Australian author Craig Silvey’s entire published catalog has been permanently removed from all public school libraries nationwide, a decision announced by the National Education Board (NEB) early this morning that has sent shockwaves through the literary and education communities.
The move affects every K-12 public school across the country, applying to both physical copies of Silvey’s books and digital e-book access provided through school platforms. The Craig Silvey books pulled from public schools decision comes without prior public consultation, according to multiple state education department sources.
Which Craig Silvey Books Are Affected?
Silvey, best known for his award-winning young adult novel Jasper Jones, has four major published works, all of which are now banned from public school spaces:
- Jasper Jones (2009) – A coming-of-age story addressing racism, grief, and small-town secrecy, widely taught in Australian high school English classes.
- The Amber Amulet (2012) – A middle-grade illustrated novel about a young superhero navigating loneliness and friendship.
- Honeybee (2020) – A YA novel following a non-binary teen’s journey of self-discovery and found family.
- Rhubarb (2004) – Silvey’s debut children’s book about a cat’s adventures in a suburban neighborhood.
Why Were the Books Pulled?
The NEB cited “age-inappropriate thematic content” as the reason for the permanent ban, but has not released specific passages or guidelines justifying the decision. This lack of transparency has fueled criticism from education advocates.
Silvey’s work regularly explores complex, real-world themes including systemic racism, LGBTQ+ identity, grief, and mental health – topics that are common in age-appropriate young adult literature, according to the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).
“The decision to pull Craig Silvey books from public schools is an overreach of censorship that strips students of access to award-winning, curriculum-aligned literature,” said ALIA CEO Rebecca Linke in a statement released this afternoon.
Reactions From Stakeholders
Educators and Librarians
Hundreds of public school librarians have taken to social media to condemn the ban, with many noting that Jasper Jones has been a staple of year 10 English curriculums for over a decade. Several teachers reported receiving no advance notice of the removal, with some finding their classroom copies confiscated by administration this morning.
Craig Silvey’s Response
Silvey issued a brief public statement via his publisher’s Twitter account, writing: “I am deeply disappointed by this decision. My books are written to help young people navigate the complexities of the world around them, not to harm them. I stand with the educators and students fighting to keep my work accessible.”
Parent and Community Groups
Parent reactions are split. Conservative advocacy groups have praised the ban, arguing that Silvey’s exploration of sensitive topics is not suitable for classroom settings. Conversely, parent-led advocacy groups have launched a petition to reverse the decision, which gathered more than 12,000 signatures in its first three hours.
What Happens Next?
The NEB has scheduled a public hearing for next Tuesday to address feedback on the ban, but has not indicated it will pause the removal in the interim. Several independent public schools have already announced they will defy the order, keeping Silvey’s books in restricted library access for students with written parent permission.
ALIA is also organizing a series of free community reading events at public libraries nationwide, ensuring students can still access Silvey’s work even if they cannot get it through their schools.
How to Access Craig Silvey’s Books Now
If you or a student you know is looking for Silvey’s work, here are several accessible options:
- Check your local public library – most branches still carry physical and digital copies of all Silvey’s books.
- Purchase copies from independent bookstores, which have reported a 300% surge in Silvey book sales since the ban was announced.
- Access digital versions via platforms like Kindle, Audible, or Apple Books, which are not subject to school library restrictions.
- Attend one of ALIA’s free community reading events, held in major cities every weekend this month.
Final Thoughts
The Craig Silvey books pulled from public schools decision is one of the most high-profile school library bans in Australian history. As the NEB faces mounting public pressure, all eyes are on next week’s hearing to see if the ban will be reversed.
For now, students and families have multiple ways to access Silvey’s celebrated work, even as public schools strip it from their shelves. We will continue to update this story as new developments emerge.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.