In some schools across the United States, a growing number of books are being removed from classrooms and libraries. This school year alone, nearly 12,000 titles have been banned, according to reports. The list includes books that remain widely available in the Netherlands, such as the Harry Potter series, Wicked, and even The Diary of Anne Frank. Dutch authors have expressed concern about the trend.
The bans stem from stricter rules in various US states about what can be discussed in class and what lessons must cover. These rules have led to books being pulled from shelves, often over content deemed inappropriate or controversial.
What this means if you are learning Dutch or new in the Netherlands
If you are learning Dutch or have recently moved to the Netherlands, this news may feel distant, but it touches on something relevant: the freedom to read and discuss ideas. In the Netherlands, books like Harry Potter and Anne Frank's diary are standard reading in many schools and libraries. They are also useful for language learners. Anne Frank's diary, for instance, is often read in Dutch by those improving their reading skills. The fact that these books are banned elsewhere highlights how access to literature can differ. For newcomers, it is a reminder that the Dutch education system generally encourages open discussion and broad reading. If you are learning Dutch, you can still find these titles easily in bookstores and libraries, and they can be valuable tools for building vocabulary and cultural understanding.