The ABCs of Book Banning is a 2023 documentary exploring the recent surge in book challenges and bans, particularly those targeting LGBTQ+ and racial themes. It interweaves the voices of impacted students, community members, and even a centenarian activist, looking at the importance of free access to information and the human cost of book censorship.
Here’s how you can watch and stream The ABCs of Book Banning via streaming services such as Paramount Plus.
Is The ABCs of Book Banning available to watch via streaming?
Yes, The ABCs of Book Banning is available to watch via streaming on Paramount Plus.
In this 27-minute documentary, Sheila Nevins shines a light on the new trend of book censorship in schools. With a focus on Florida’s recent controversies, the film weaves together heartfelt testimonies from young readers, passionate authors, and even a determined centurion, all fighting for their right to access stories.
Their voices expose the surprising impact of silencing diverse narratives, particularly those exploring LGBTQ+ identities and racial realities. By showing the power of literature to educate and empower, The ABCs of Book Banning ignites a call to action, reminding us of the vital role libraries and open discourse play in shaping young minds and nurturing a vibrant democracy.
While it isn’t a traditional narrative film with actors, it features real people directly impacted by book censorship. Key voices include young readers sharing their anxieties about losing access to important stories, authors fighting for their works to be heard, and community members defending the freedom to read.
Watch The ABCs of Book Banning streaming via Paramount Plus
The ABCs of Book Banning is available to watch on Paramount Plus.
It is a streaming service that features several critically acclaimed and fan favorite movies and TV shows.
You can watch via Paramount Plus by following these steps:
- Go to ParamountPlus.com
- Select ‘Try It Free’
- Choose your plan:
- $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year (Essential)
- $11.99 per month or $199.99 per year (with SHOWTIME)
- Enter your personal information and create your account
The Paramount Plus Essential plan includes tens of thousands of episodes and movies, the NFL on CBS, the UEFA Champions League, 24/7 news coverage with CBS News, and limited ads.
Furthermore, the Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME plan includes all of the above, removes the ads except in limited circumstances, and also includes SHOWTIME originals, movies, and sports along with CBS live TV and college football. Nonetheless, you’re able to download shows to your mobile device.
The ABCs of Book Banning’s synopsis is as follows:
“In recent years, more than 2,500 books have been removed from school districts around the US, labeled as banned, restricted, or challenged, and made unavailable to millions of students. By no accident, the themes targeted are the usual scapegoats of the American Right—LGBTQ+ issues, Black History, and women’s empowerment—impeding the power of future generations to develop their own thoughts and opinions on critical social issues. By weaving together a lyrical montage of young readers and authors, THE ABCs OF BOOK BANNING reveals the voices of the impacted parties, and inspires hope for the future through the profound insights of inquisitive youthful minds.”
NOTE: The streaming services listed above are subject to change. The information provided was correct at the time of writing.
