In this news-focused episode of The Book Faire Podcast, host Anthony analyzes major policy shifts and structural audits in public education. We lead with a landmark report from the Texas Freedom to Read Project, presented to the Texas Senate Education Committee. Based on public information requests across 900+ school districts, the audit exposes 7,861 book removals or restrictions during the 2025–2026 school year—a 400% surge driven primarily by flawed AI screening tools and administrative fear rather than parent challenges.

Staying in Texas, we examine the fallout from the state's $1 billion school voucher program, as new data reveals 70% of funds benefited students already in private schools, leaving public districts facing an estimated $300 million annual loss.

In international news, author Sally Rooney and publisher Faber have pulled two titles (Normal People and Intermezzo) from UK publication following legislation that prevents passing earnings to the author due to her support for Palestine. In Tennessee, the Jefferson County School Board voted 5-2 to review 34 library books brought forward by a new board member using an undisclosed rating website.

Finally, on a community note, we highlight Pizza Hut’s Book IT! program partnering with Little Free Library to distribute custom book-sharing boxes and steward giveaways through October 31st.

Teachers, school librarians, and education advocates will find this episode vital for tracking state school board policies, understanding AI in library collection management, and defending the freedom to read.

New Releases:

• I Wonder if I’m Growing by Raffi, illus. by Jon Klassen (Ages 3-7)
• We Used to Be Friends by Marcy Campbell, illus. by Aimée Sicuro (Ages 3-7)
• Brittle Magic by Kate O’Shaughnessy (Ages 8-12)
• Everything’s Not Lost by Frederick Joseph (Ages 14+)
• The Age of Fury by John Stephens (Ages 14+)

Takeaways

• New children's book releases
• Controversial book bans and legislation

Chapters

• 00:00 New Children's Book Releases
• 09:53 Controversial Book Bans and Legislation
• 14:08 Texas School Voucher Program Issues
• 18:29 Pizza Hut's Book It Partnership