‘Eating away at democracy’: book bans in US public schools rise by a third in a year

According to a new study by Pen America, there were 3,362 instances of book bans in school classrooms and libraries – with more than 40% of all cases occurring in Florida

Texas teacher fired for showing Anne Frank graphic novel to eighth-graders

Move comes as education laws restricting teaching of race, sexuality and other topics are being implemented across the US

Looking round a school library, I saw something I can’t get out of my mind

I was shocked to find a book for children whose parents are in prison. But I’m glad someone had the compassion to write it

Most parents want more time reading to young children, study shows

1,000-parent survey also found 33% lack the confidence to read to their child, despite not seeing the activity as a chore

Why is Houston shutting down libraries at some of its poorest public schools?

The former library spaces will now be ‘multipurpose’ rooms; disruptive students will be stationed there to watch footage of their classrooms

Which person has had the greatest impact on the course of the 21st century so far?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

My big Birmingham bookshop crawl: why booksellers are suddenly thriving

In 2009, two bookshops a week were closing in the UK and the days of physical books seemed numbered. Now, indie stores are booming. What explains the turnaround – and can it be sustained?

‘I’m horrified by it. I think it’s appalling’: Kit de Waal on the crisis of cuts facing the arts

The bestselling author is in no doubt who is to blame when it comes to the state of the arts. She talks about the importance of culture, her inclusive book festival and using her voice to help

Sue Dymoke obituary

Other lives: Teacher, academic and poet

Sarfraz Manzoor says he will use new role to make Luton ‘cool’

Greetings from Bury Park author announces initiatives to ‘bang drum’ for town as he is named chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire

Pamela Nottingham obituary

Other lives: Lacemaker and teacher who gained an international reputation through her books

The big idea: do we need to dismantle the literary canon?

The temptation to chuck out the old is strong, but can only be part of the answer

Children’s enjoyment of writing has fallen to ‘crisis point’, research finds

Only one in three UK children now enjoy writing in their free time – including text messages – with those on free school meals most likely to do so

I was overwhelmed by shame when I quit grad school. Now I’m a quitting guru

I thought that dropping out made me a failure, but it was the making of me as a journalist and writer, says Dr Julia Keller, the author of Quitting: A Life Strategy

Black Belfast girl threatened after telling of unease over Of Mice and Men

Police inform Angel Mhande’s family of threat after her call for novel to be dropped from GCSE course