress ideas about race, gender, identity, or systemic inequality, they not only deny the community an accurate education, but they also undermine democracy itself.
According to the American Library Association,
“Prior to 2020, the vast majority of challenges to library books and resources were brought by a single parent who sought to remove or restrict access to a book their child was reading. Recent censorship data are evidence of a well-organized movement, the goals of which include removing books about race, history, gender identity, sexuality, and reproductive health from America’s public and school libraries.
Nearly 92% of censorship attempts in 2025 were initiated by pressure groups and decision makers swayed by them. This marks a 20-point increase over 2024.
When a book is censored or banned based upon the identity of its author or one of its characters, or because someone disapproves of the views expressed within it, a voice is silenced and a community is deprived of the opportunity to learn from a differing perspective.”
As we celebrate Latine Heritage Month and acknowledge the contributions of this diverse community to our society, we must also be aware of the ongoing barriers they face every day. Western culture has consistently silenced black and brown voices. Whether it be in literature, music, art or politics, marginalized voices are often dismissed or misrepresented.
The ACLU of Ohio will continue to protect the ability for all Ohioans to read freely, speak truth, engage in classroom dialogue, and challenge power without fear of censorship or retaliation.
For more information on other Latinx authors, illustrators and books that have been banned across the country, check out this resource complied by Bookshop.org.
Look for a local event or participate on your own in the BannedBooksWeek.org’s “Let Freedom Read Day” on October 10th. Check their page for an event near you!
