PEN America
@penamerica.bsky.social
We stand at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the U.S. and worldwide. Support and learn more at pen.org.
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PEN America
@penamerica.bsky.social
· Jan 24
PEN America Criticizes "Alarming" and "Dismissive" Language on Book Bans by U.S. Education Department - PEN America
Kasey Meehan, director, Freedom to Read, at PEN America, said: "For over three years we have countered rhetoric that book bans occurring in public schools are a “hoax.” They are absolutely not. This k...
pen.org
PEN America responds to action taken today by the Department of Education dismissing complaints about book bans and referring to them as a “hoax”:
"All students deserve to see themselves and the world around them reflected in the books shelved within their public schools.“ pen.org/press-releas...
"All students deserve to see themselves and the world around them reflected in the books shelved within their public schools.“ pen.org/press-releas...
In a new interview, award-winning author Elana K. Arnold explains how her books serve as places where young readers can safely learn about (and practice) consent. Read more: pen.org/elana-k-arno...
All Experiences ‘Deserve Space on the Page’ — and Sex Is No Exception, Argues YA Author Elana K. Arnold
Arnold follows her gut as she writes, and if her gut tells her sexual pain or pleasure is part of a character’s journey, she listens.
pen.org
December 7, 2025 at 5:32 PM
In a new interview, award-winning author Elana K. Arnold explains how her books serve as places where young readers can safely learn about (and practice) consent. Read more: pen.org/elana-k-arno...
PEN America Condemns Use of "Prohibited Words" List to Censor Native American Author Darcie Little Badger https://pen.org/press-release/pen-america-condemns-use-of-forbidden-words-list-to-censor-native-american-author/
PEN America Condemns Use of Forbidden Words List to Censor Native American Author
Native American author withdraws from speaking engagement at a Utah university after being given a list of words she cannot use.
pen.org
December 5, 2025 at 8:03 PM
PEN America Condemns Use of "Prohibited Words" List to Censor Native American Author Darcie Little Badger https://pen.org/press-release/pen-america-condemns-use-of-forbidden-words-list-to-censor-native-american-author/
If reading broadens the mind, books in translation expand your horizons even further — introducing you to stories, places, cultures, and voices you won't soon forget.
Here are some of our favorite books in translation published in English in 2025: bookshop.org/lists/2025-n...
Here are some of our favorite books in translation published in English in 2025: bookshop.org/lists/2025-n...
2025 Notable Books in Translation
Now that it's the end of the year, join us in celebration by reading one of the many incredible books in translation published in English in 2025.
bookshop.org
December 5, 2025 at 6:28 PM
If reading broadens the mind, books in translation expand your horizons even further — introducing you to stories, places, cultures, and voices you won't soon forget.
Here are some of our favorite books in translation published in English in 2025: bookshop.org/lists/2025-n...
Here are some of our favorite books in translation published in English in 2025: bookshop.org/lists/2025-n...
Journalist Ibtisam Mahdi reports from Gaza on the role of women writers, artists, and journalists in preserving humanity and Palestinian culture. If it weren’t for them, one writer told Mahdi, “so many stories would have died with their owners.” Read: pen.org/women-on-gen...
In Her Words: Women on Genocide and Rebuilding Gaza
What we did not lose was the voice. Women’s voices were like a thin thread guiding us back to our humanity when the war tried to rip it away.
pen.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Journalist Ibtisam Mahdi reports from Gaza on the role of women writers, artists, and journalists in preserving humanity and Palestinian culture. If it weren’t for them, one writer told Mahdi, “so many stories would have died with their owners.” Read: pen.org/women-on-gen...
What are the "Best Children’s Books of 2025"? These are 24 titles that have been singled out again and again on the best-of lists from NPR, the New York Public Library, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, The New York Times, and more https://pen.org/best-childrens-books-2025/
Best Children's Books 2025: 24 Top Picks From the Year's ‘Best-Of' Lists
What are the best children's books of 2025? We looked at 2025 best book lists to find the very best, including “Every Monday Mabel” and “Fireworks.”
pen.org
December 5, 2025 at 3:31 AM
What are the "Best Children’s Books of 2025"? These are 24 titles that have been singled out again and again on the best-of lists from NPR, the New York Public Library, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, The New York Times, and more https://pen.org/best-childrens-books-2025/
PEN America today offered its support to a lawsuit filed in federal court by The New York Times that argues the Pentagon’s newly imposed reporting rules violate journalists’ constitutional rights. https://pen.org/press-release/lawsuit-challenging-pentagon-press-restrictions/
Support for Lawsuit Challenging Pentagon Press Restrictions
PEN America today offered its support to a lawsuit filed in federal court by The New York Times that argues the Pentagon’s newly imposed reporting rules violate journalists’ constitutional rights.
