To show support for authors, illustrators, students, parents, librarians, and teachers, PRH and School Library Journal partnered with PEN America, the National Coalition Against Censorship, the National Council of Teachers of English, FReadom, and Library Journal to create a poster that emphasizes the importance of free expression as book bans and challenges spread across the country. The poster was included in the May 2022 issue of School Library Journal and amplified by a social media campaign.
Titled “Open Books, Open Doors,” original artwork for the poster was created by award-winning artist Rafael López, illustrator of Just Ask by Justice Sonia Sotomayor and several other children’s books published by Penguin Random House. The vivid, colorful illustration features a child stepping into a larger-than-life book as they’re transported into a beautiful new world. The back of the poster outlines a call-to-action to visit the Penguin Random House Banned Books Resource Hub, which provides tools, materials, and organizations that educators, librarians, parents, students, authors, and illustrators can turn to in the face of book bans and challenges.
In addition to distribution in School Library Journal, a limited run of printed poster copies is available to educators, librarians, and parents at select industry events and retail locations throughout the summer. The 18×24 poster and social media assets are available for direct digital download at slj.com/readfree.