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The American Library Association reported a record-breaking number of attempts to ban books in 2023, with most “written by or about members of the LGBTQ+ community and people of color.” As a UNESCO City of Literature, Seattle embraces intellectual freedom and celebrates—rather than censors—diverse voices.

In Seattle Bookmarked: Banned Edition, accomplished Seattleites read excerpts from books by Seattle authors that have been challenged, banned or censored somewhere in the United States.

In this episode of Seattle Bookmarked: Banned Edition, artist Angelina Villalobos reads an excerpt from Lawn Boy by Seattle author Jonathan Evison. Lawn Boy has been banned in more than ten states, but as a UNESCO City of Literature, Seattle embraces intellectual freedom and celebrates—rather than censors—diverse voices. The Hispanic population is also one of Washington's largest minority groups.