Black writers’ books pulled from UK school library amid censorship row as author speaks out
Exclusive: Nova Reid warns of “fear, ignorance and fascism” after books removed from Manchester school library
An author whose work was reportedly removed from a school library has spoken out, warning that the targeting of books by Black writers risks fuelling “cultural ignorance” and erasing vital perspectives.
Nova Reid told Black Current News that she felt “agitated, but not surprised” after learning her book The Good Ally had been singled out in a wider removal of titles from Manchester school The Lowry Academy.
The writer and social justice advocate’s work sits at the intersection of storytelling, mental health and racial justice.
Over more than a decade, she has earned multiple accolades for work widely described as transformative.
“Where the US goes, the UK often follows. None of this is new, sadly,” she said, pointing to a surge in book bans in the United States, where titles exploring race and identity, including Black experiences, are among those most frequently targeted.
“But for this to be happening in schools which are designed to deepen learning, understanding and foster curiosity is deeply problematic.
“One thing’s for sure, if our books weren’t transformative and helping to do the deep change work required to challenge racism and social injustice, they wouldn’t be pulled off shelves. It’s undeniable: they have impact.”
Around 130 books were reportedly removed or restricted following an internal review of library materials, according to an investigation by Index on Censorship, which first uncovered the scale of the removals.
The organisation did not initially name the school involved. It was later identified as The Lowry Academy by local outlet The Mill.
Titles by other Black authors were among those affected, including works by Dean Atta, Reni Eddo-Lodge, Bernardine Evaristo, Michelle Obama and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
When asked what she believes is driving such decisions, Nova was clear.
“Fear, ignorance, fascism, loss of control - any and all of the above,” she said, adding that the situation reflects a wider historical pattern.
“Book burning and banning have been common moves by institutions for centuries. Keeping people ignorant and uninformed helps those institutions maintain control.
“Books have power. They expand knowledge and change people’s world view, which can shape behaviour and the desire to move away from systems and ways of being that are harming us.”
Nova continued: “Schools and libraries should be places of learning and curiosity, especially around subjects that challenge, not control. Human beings are designed to evolve. This kind of behaviour moves us backwards.”
According to reporting by The Mill, the school has denied banning books, stating that an audit was carried out and that most titles were categorised by age appropriateness and returned to shelves, with only a small number removed.
The school has also said it does not recognise the account of a former librarian who alleged she faced disciplinary action over the books she stocked before resigning.
But Nova warned that the implications of such decisions extend far beyond a single school.
“It contributes to historical illiteracy and erasure. Fascism is on the rise in the UK, we can’t ignore that,” she said.
“There are too many people engaging in far-right thinking who lack education and have been falsely indoctrinated to believe that the reason for their negative life circumstances is down to immigrants.
“This censorship of our books contributes to growing cultural ignorance which feeds hate. It’s dangerous.”
When asked what she would say to young people who might now be denied access to books like hers, Nova suggested that they seek support.
“Tell your parents or caregivers what’s happening,” she said.
“Ask them to write to the school for an explanation. Let them know you want the books reinstated. Use your voice.
“If you can, buy our books online or in independent book stores, or find out about campaigns like Free Books Campaign that offer free copies.
“Keep talking about and reading our books.”
The case comes amid growing concern about censorship in UK schools and libraries, with librarians reporting increased pressure to remove books and warning that the influence of US-led campaigns is beginning to shape what young people are allowed to read.
Black Current News has contacted The Lowry Academy for comment.
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