Each year, Sigma Tau Delta, NEHS, and ELA Honor Society chapters around the world use Banned Books Week as an opportunity to celebrate the freedom to read, and to spark meaningful dialogue about the power of literature. This year’s Banned Books Week Social Media Contest showcased the creativity and critical insight of chapters from all three organizations, who designed posts to spotlight challenged books and the important issues they raise.
ELA Honor Society Winner: Morgan Road Middle School, NY
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
This beautifully designed post captured the heart of Boulley’s bestselling novel, explaining that while the book has been challenged for its depictions of drug use and sexual content, its true purpose is to amplify the voices of Indigenous women and draw attention to real issues of violence and survival. The Morgan Road Middle School chapter’s post emphasized that such stories are essential for fostering awareness and empathy, reminding readers that representation in literature can bring light to lived experiences that are often ignored or misunderstood. The post’s bold visuals and thoughtful commentary embodied the spirit of Banned Books Week, advocating for truth through storytelling.
NEHS Winner: Trumbull High School, CT
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
Trumbull High School’s post, featuring English teacher Ms. Colombo, highlighted how Takei’s graphic memoir confronts the painful history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. Their message powerfully underscored the importance of studying history to build empathy and prevent prejudice. As their caption noted, “The purpose of studying history isn’t to protect our comfort; it’s to protect people.” This message perfectly reflects the spirit of Banned Books Week, which calls on readers to confront uncomfortable truths, challenge censorship, and protect the stories that preserve our shared humanity.
Sigma Tau Delta Winner: Whitworth University, WA
1984 by George Orwell
Whitworth University’s powerful post highlights George Orwell’s 1984, a book that has faced censorship for its sexual themes and anti-government stances, ironically proving Orwell’s very points about suppressed information. Kaitlyn Hawker’s thoughtful reflection on reading the novel demonstrates a deep understanding of how Orwell’s warnings remain disturbingly relevant today. By participating in the Banned Book Club and sharing her insights, Kaitlyn has helped shine a light on the ongoing importance of protecting the right to read freely and think critically. We recognize her commitment to celebrating the very books that some seek to silence.
Grand Prize Winner: Carnegie Vanguard High School, TX
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Congratulations to Vivian Buchanan and the NEHS chapter at Carnegie Vanguard High School for winning this year’s Banned Books Week Social Media Contest grand prize! Their winning post highlights Jerry Craft’s New Kid, and powerfully demonstrates why protecting access to diverse stories matters. Vivian’s personal testimony about how the book helped her feel less alone during a school transition beautifully illustrates the impact that challenged books can have on readers. Despite facing censorship in Texas for addressing racism, New Kid continues to provide crucial representation for students navigating similar experiences.
Our many participating chapters demonstrated that literature matters most when it challenges us, when it reveals truths, elevates silenced voices, and invites readers to think critically about the world around them. Through artful design, thoughtful reflection, and collaboration, this year’s winners reminded us that banning a book never silences its message.
Congratulations to all the students, Advisors, and chapters who joined this year’s celebration of reading freedom!
Prepare for Banned Books Week 2026, which will be held October 4 – 10, 2026.
More from NEHSXpress: November 4, 2025
The 2025 DePaul Blue Book, and Submit for 2026
EHS Webinar with Gabrielle Zevin
New: A Guide for Chapter Advisors
NEHS Chapter Updates, Payments, and Merchandise
