Pop singer Pink is giving away copies of banned books at her concerts and I think she is right to do so

Following news that the state of Florida has banned certain books in school libraries, here is writer Alex Noel on why she shares Pink’s view that book bans are a danger to freedom of speech and self expression.

The singer, Pink made headlines in November - on tour in Florida she gave away 2000 copies of books banned in the state. At her concerts she distributed ‘Beloved’ by Toni Morrison, Todd Parr’s ‘The Family Book’, Stacia Deutsch’s ‘Girls Who Code’ and ‘The Hill We Climb’ by Amanda Gorman.

Known for her philanthropy and activism, Pink had teamed up with PEN America to draw attention to censorship and highlight the value of literature that is representative of people’s experiences.

Like Pink, I’m a “voracious reader”. Having benefited from reading widely, I share her viewpoint that book bans infringe on freedom of speech and self-expression. And while the guidance of those charged with our care is essential, no-one should be censoring the books we read.