How ‘Abbott Elementary’ Exposes the Impact of Book Bans—Including Romance Novels
ABC’s Abbott Elementary just took on one of the most controversial issues in publishing today—book bans. And for romance readers and authors, the impact of these bans is more alarming than ever.
SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE 3/5/25 EPISODE OF ABBOTT ELEMENTARY
In the latest episode, “Books,” the teachers at Abbott face pressure from a PTA mom to remove The Sassy Wizard Kid from the school library, despite the fact that she hasn’t even read it. Sound familiar? Across the country, book bans are skyrocketing, disproportionately targeting stories by and about marginalized voices—including romance novels that explore LGBTQ+ themes, diverse relationships, and women’s sexuality.
Romance Novels: The Unexpected Target
While many think of banned books as controversial memoirs or political texts, romance novels have increasingly become a battleground. Beloved titles like Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, and Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo have been removed from school libraries simply for depicting same-sex relationships. Even classics like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre have been challenged for their portrayals of women who dare to think independently about love and marriage.
Why Romance Readers Should Care
Book bans don’t just affect students—they shape what future generations will be able to read. Romance novels celebrate love, empowerment, and self-discovery. When books that showcase diverse relationships are erased, so are the stories that validate real-life experiences. As Abbott Elementary hilariously but poignantly highlights, the danger isn’t just about one book—it’s about who gets to tell stories and whose stories are deemed “appropriate.”
What Comes Next?
The episode has sparked a wave of discussion on social media, with viewers praising its sharp critique of modern book censorship. As romance continues to dominate bestseller lists, the genre remains a key target for book bans. But readers, authors, and educators alike are pushing back, advocating for the freedom to read and the right to explore love stories in all their forms.
Just like the teachers of Abbott Elementary, romance lovers know that the best way to fight censorship is to keep reading, keep writing, and keep demanding space for every love story—no matter who it’s about.
🚨 How can you help? Support banned books, vote in your local elections, and speak up when libraries and bookstores face challenges. Love stories deserve a place on every shelf. ❤️📚