31 LINKcat libraries in the South Central Library System own a copy of this banned book in Iowa.

 

Headline:  Des Moines Register, 10/21/2025

F. Amanda Tugate reports:

The book came out 20 years after the author's 1999 novel "Speak," which tells the story of a high school freshman who stopped speaking after a sexual assault. "Speak" has become a curriculum standard — and is among the frequently challenged or banned books. 

PEN America's Index of Banned Books reported "Speak" and its adaptations were banned 14 times during the 2022-2023 school year. 

In Iowa, 31 school districts last year banned "Speak" from their shelves, a previous Des Moines Register investigation found.  Only one district brought it back. Eight school districts initially removed "Shout," but half brought it back.

South Central Library System LINKcat online catalog

Iowa GOP has engaged in a book banning frenzy over the past few years. 

2024

What's the matter with Iowa?  Its GOP leaders' hysterical determination to ban books.  (6/12)

GOP AG Brenna Bird and Gov Kimmi the Clown allow the racists, homophobes, transphobes, and misogynists to take over the party.  ()

Q: What's the matter with Iowa?  A:  Book-banning frenzy.  (6/6)

Kimmi the Clown's bluenose approach to education.  (1/13)

2023

Kimmi the Clown shocked that judge doesn't agree with her Nazi views on access to books.  (12/31)

Iowa voters smack down Kimmi the Clowns book banning and anti-LBGTQ crusades.  (11/9)

What's the matter with Iowa? Kimmi the Clowns censorship binge. (10/26)

Transphobia run amok.  (9/13)

GOP in-your-face racism and homophobia.  (9/2)

Kimmi the Clown's warped priorities.  (8/30)

GOP hypocrisy and Kimmi the Clown's crackpot education policies.  (8/10)

Bluenoses are in charge.  (7/12) 

HEADLINE NEWS:  This is the real Iowa.  (5/20)