JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – While adults debate book challenges in Florida school districts, one Duval County student decided to do something about it. Mya Smith created a short documentary called “Words on Trial” to explore the national impact of book removals in school libraries — and she started by looking in her own backyard.
“About two years ago I really got into reading and I wanted to be able to check out books from my school and I realized that I wasn’t able to,” Smith said.
The state-mandated book review process in Florida began in 2022. For Smith, the issue hit close to home quickly.
“I realized that it wasn’t just banned books — it was the fact that I couldn’t go to my school library for any book at all,” she said. “And I think that’s what saddened me and made me want to figure out why this is.”
To make the documentary, Smith reached out to community members and local figures she felt could offer meaningful perspective on the issue — including then-state Rep. Angie Nixon.
“It happened really because I wanted to learn more about the topic,” Smith said. “It was just reaching out to different community members and people who I felt would be good for the documentary and getting insight from their perspectives.”
Smith said the process changed how she sees the path forward.
“I learned that there’s a lot of changes that need to be made to reverse what has happened, but I think I found out that it’s possible if enough of us get together and we fight for what we believe in,” she said.
Smith said many of her peers share her frustration.
“I think many of us all have the same opinion, all have the same view,” she said. “We just want access to books, and we don’t have that right now.”
When asked about critics who argue challenged books contain inappropriate content for children, Smith pushed back.
“I don’t think most of the people who are trying to challenge these books have even read the books in the first place,” she said. “Many of them have themes that are very implied — there’s nothing very explicitly mentioned in these books that they are trying to ban.”
She also addressed the argument that book challenges are intended to protect children.
“I just don’t think that it’s their decision to decide what other children get to read,” Smith said. “I think you get to decide on what your kids get to read, but not everyone else’s kids. That’s just really not up to you.”
Smith added that losing access to books affects more than just leisure reading.
“These are books that touched me, touched other students that I know, and other students may not have access to books outside of the ones that we do read in class,” she said.
The district is currently facing 16 book challenges from the community. A list posted on the DCPS website shows 13 books were challenged this past school year. Five of those books are currently listed as unavailable in Duval County Public Schools:
- 11/22/63 by Stephen King
- Carrie by Stephen King
- Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King
- A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
- House Rules by Jodi Picoult
Eight books are pending the outcome of an official review:
- The Vanishing Act by Jodi Picoult
- The Pact by Jodi Picoult
- A Million Junes by Emily Henry
- A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks
- The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
- My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
- Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
- 1984: A Graphic Novel by George Orwell
Nine additional book challenges were submitted at the June school board meeting:
- Misery by Stephen King
- 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult
- Damage by A.M. Jenkins
- Firestarter by Stephen King
- Cujo by Stephen King
- Duma Key by Stephen King
- Dreamcatcher by Stephen King
- Pet Sematary by Stephen King
- Hearts in Atlantis by Stephen King
Duval County Public Schools responded to News4Jax’s request for comment about Smith’s documentary and the district’s current book challenges. The district said in part:
“We are inspired by their creativity and skill in using this art form to express their views on an issue that matters to them. We continue to encourage anyone with questions or concerns about state law to contact their state representatives or the appropriate state agency. While we understand and appreciate your request for comment from DCPS, it is important to recognize that this review process is mandated by state law and is not a district-initiated effort.”
More details on the DCPS book challenge process are available on the district’s website.