pen.org
December 4, 2025 at 8:42 PM
PEN America today offered its support to a lawsuit filed in federal court by The New York Times that argues the Pentagon’s newly imposed reporting rules violate journalists’ constitutional rights. https://pen.org/press-release/lawsuit-challenging-pentagon-press-restrictions/
Student journalism is dealt a blow as the nationwide crackdown on DEI causes the shuttering of two magazines at U. Alabama. Student voices continue to be silenced in this ongoing assault on free speech.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/02/us/u-of-alabama-student-magazines-dei.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/02/us/u-of-alabama-student-magazines-dei.html
U. of Alabama Suspends Black and Female Student Magazines, Citing D.E.I. Guidance
www.nytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Student journalism is dealt a blow as the nationwide crackdown on DEI causes the shuttering of two magazines at U. Alabama. Student voices continue to be silenced in this ongoing assault on free speech.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/02/us/u-of-alabama-student-magazines-dei.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/02/us/u-of-alabama-student-magazines-dei.html
Writing from Gaza, Palestinian journalist Ibtisam Mahdi explores how women have played—and will continue to play—a critical role in rebuilding life and culture amid genocide. Mahdi has interviewed nearly 100 women about profound hardship in Gaza. Read more: pen.org/women-on-gen...
December 3, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Writing from Gaza, Palestinian journalist Ibtisam Mahdi explores how women have played—and will continue to play—a critical role in rebuilding life and culture amid genocide. Mahdi has interviewed nearly 100 women about profound hardship in Gaza. Read more: pen.org/women-on-gen...
Book banning may seem like the new normal. But at PEN America, we're fighting back—partnering with students, parents, teachers, librarians and like-minded organizations to protect the freedom to read. This #GivingTuesday, help us keep books where they belong: in the hands of students: pen.org/GT25BS
December 2, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Book banning may seem like the new normal. But at PEN America, we're fighting back—partnering with students, parents, teachers, librarians and like-minded organizations to protect the freedom to read. This #GivingTuesday, help us keep books where they belong: in the hands of students: pen.org/GT25BS
Congratulations to all of our 2026 grant winners! Recognizing oral history, young adult literature, migration narratives, and translation, these works-in-progress illuminate important stories and are sure to carry a lasting literary impact. Learn more here: pen.org/announcing-t...
December 2, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Congratulations to all of our 2026 grant winners! Recognizing oral history, young adult literature, migration narratives, and translation, these works-in-progress illuminate important stories and are sure to carry a lasting literary impact. Learn more here: pen.org/announcing-t...
In 2025, America's free press comes with a price tag. ABC and CBS paid millions to settle frivolous lawsuits. The CPB—now defunded—is shutting down. Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador. Help us keep fighting to defend journalists, press freedom—and democracy—at: pen.org/GT25TH #GivingTuesday
December 2, 2025 at 7:26 PM
In 2025, America's free press comes with a price tag. ABC and CBS paid millions to settle frivolous lawsuits. The CPB—now defunded—is shutting down. Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador. Help us keep fighting to defend journalists, press freedom—and democracy—at: pen.org/GT25TH #GivingTuesday
Reposted by PEN America
This month’s reading list is themed “From Behind Bars” in for our #DayoftheImprisonedWriter campaign. These works, born from experiences behind bars remind us that the human voice endures even when freedom is taken away.
Take action for those behind bars: www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...
Take action for those behind bars: www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...
November 29, 2025 at 1:48 PM
This month’s reading list is themed “From Behind Bars” in for our #DayoftheImprisonedWriter campaign. These works, born from experiences behind bars remind us that the human voice endures even when freedom is taken away.
Take action for those behind bars: www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...
Take action for those behind bars: www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...
Reposted by PEN America
With just 8 days left of our Day of the Imprisoned Writer campaign, we call on our community to stand with #MohamedTadjadit #YalqunRozi #MziaAmaglobeli #RoryBranker. This campaign reminds us that freedom of expression survives through solidarity and collective action.
December 2, 2025 at 11:17 AM
With just 8 days left of our Day of the Imprisoned Writer campaign, we call on our community to stand with #MohamedTadjadit #YalqunRozi #MziaAmaglobeli #RoryBranker. This campaign reminds us that freedom of expression survives through solidarity and collective action.
