Harry Potter and the Cedarville Censors

Inside the Precedent-Setting Defeat of an Arkansas Book Ban

In 2002, the Cedarville School Board in Crawford County, Arkansas, ordered the removal of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books from library shelves, holding that “witchcraft or sorcery [should not] be available for study.” The Board picked some formidable adversaries, including school librarian Estella Roberts. Written by the lawyer who prosecuted the case, this book details the origins of the book ban and the civil procedures and legal arguments that restored the First Amendment in Cedarville.

• “An engaging read that documents the twists and turns of an ultimately unsuccessful book challenge...particularly effective at explaining court procedures, taking the time to ensure that readers can fully enjoy the happy, precedent-setting ending. The title will draw in book lovers, and the narrative will keep them reading through to the gratifying conclusion.”—Booklist

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National Library Week

McFarland would not be where we are today without libraries. Established in 1979, as the company was finding its place, libraries were supportive and reliable customers that allowed us to be adventurous. We published nonfiction for both academic and general readers, and we were able to work with authors of worthy but specialized books. McFarland's libraries-first approach persists to today, and our list includes books from a mind-boggling array of topics. On behalf of our staff and our authors—especially authors of the cool-but-quirky—thank you, libraries!

All of our professional librarianship titles are discounted for National LIbrary Week. Click to browse, and use coupon code LIBRARYWEEK25 to get 25% off all librarianship titles through April 20!

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