Censorship: What Is It and How Does It Impact Society?

Gr 7 Up–This is a well-organized and accessible text for readers and researchers. Separated into five chapters, Mooney brings a balanced approach to the primary aspects of censorship and its consequences. Within the chapters, “Free Speech,” Banning Books,” “Controversy in the Classroom,” “Misinformation and Disinformation,” and “Debate Over Cancel Culture,” readers will discover current examples, current court cases, up-to-date pictures, and relevant quotations. Although there is a considerable amount of information contained here, it isn’t overwhelming because the chapters run between nine to 10 pages, and bright red headings, color photographs, and pull-out quotes break up the text. Most chapters also highlight specific issues, such as “Self-Censorship in Hollywood” and “Cross Burnings and Free Speech.” This will be accessible to most young adults, although students who haven’t had much exposure to nonfiction may need support. There are abundant source notes in addition to the lists of pertinent organizations, further reading, and websites for those who seek more information. An extensive index makes it simple for readers to find exactly the information that they need.