Canadian author Margaret Atwood recently published a short story that critiques a book ban in Alberta. This satire follows the removal of her acclaimed novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, from some school libraries due to new provincial regulations.
In July, Alberta’s education ministry mandated that schools must remove any books with explicit sexual content by October 1st. In response, Atwood crafted a lighthearted story for teens about two “very, very good children,” John and Mary, who live a life devoid of the usual teenage experiences. She humorously writes, “They never picked their noses or had bowel movements or zits,” which underscores the unrealistic expectations placed on young people.
Atwood doesn’t just stop at the story. She also targets Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who supports the book ban. Atwood draws parallels between Smith and characters from The Handmaid’s Tale, a dystopian narrative that has gained enormous popularity through its TV adaptation. Smith has argued that certain books don’t align with the ban’s intent, which is to eliminate inappropriate material from school libraries.
Book bans are not exclusive to Canada; they have gained traction in the U.S. in recent years and are now manifesting in Canada as well. According to recent surveys, over 1,500 titles have appeared on school ban lists across the U.S. in 2022 alone, emphasizing a cultural shift around literature in educational settings.
Atwood has openly criticized this censorship before. Just last Friday, she encouraged fans to grab copies of The Handmaid’s Tale, cautioning against potential “public book burnings.” Her playful warning included, “Don’t read it; your hair will catch on fire!” demonstrating her frustration with the suppression of diverse voices.
While Alberta schools have until October 1st to comply, some have already started implementing bans. The Edmonton Public School Board recently announced the removal of over 200 books, including Atwood’s classic. Other notable titles in the banned list are George Orwell’s 1984, Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World.
The trend of banning books raises important discussions about freedom of expression and the role of literature in education. As Atwood’s story highlights, the push against censorship is vital to ensure that students are exposed to a wide range of ideas and narratives. This situation not only affects Canadian students but also reflects a broader movement that is altering the landscape of literature in schools everywhere.
For further insights into the impact of book bans, see this report by the American Library Association, which details the challenges libraries face and the significance of protecting literary access: ALA Report on Book Bans.
