Schoolbooks

The books include the novels “Push” which inspired the Oscar-winning movie “Precious.” Also taken out of the libraries of SAIL and Lincoln High: “Me, Earl and the Dying Girl,” which was also made into a film. The novels "Dead End,” "Doomed” and “Lucky” are also out.

One of the rules involves required online training for school librarians and other employees involved in selecting books for students; the other rule requires elementary schools to post online lists of reading materials.

So far this school year, there have been more book bans in Florida than almost any other state, according to an analysis by the free expression advocacy group PEN America.

The district still doesn't know what to do with the books pulled because of their content. Some advocates also worry that the district is quietly removing books featuring diverse stories or controversial themes.

Florida school districts have removed some books entirely while restricting others to certain grades or requiring students to get parental permission to see them.

Under the proposal, districts would be required to submit a form detailing objections by June 30 of each year.

The Florida Education Association's lawsuit says the Florida Department of Education went beyond the scope of HB 1467 in its training, which led some districts to cover shelves.

By state law, books in school libraries must be certified by a media specialist. They also must comply with the Parental Rights in Education Act.

Between July and December 2022, the free speech advocacy group PEN America reports Florida school districts banned 357 titles.

Two former Duval County educators plan to stock Free Little Libraries throughout the city to distribute multicultural and challenged books.