Hey JOHN,

I’m sure you’ve heard — the new Wicked movie is coming out this month! But here’s something you might not know: the 1995 novel that inspired the Broadway hit and the film was one of the most-banned books in America during the 2024–25 school year.

According to PEN America, which tracks book bans nationwide, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West was the 6th most-banned book in the country, being pulled from classrooms or libraries in 17 school districts.

Stories like Wicked teach empathy, difference, and the danger of judging someone for being “other.” Maybe that’s exactly why extremists fear them.

Book bans don’t happen in isolation. They’re part of a larger, coordinated campaign by groups like Moms for Liberty to control what students learn and silence inclusive voices in our schools.

If you believe in defending the freedom to read diverse and inclusive stories , join our grassroots coalition so we can fight back — and strip extremists of their control over our school boards. Donate today!

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Together, we can make sure every student has access to the stories that inspire curiosity, compassion, and courage.

— Educated We Stand

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