In 2025, protesting in America is becoming riskier—and more militarized—than ever. At PEN America, we've been fighting for the freedom to write, speak—and engage in legally protected protest—for 103 years. With your help this #GivingTuesday, we’ll keep up the fight in the years ahead: pen.org/GT25BS
December 2, 2025 at 4:20 PM
In 2025, protesting in America is becoming riskier—and more militarized—than ever. At PEN America, we've been fighting for the freedom to write, speak—and engage in legally protected protest—for 103 years. With your help this #GivingTuesday, we’ll keep up the fight in the years ahead: pen.org/GT25BS
Film producer Blum, author-bookseller Patchett to receive PEN America awards abcnews.go.com/Entertainmen...
Film producer Blum, author-bookseller Patchett to receive PEN America awards
Oscar-nominated producer Jason Blum is set to receive the Business Visionary award from PEN America at its fundraising gala next spring
abcnews.go.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Film producer Blum, author-bookseller Patchett to receive PEN America awards abcnews.go.com/Entertainmen...
Join us on December 10th, 2025, for a virtual reading celebrating the winners of the 2025 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers! Learn more and register: pen.org/event/pen-da...
PEN/Dau Prize x Catapult: Reading from Best Debut Short Stories 2025
Ten winners of the 2025 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers will read selections from their award-winning stories.
pen.org
December 1, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Join us on December 10th, 2025, for a virtual reading celebrating the winners of the 2025 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers! Learn more and register: pen.org/event/pen-da...
The White House “media offenders” list isn’t just a stunt but a dangerous attempt to silence credible reporting. Using presidential power to shame reporters is an attack on press freedom. A healthy democracy doesn’t target journalists for doing their jobs. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
White House launches website to excoriate media for ‘biased’ stories
Trump administration lists reporting it objects to in latest escalation of attacks on US journalism
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:36 PM
The White House “media offenders” list isn’t just a stunt but a dangerous attempt to silence credible reporting. Using presidential power to shame reporters is an attack on press freedom. A healthy democracy doesn’t target journalists for doing their jobs. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
For the first time since 1988, the US government is not recognizing #WorldAIDSDay.
William Johnson, our PEN America Florida Director, put together his own literary-based recognition of the day with a list of essential books about the virus. pen.org/world-aids-d...
William Johnson, our PEN America Florida Director, put together his own literary-based recognition of the day with a list of essential books about the virus. pen.org/world-aids-d...
World AIDS Day Reading List: Writing Through Crisis, Stigma, and Institutional Neglect
Documenting lived experience is central to defending free expression. These writers write through crisis, stigma, and institutional neglect.
pen.org
December 1, 2025 at 5:49 PM
For the first time since 1988, the US government is not recognizing #WorldAIDSDay.
William Johnson, our PEN America Florida Director, put together his own literary-based recognition of the day with a list of essential books about the virus. pen.org/world-aids-d...
William Johnson, our PEN America Florida Director, put together his own literary-based recognition of the day with a list of essential books about the virus. pen.org/world-aids-d...
2025, meet '1984.'
The Trump administration is scrubbing from government websites and documents references to DEI, climate change, vaccines—and more. At PEN America, we're fighting for the freedom to speak all year round. To support our work this #GivingTuesday, please visit: pen.org/GT25TH
The Trump administration is scrubbing from government websites and documents references to DEI, climate change, vaccines—and more. At PEN America, we're fighting for the freedom to speak all year round. To support our work this #GivingTuesday, please visit: pen.org/GT25TH
December 1, 2025 at 4:52 PM
2025, meet '1984.'
The Trump administration is scrubbing from government websites and documents references to DEI, climate change, vaccines—and more. At PEN America, we're fighting for the freedom to speak all year round. To support our work this #GivingTuesday, please visit: pen.org/GT25TH
The Trump administration is scrubbing from government websites and documents references to DEI, climate change, vaccines—and more. At PEN America, we're fighting for the freedom to speak all year round. To support our work this #GivingTuesday, please visit: pen.org/GT25TH
Attacks on comedians are no joke. They’re a stress test for satire, journalism, and broadcast independence.
At PEN America, we've been fighting for the freedom to write—and the freedom to mock those in power—for 103 years. Your support this #GivingTuesday helps us continue the fight: pen.org/GT25BS
At PEN America, we've been fighting for the freedom to write—and the freedom to mock those in power—for 103 years. Your support this #GivingTuesday helps us continue the fight: pen.org/GT25BS
December 1, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Attacks on comedians are no joke. They’re a stress test for satire, journalism, and broadcast independence.
