Books validate identity and experience.
Books provide support in processing complex issues.
Books foster resilience and empathy.

Books matter.

Therapists Against Banning Books (TABB) is an Atlanta-based coalition of mental health clinicians dedicated to promoting school-aged clients' emotional well-being through free access to diverse literature. We advocate against book bans in metro Atlanta schools, responsibly share resources and insights within our professional community and book club, and provide trusted information to parents and clients.

Our mission is to empower individuals by ensuring access to affirming narratives that support mental wellness, foster resilience, and nurture inclusive communities.

  • In Georgia public schools — including Cobb County and Forsyth County districts — controversial book bans and limited access have surged in recent years. Recent state legislation has granted school administrators more unilateral power to make these decisions quickly and without extensive community input (SB 226).

  • In Georgia, the process begins when a parent or community member challenges a book’s content—often citing concerns about sexual content, violence, or controversial themes—prompting school officials to review the material. Under Public Law SB 226, school administrators are given the authority to swiftly and unilaterally remove the challenged books from classrooms and libraries, often without the input of a formal review committee. Once a decision is made, the book is removed with minimal public notice, and the school district updates its list of restricted materials accordingly.

  • School officials have increasingly removed or restricted titles they deem to contain “divisive” content, including LGBTQ+ themes, discussions of race, and other topics some parents and community members find objectionable. Such bans can restrict access to diverse perspectives and undermine academic freedom, therefore affecting students’ mental health.

  • Cobb County School District

    • Sarah J. Maas’ “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series (for example, A Court of Mist and Fury has been targeted)

    • Ironfire by David Ball

    • My Shadow Is Purple by Scott Stuart (This title gained national attention following the termination of a teacher who read it to her class.)

    • Flamer by Mike Curato

    • Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

    Marietta City Schools

    Specific titles have not been comprehensively reported. News coverage indicates that Marietta City Schools are following similar practices to nearby Cobb County, though the detailed list appears to overlap with the Cobb bans.

    Forsyth County Schools

    • Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood is not banned outright, but is subject to a policy requiring parental permission before student access. This reflects a trend where certain controversial titles are restricted rather than formally removed.

    Atlanta Public Schools

    There are no widespread reports of systematic bans similar to those in suburban districts like Cobb. Some isolated challenges may occur, but APS is not currently known for enacting a broad book-ban policy - lets keep it that way!

  • Absolutely. While our Banned Book Club is clinician-focused, please feel free to check out and share the resources found in the sections below.

“Banning books gives us silence when we need speech. It closes our ears when we need to listen. It makes us blind when we need sight.”

Stephen Chbosky

The Mental Health Risks of Banning Books:

  • Limits Emotional Support

    Banning books removes access to narratives that many people rely on for emotional solace and validation. Without these stories, individuals—especially those from marginalized groups—can feel isolated and struggle to cope with personal challenges.

  • Stifles Diverse Perspectives

    Exposure to a range of viewpoints helps readers understand and empathize with experiences different from their own. When books are banned, this diversity is lost, potentially increasing anxiety and feelings of alienation.

  • Creates "Fear of Ideas"

    The act of banning books signals that certain ideas are dangerous, fostering an environment of censorship. This climate of fear can heighten stress and contribute to chronic anxiety among both students and educators.

  • Undermines Identity Formation

    Literature often plays a key role in helping individuals explore and affirm their own identities. Removing books that represent diverse experiences can lead to confusion, reduced self-esteem, and an increased risk of mental health issues.

  • Impairs Critical Thinking

    Books challenge readers to think critically about complex issues and build emotional resilience. Without exposure to such challenges, individuals may struggle to develop the coping mechanisms necessary to navigate real-life difficulties.

  • Erodes Trust in Educational Institutions

    When schools ban books, it sends a message that open inquiry and expression are not valued, undermining trust in these institutions. This loss of trust can lead to feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness, which are harmful to mental well-being.

Additional Resources

For Parents:

The Unite Against Book Bans Toolkit: The Unite Against Book Bans Toolkit provides a comprehensive resource to understand and counteract censorship in schools and libraries. It offers practical strategies for advocacy, guidance on engaging with decision-makers, and actionable tools to defend intellectual freedom. By emphasizing collaborative action and community mobilization, the toolkit empowers stakeholders to effectively challenge restrictive book policies.

For Educators:

Responding to Book Challenges: A Handbook for Educators: The NCAC Educator Handbook empowers teachers to recognize, respond to, and prevent censorship by emphasizing intellectual freedom and diverse perspectives. It explains key legal protections and offers practical strategies—including sample letters and advocacy tools—for managing challenges to classroom materials. Ultimately, the guide encourages educators to create inclusive learning environments where students can critically engage with a broad range of ideas.

For Students:

How to Fight Book Bans: A Tip Sheet for Students: This tip sheet explains that book bans can take various forms and often target books by LGBTQ+ writers, women, and writers of color. It urges students to exercise their First Amendment rights—by protesting, speaking out on social media, and testifying publicly—to ensure diverse literature remains accessible. It also advises students to protect themselves from online harassment and to report bans to advocacy groups for further support.