Banned Books Week 2026: Jonah Winter and Gary Kelley's Banned Book Revisited

Banned Books Week 2026 runs from October 4 to 10, an annual event that highlights censorship in libraries and schools even though book banning occurs year-round. The week's contradiction—outrage against censorship is constant—serves as motivational optics. In a Daily Heller archive piece, author Jonah Winter discussed his 2023 picture book Banned Book (Creative Editions), illustrated by Gary Kelley and designed by Rita Marshall. The book uses redaction to show how a benign text becomes contraband as ideas grow. Winter conceived the project, inspired by increased U.S. book banning and censorship within publishing, including social media pile-ons. Publisher Tom Peterson noted Creative's 90-year commitment to such stories. Winter wrote for K-4 readers, believing children can handle difficult truths, as in his books on the atom bomb, the Exxon-Valdez spill, and racism. Peterson argued great books are for all ages. Winter rejected the label of satire, seeing the book as a clever story for kids; adults would recognize redaction and political significance. He hoped the book would be banned for publicity, citing his Roberto Clemente book banned in Duval County, FL. Kelley's somber illustrations reflect the story's tone, which he called contemporary history. Winter's intention is to spark conversations about censorship and encourage children to fight it. The book remains timely as banning continues.