At PEN America, we've been fighting for the freedom to write—and the freedom to mock those in power—for 103 years. Your support this #GivingTuesday helps us continue the fight: pen.org/GT25BS
At PEN America, we've been fighting for the freedom to write—and the freedom to mock those in power—for 103 years. Your support this #GivingTuesday helps us continue the fight: pen.org/GT25BS
They said they were banning "pornography." Now they're banning books about cats and dogs. At PEN America, we're fighting back. With your help this #GivingTuesday, we'll keep challenging the censors and fighting to keep books where they belong: in the hands of students. Donate now at: pen.org/GT25BS
November 30, 2025 at 6:45 PM
They said they were banning "pornography." Now they're banning books about cats and dogs. At PEN America, we're fighting back. With your help this #GivingTuesday, we'll keep challenging the censors and fighting to keep books where they belong: in the hands of students. Donate now at: pen.org/GT25BS
PEN America mourns the death of Tom Stoppard, one of the world's most influential playwrights and a tenacious defender of free expression.
Along with multiple Tony Awards and an Oscar, Stoppard was also the 2020 winner of the PEN/Mike Nichols Writing for Performance Award.
pen.org/press-releas...
Along with multiple Tony Awards and an Oscar, Stoppard was also the 2020 winner of the PEN/Mike Nichols Writing for Performance Award.
pen.org/press-releas...
PEN America Mourns Death of Playwright Tom Stoppard, a Tenacious Defender of Free Expression
PEN America statement on Tom Stoppard death: “From his early plays like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead that shocked audiences, to his most recent and most autobiographical play Leopoldstadt— in...
pen.org
November 29, 2025 at 7:12 PM
PEN America mourns the death of Tom Stoppard, one of the world's most influential playwrights and a tenacious defender of free expression.
Along with multiple Tony Awards and an Oscar, Stoppard was also the 2020 winner of the PEN/Mike Nichols Writing for Performance Award.
pen.org/press-releas...
Along with multiple Tony Awards and an Oscar, Stoppard was also the 2020 winner of the PEN/Mike Nichols Writing for Performance Award.
pen.org/press-releas...
This year, even your holiday shopping can make a statement in the fight against censorship. Support our work — and get 10% off PEN America Originals — with code FREE2READ10 at pen.org/shop.
#FreedomToRead #BannedBooks #BlackFriday #CyberMonday
#FreedomToRead #BannedBooks #BlackFriday #CyberMonday
November 28, 2025 at 1:43 AM
This year, even your holiday shopping can make a statement in the fight against censorship. Support our work — and get 10% off PEN America Originals — with code FREE2READ10 at pen.org/shop.
#FreedomToRead #BannedBooks #BlackFriday #CyberMonday
#FreedomToRead #BannedBooks #BlackFriday #CyberMonday
The Prison and Justice Writing Program at PEN America has announced its Incarcerated Writers Bureau, a digital resource to make professional and creative opportunities more accessible to writers in United States prisons. https://people.com/pen-america-announces-incarcerated-writers-bureau-11856777
The Prison and Justice Writing Program at PEN America Announces Incarcerated Writers Bureau
The Prison and Justice Writing Program at PEN America has announced its Incarcerated Writers Bureau.
people.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:47 PM
The Prison and Justice Writing Program at PEN America has announced its Incarcerated Writers Bureau, a digital resource to make professional and creative opportunities more accessible to writers in United States prisons. https://people.com/pen-america-announces-incarcerated-writers-bureau-11856777
Reposted by PEN America
Launching from @penamerica.bsky.social, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting free expression in the United States and worldwide through the defense of literature and human rights - a digital site supporting Incarcerated Writers.
#voicesoftheincarcerated
fmeproject.org/pen-america-...
#voicesoftheincarcerated
fmeproject.org/pen-america-...
PEN America Offers Digital Site Supporting Incarcerated Writers - Felony Murder Elimination Project
PEN America, dedicated to protecting free expression in the United States, is launching a digital site supporting Incarcerated Writers.
fmeproject.org
November 25, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Launching from @penamerica.bsky.social, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting free expression in the United States and worldwide through the defense of literature and human rights - a digital site supporting Incarcerated Writers.
#voicesoftheincarcerated
fmeproject.org/pen-america-...
#voicesoftheincarcerated
fmeproject.org/pen-america-...